You'll leave with a smile after visiting Hesperia's Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

Back when frozen yogurt was a relatively new thing, Josh Grewal learned that really good frozen yogurt was hard to find.

Then he discovered Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and was so impressed, that he opened his own franchise in the High Desert. That was about 10 years ago.

Its popularity was instantaneous. The self-serve option turned out to be a winner Grewal said, “We’re running out of room for our Daily Press Best of the Desert plaques.”

On the rise

Since its debut in the Target High Desert Gateway Center on Main Street west of Interstate 15, Menchie’s has become "the" place to get a quick treat any time of year, a place to order something special like a frozen yogurt cake to celebrate a holiday or other occasion, and a frozen yogurt shop that offers an ever-expanding menu that includes gluten-free, lactose-free and plant-based flavors that are just like their standard yogurt — nothing short of delicious.

At Menchie's, they have trademarked serving up smiles.

Customers can fill their cones or bowls with one or more flavors from the “yogurt wall,” top it with favorites and then enjoy the creation.

The product is sold by weight.

What’s new?

Anyone with special health issues or dietary restrictions can probably find several suitable frozen yogurt choices at Menchie’s. Walk inside and take a look at the ingredients that make up every flavor of yogurt available that day. Oat milk, for example, is a fairly new addition to the roster of non-dairy yogurt flavors. It's a nondairy, lactose-free, and vegan-friendly alternative to cow’s milk. It contains more vitamin D than cow’s milk, too.

Menchie’s acai bowls are another healthy addition to the “menu,” with those “super fruits” paired with frozen yogurt, adding an added boost of live and active cultures, Grewal said

Yogurt lovers on the keto diet will find low-carb and no-sugar options at Menchie’s and can “accessorize” their choices with nuts and berries.

There are always 14 frozen yogurt flavors available, with new flavors added often.

Toppings rule

The toppings bar — with more than 40 items — has options like candy bits, sprinkles, gummies, “cookie dough” and granola; fresh fruits — sliced banana, sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, pineapple, mango chunks, and other seasonal favorites, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, look for tapioca “boba” pearls, different kinds of nuts and seeds, chocolate chips, and toasted coconut — be prepared to take some time because the list is long and the options practically endless.

And don’t forget the sauce — caramel, chocolate, and fruit flavors — some hot, some cold, and all ready to mix if you desire.

Start with a container

Whether you want a small or large bowl or plain or chocolate-dipped waffle cone, Menchie’s will supply you with your favorite choice. In addition to yogurt to eat with a spoon, you can request shakes or smoothies. The Dole Pineapple Float (Disneyland style) is a popular option.

Giving back

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has always been an active member of the community, participating in fundraising campaigns and donating to various groups and organizations like Little League, to name but one.

Menchie’s also accepts all yogurt competitors’ coupons so you can find out firsthand what truly delicious frozen yogurt they sell.

They also cater, so if you’re looking for something fun for your upcoming business or family event, talk to Grewal and find out all of the delicious options.

Growing again?

While the Hesperia location is doing box-office business, Grewal maintains he’s trying to retire. That said, he is still considering opening another location, citing Apple Valley, Wrightwood, and Phelan as possible spots for a second Menchie’s. In his words, there are “lots of plans on the radar.” Bottom line? Stay tuned.

Even more rewards

Join the Menchie’s Smileage® Rewards Program, and each time you visit, punch in your phone number to earn points toward a free yogurt. Menchie's gift cards are available, too, the perfect present for a last-minute gift or for someone difficult to buy for.

Eat-in, take out, delivery available

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is on Facebook and has a website. It offers eat-in and takeout options. Delivery is available through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.

Menchie’s also caters, so call for details on handling your next event.

When you go

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, High Desert Gateway, 12719 Main St. Ste. 410, Hesperia CA 92345, www.menchies.com, 760-662-5777.

Menchie's is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Dining Around

If you would like your own restaurant or your favorite eatery profiled in Dining Around, please contact Kathy Young at the Daily Press by email, kyoung3@gannett.com, or text 760-953-8682.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, a favorite sweet treat place serving smiles.