Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt shop comes to Legends

Legends in Sparks has welcomed Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt shop to its expanding array of retail shops and restaurants.

The self-serve shop opened earlier this month.

“My commitment….is to Sparks and to really making a difference to the community,” said Menchie’s owner Roland Trub. “Not only to our guests but also to my team. I have young people who work for me, and I’m really committed to having a good work environment where they can learn and really grow as members of the community, where you can have fun, meet people and really enjoy an awesome product.”

Trub and his family moved to the area six months ago specifically to open a Menchie’s and make a difference in the community.

“I really liked what I saw from a business point of view, but also being here at the foot of the mountains is what I really love,” said Trub, who moved from Washington State where he owned a specialty toy shop.

The yogurt chain, whose mascot is a swirly frozen yogurt (froyo) hatted creature named Menchie, has been ranked #1 in Restaurant Business Magazine in 2010 as one of the fastest-growing franchises in America. In 2014, Menchie’s was ranked 16th among America’s most promising companies by Forbes.

The chain started out as a single yogurt shop in southern California in 2007. Menchie’s is expected to celebrate 600 stores by the end of the year.

If all goes well, Trub said he plans to open a few more franchises in Washoe County, possibly next in South Reno.

Trub said he has been pleased with customers’ reaction to the yogurt.

“The response is that the quality is overwhelmingly good,” Trub said. “Guests say how much better it tastes, but it’s not just the product. It’s also the way we are with people when they come in, and that’s a big part of our business….Our team is wanting to welcome people, make people smile, and guests are responding to that.”

Menchie’s offers regular, nonfat, low-carb, no added sugar, gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free yogurts. Trub said there’s a little something for everyone, even those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Flavors are rotated frequently based on new flavors introduced by the franchise as well as customer favorites.

Trub said the store is working out how often to change flavors, but original tart, chocolate and vanilla are mainstays. Pricing is measured by the weight of the yogurt and toppings at check-out.

Trub said he is also looking for ways to support Sparks.

“We do sell frozen yogurt, but we are also here to contribute to the community in a real way,” Trub said. “We have a great product, but we also want to get involved in what’s going on in Sparks….We’re not sure exactly what it will look like, but one of our passions is education. We want to be involved with schools and provide fundraising opportunity for teachers.”

Menchie’s is located at 435 Sparks Blvd., Suite 101, next door to Dunkin Donuts near the Legends Mall.