ENCINO, Calif., Nov. 02, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Menchie's, North America's fastest-growing self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, today announced a nationwide fundraiser, "The Smile After the Storm",  that will support The American Red Cross' aid in relief for Hurricane Sandy. On Friday, November 16^th, 2012, participating Menchie's restaurants will donate 10 percent of sales to the American Red Cross, helping to provide shelter, food, and general aid to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

"Like the rest of the nation, we are deeply moved and feel we have a responsibility to be supportive in helping those impacted by the devastation Hurricane Sandy caused," said Amit Kleinberger, CEO of Menchie's Group, Inc. "The Menchie's franchisees pride themselves on giving back to local communities around the globe and have provided an outpouring of support of the American Red Cross fundraising event."

Recently on a national scale, Menchie's raised $234,307 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), "spreading smiles" to children and adults affected by neuromuscular disease. Menchie's is also actively involved in each community it serves. Stores 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.  "We're a brand that makes people smile, so it is second nature for us to help those who need it," added Kleinberger.

Menchie's makes guests smile by serving 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, and an assortment of high quality candies and hot fudges.     

About Menchie's
Menchie's creates lasting memories by being the friendliest place on earth with a mission to make every guest smile. Providing an unparalleled guest experience that is warm, welcoming, tasty and fun, Menchie's stores contain interactive elements such as chalkboards for kids, party rooms, enjoyable music, arts and crafts, and indoor/outdoor seating areas where friends and family gather. Placing a focus on people and community before commerce, Menchie's franchisees actively donate thousands of dollars to local school programs and charitable organizations. With its own proprietary portfolio of frozen yogurt, Menchie's guests create their own unique combinations from over 100 rotating yogurt flavors and 70 rotating toppings. In July 2010, Menchie's was awarded first place in Restaurant Business Magazine's annual "Future 50" list, ranking it the fastest-growing franchise in the restaurant industry. In 2011, the company repeated its top mark, achieving second place on the list. In 2012, Menchie's was included in Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" list as well as ranked in the publication's "Fastest-Growing," "Top New" and "America's Top Global" franchise categories. Menchie's has more than 240 locations open in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Puerto Rico, Israel, Guam, and Jordan with an additional 250 currently in development, and is poised to total more than 300 open stores by the end of 2012, and expects to celebrate 500 open stores in 2013. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit menchies.com.

SOURCE Menchie's