Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Opens in Fremont

With summer in full swing, the recent opening of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt couldn’t have come at a better time. 

Located at 5030 Mowry Ave. between Semo Sushi and Starbucks, the self-serve style store allows customers to create unique combinations of flavors and toppings, including lactose-free varieties. 

With 14 flavors to choose from at any time — with new flavors from the chain’s more than 100-flavor arsenal rotated into the mix every few days — and nearly 50 toppings, the new shop is a dynamic cold treat haven (or heaven).

“We have every flavor you can think of,” said Fremont resident and franchise owner Tom Koai, 56.

After spending more than 30 years in the tech industry, Koai wanted to have a business of his own, and a change from the stressful tech environment. He researched various opportunities before coming upon Menchie’s, a creative, unique business with a philanthropic philosophy that matched his own. 

“Menchie’s culture and philosophy is to put the community before commerce. It also provides a quality product and happy environment,” Koai said.

The business — a national chain with the closest locations in Livermore and Berkeley — is committed to giving back and supporting the community.

“We want to make this a community gathering place for families to come and relax,” Koai said.

The store’s atmosphere is warm and inviting. Pop tunes play on the stores speakers, with Menchie’s cartoon mascots covering the brightly covered walls. And then there’s the mouth-watering yogurt bar. All yogurts are unique to Menchie’s so you can’t get them anywhere else, Koai said.

This week, flavors included pink lemonade, devil’s food cake, dulce de leche, cinnamon bun, vanilla snow, pure chocolate and Dole soft serve pineapple, a unique flavor that’s only available at Menchie’s locations, Disneyland and Hawaii, according to Koai.

But Menchie’s makes sure there’s something for everyone by offering sugar-free, non-dairy, gluten-free and low carb items as well.

“We are very health-conscious,” Koai said.

Though the store opened only two weeks ago, the response has been great, Koai said.

“They absolutely love our frozen yogurt,” Koai said.

Around noon on Wednesday, patrons — including Fremont police officers — came in to cool off from the warm weather.

If you’ve never been to a self-serve style frozen yogurt bar, here’s how it works: You grab a bowl with the option of adding a fresh-made waffle cone and fill it with as many yogurt flavors as you’d like. Next up are the toppings, from traditional sprinkles, chocolate chips and fresh fruits to frosted animal cookies, cheesecake pieces and mochi. Take your cup to the register where you pay by the weight.

The cost is 42 cents per ounce, plus a dollar extra for the waffle cone. Most cups average about $4, though some customers are known to go big, Koai said. Koai also offers a 10 percent discount for public employees from government agencies, hospitals and schools.

Koai is also holding $5 Fridays where customers can fill up their bowls for a flat fee from 9 p.m. to close.

“It’s much more affordable than our competitors,” Koai said.

The new store franchise will celebrate with a seven-day grand opening celebration, starting with a ribbon cutting Saturday morning at 11 a.m.

See the week’s breakdown below:

Saturday, July 13

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Details: Ribbon cutting with Menchie (the mascot), FREE frozen yogurt, free T-shirts*, face painting

Sunday, July 14

Time: 1 p.m.

Details: Free plushie doll* and free color-in T-shirts*

Monday, July 15

Time: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Details: $1 yumm – Fill up your cup for only $1

Tuesday, July 16

Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Details: Kids 10 and under eat free

Wednesday, July 17

Time: noon – 2 p.m.

Details: Lunchtime yumm - Half-off frozen yogurt

Thursday, July 18

Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Details: Buy one get one ½ off + Free dodge ball with every cup purchased*

Friday, July 19

Time: 9 p.m. to close

Details: $5 Friday – fill up your bowl for a flat fee of $5

*While supplies last, see store for details.

For more info, visit the Fremont Menchie’s website here and follow them on Facebook.