It’s only been two months since Menchie’s arrived in Red Deer. But the self-serve frozen yogurt store is already preparing to open a second location.
Deon Beaupre, who owns the Menchie’s franchise at Taylor Plaza, said he hopes to have a second Red Deer store operating by mid-September. It will be located at Southpointe Common, in the premises currently occupied by Jenny Craig Personal Weight Management.
Jenny Craig is moving on July 7 to bigger space in Southpointe Common that was previously used by Canadian Closet. Canadian Closet relocated to Red Deer County’s Liberty Crossing this spring.
One of North America’s fastest-growing food franchises, Menchie’s allows customers to dispense their own yogurt, chosing from a variety of flavours. They can also apply their own wet and dry toppings, with dozens of options available.
Prices are based on total weight.
The Taylor Plaza Menchie’s opened on May 3, and Beaupre business has been great.
“It’s been phenomenal . . . Red Deer is definitely big enough to support a second location.”
In fact, he was dealing on the Southpointe Common location even before his first store opened. He explained the location is a good one, and will give Menchie’s a presence on the south side of the city.
The new store will also be bigger than the first, with double the seating and two more yogurt machines, at eight. That will allow it to serve more flavours.
The space will allow the second location to accommodate more customers, and host events like birthday parties, said Beaupre.
Based in the United States, Menchie’s expanded into Canada in 2010. Its website indicates there are about 20 outlets in Canada, including three in Alberta. But Beaupre said new franchises are spreading rapidly.
“There are a number of sites that are under development in Edmonton and in Calgary and whatnot that are going to be opening very, very soon.
“There’s a group out of Calgary that’s actually committed to do 33 locations between Alberta and B.C.”