Franchise Investors Indulge in Menchie's

By: Menchie's | 119 Shares 415 Reads

Fastest-Growing Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Franchise Expands on U.S. Home Front and Sets Stage for Unprecedented International Expansion

May 23, 2011 // Franchising.com // ENCINO, Calif. – Menchie's and its collection of high-quality franchise investors are savoring the sweet taste of successful expansion. Together they are boosting the brand's franchise footprint in 2011, moving into May celebrating the opening of its 76th store.

"We're just in our third year of franchising, and already we've established ourselves as one of the premier U.S. growth concepts," said Amit Kleinberger, CEO of Menchie's Global Headquarters. "The talent level of our franchisees and the prospects attending our Discovery Days are second to none. Fortune 500 executives, lawyers and others with incredible business credentials are seeking to open new stores and share the vibe and spirit that define and distinguish Menchie's."

Much like customers coast to coast who have immersed themselves in the Menchie's in-store experience, through product extensions on the brand's website and through its innovative mySmileageTM interactive email and loyalty program, franchise investors have embraced the lifestyle brand's undeniable energy.

"Entrepreneurs can just feel it. When they walk into our stores they immediately understand why our customers keep coming back," added Kleinberger. "They see the ease of operations, family friendly atmosphere and uninhibited experience we offer our customers. We've become the destination where communities come to kick back and enjoy a healthier snack."

The sentiment from investors reflects the company's mission to "make you smile." The connection Menchie's has made with customers and entrepreneurs through its signature smile has resulted in unprecedented momentum. During the first quarter of 2011, just three years since it began franchising, Menchie's cemented its status as the fastest growing self-serve frozen yogurt chain. Menchie's completed franchise agreements in the first three months of the year that have the company's development pipeline flowing with more than 120 planned U.S. stores.

Outside of its U.S. expansion, Menchie's Canadian master franchisor, which began growing the brand a year ago in Canada, led two franchise store openings, and recently completed agreements to add 38 Menchie's franchises in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta over the next five years. Additionally, Menchie's has contracts for locations in Mexico, Japan, Australia, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, India, China and New Zealand.

The company's rapid expansion recently caught the attention of industry insider publication Restaurant Business Magazine. The publication's research led to it ranking Menchie's as the top concept on its "Future 50" list, ranking the brand as the fastest-growing franchise in the restaurant industry (noting a 750 percent growth rate in 2010).

Menchie's customers help themselves to an unlimited mix of yogurt and toppings at a unique self-serve station with more than 100 rotating yogurt flavors from cake batter and pomegranate tart to chocolate silk and vanilla snow, and more than 70 rotating toppings including fresh fruits, granolas, nuts, an assortment of candies and hot fudges. Menchie's uses the highest quality frozen yogurt at all of its locations globally, made exclusively through its own private label. Furthermore, Menchie's frozen yogurt contains live and active cultures and has received the Live and Active Culture (LAC) seal indicating its endorsement by the National Yogurt Association.

Menchie's success comes from helping customers create memories in a family-friendly environment that is both warm and welcoming. The interactive store experience, relaxing indoor and outdoor seating areas, and enjoyable music create the ideal place for families to gather every day. To make the experience a little sweeter, Menchie's provides free stickers and balloons to children at the store.

Menchie's is also actively involved in the communities it serves. Stores typically partner with local schools in fundraising activities and education incentive programs. Each Menchie's store donates thousands of dollars in cash and products annually to local schools to support student programs.

About Menchie's

Menchie's mission statement is "we make you smile." Menchie's achieves this by providing customers with the opportunity to create their own unique combinations from over 100 rotating yogurt flavors and 70 rotating toppings, until their perfect mix is made. Catered towards families and children, Menchie's provides an interactive store experience, enjoyable music, and relaxing indoor and outdoor seating areas where family and friends gather. Menchie's franchisees are actively involved in the community, donating thousands of dollars to local school programs and charitable organizations. In July 2010, Menchie's was awarded 1st place in Restaurant Business Magazine's annual 'Future 50' list, ranking it the fastest-growing franchise in the restaurant industry. Menchie's has more than 70 locations open, with an additional 120 currently in development, and is poised to total more than 180 locations by the end of the year. Menchie's has also begun international expansion, with two stores open in Canada, and has plans to operate stores in Japan, Mexico, Australia, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, India, China and New Zealand. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit www.menchies.com.

###