Menchies Frozen Yogurt, which opened Nov. 21 at 2620 California Ave. s.w. in the Admiral Disrict will hold its official Grand Opening celebration Jan. 28 and 29, owner Leslie Castanha announced this week.

"It's an all day event," said Castanha, " on Saturday from 11 am to 1pm we'll have free yogurt, and special entertainment surprises." Part of the fun will include face painting, a balloon artist, free T-shirts, and raffles to win prizes. Menchie, the costumed character for the company will be there too.

A locally owned and operated franchise of a national company Menchie's offers indoor and outdoor seating plus a "party room" and a "mix it up" yourself experience.

Menchie's is a self-service, interactive, and customizable frozen yogurt cafe where customers dispense their own yogurt from a choice of over 100 rotating flavors of yogurt (14 rotating daily flavors), and move through lines to select from over 70 rotating “wet” and “dry” toppings. You are free to add as little or as many toppings as you want, then your unique treat is weighed and paid for by the ounce.

Since the initial opening some West Seattle favorites have become obvious to Castanha, who said business has been good so far. "Obviously vanilla and chocolate are favorites, but Cookies and Cream has become a favorite and people like the Blueberry Acai Tart and Pomegranate Sorbet too. Some of the most popular toppings are the Sour Gummie Bears, waffle cone chips, and M&M's." The fresh toppings that are sought after are fresh strawberries, blueberries. Many people are topping everything off with hot fudge.

The party room has hosted birthdays, social groups, and end-of-season sporting award events over the last few weeks; normally there is a fee, but the company has been waiving the cost thus far. It does require a call ahead to reserve it for a party or gathering however.

Menchie's is open at 11 am Sunday through Thursday closing at 10pm and closing 11 pm Friday and Saturday.

Business has been coming from Madison Middle School, West Seattle High School and area elementary schools, Castanha said.

"We want to thank West Seattle so much for being so responsive. Everybody's been fantastic. We're proud of our team and thrilled to be part of this neighborhood. It's a great family-oriented community."

The company is donating a percentage of sales from each day to the West Seattle Food Bank, and to West Seattle Helpline.

You can join Menchie's Admiral on Facebook or on Twitter or by phone at 206) 935-3816,