MASON — Menchie’s is not the typical frozen yogurt experience.

That’s exactly what attracted local entrepreneurs, Shelly Roemer and Dennis Blankenship, to the business.

The husband and wife team opened the first Cincinnati area Menchie’s in Mason at 6360 Tylersville Road on Dec. 28 after hearing about the franchise from a friend, who raved about it after visiting an Orlando area location.

“We looked into it and thought it would be a fun family hang out and great for our community,” said Roemer.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offers a 100 percent customized, self-serve experience.

After sampling to their hearts’ content, patrons are encouraged to create their own flavor combination, choosing from 14-plus flavors and more than 40 different toppings.

And, instead of paying according to a pre-set size and per topping, Menchie’s charges by weight. So whether guests have $2 or $20 to spend, they can get as much or as little frozen yogurt as they like.

“I like that I can sample any flavor I want first,” said Kara Lennon of Mason.

Her favorite flavor? Cake batter ... hands down.

Mason Middle School seventh-grader Christie Hennessey agreed. “I normally hate frozen yogurt but this is beyond delicious.”

“Cake batter is one of our most popular flavors,” said Roemer. “Flavors are rotated in every few days and people kept asking when that one would be back.”

Also available are low-carb and sugar-free varieties, as well as fruit sorbets.

Roemer said she and her husband wanted their eatery to be a place where families “can just come and hang out.”

Chalkboards adorn the walls and coloring materials are provided so kids can let their imaginations and creativity run wild.

The yogurt shop also offers a colorful cast of Menchie’s characters and toys to boot.

Customers can opt to sign up for a “My Smileage Reward Card” that awards a “smile” for every $1 spent. Every 50 smiles adds $5 to the reward card.

Another aspect that attracted Roemer and Blankenship to the franchise was the company’s belief in the importance of being a part of the local community.

“We can do fundraisers for schools, churches, sports teams, etc., two different ways,” said Roemer.

Menchie’s can print off a flier for an organization to hand out.

When people come in and present the flier on a chosen day, Menchie’s will donate a percentage of sales to the organization. Another fundraising option is through buying pre-filled cups of yogurt with toppings available to sell at an event.

The restaurant also has separate rooms for parties or meetings.