Menchie's Comes to Acworth

For Randy Elias and Scott Paton, franchising is as simple as going next door.

The pair owns the at 3348 Cobb Parkway and has recently opened the at the opposite end of the building. On Friday, Mayor Tommy Allegood performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony and officially welcomed Menchie's to the city.

“Six years ago, Moe's was the biggest thing in Atlanta,” said Elias. “We were lucky to snap up a franchise in Acworth.” Ever since, Elias and Paton's commitment to the community has proven key in their business. With the downturn of the economy, this community-first approach has been vital in the continued growth of the partnership.

An example of the pair's desire to improve Acworth will come on Saturday; between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., 20% of Menchie's profits will go to the local YMCA.

“To profit in this economy,” Paton said, “you need four things: customer service, cleanliness, consistency, and concept.” Illustrating Paton's point was one of his employees dutifully cleaning a glass wall minutes before any customers had set foot inside.

Elias and Paton's commitment to Acworth's community extends to their workforce. “We're hiring all local staff,” said Elias. “Some very talented local youths comprise our team.” The owners maintain strong ties to local schools and churches, and they said this bond with the people of Acworth has allowed them to open a new business in the midst of the worst economy in generations.

“The community here has been very loyal and supportive,” Paton said. Support from the community was evident at Friday's ceremony, where members of the city government such as Mayor Allegood and City Manager Brian Bulthuis came out to support the opening of a new business in the city. Allegood passed out commemorative All-America city pins for the employees to wear from now on, and Marvon Williams, President-Elect of the Acworth Business Association, offered membership to Elias and Paton on the spot.

“Here we are in the worst economy since 1932,” said Allegood, “and we still have businesses coming to the city.” Allegood felt that the demographics of the community and its strong support for local businesses are strengths that have allowed commerce to flourish despite the economic hardships.

“When businesses look at our city, they see a city that supports businesses, that has a lot going on, great sports programs, lots of kids things, and they see opportunity,” Allegood said. “Every major retail chain in the United States has put a store in Acworth during the last five years, and even in this economy they're still coming.”

It's easy to see why people would come to Menchie's. The store is brightly painted with lime greens, pinks and purples designed to bring a smile to your face as soon as you walk in the door. The business model is novel: patrons pay by weight, not by topping. The location in Acworth has two private party rooms, 250 and 500 square feet respectively. The owners hope these will be used for birthday parties and book club meetings. Menchie's will be open late on Friday and Saturday to draw in the crowds from the local movie theater.

“We think the new concept and high quality of the product gives consumers a dessert option in the neighborhood,” said Paton. Many of the flavors come in healthy formats such as gluten-free, low fat and non-sugar added.

Keeping a business profitable, let alone expanding to a new one, is very difficult in a down economy. Elias and Paton had some advice for aspiring business owners.

“Be prepared to work a lot of hours,” Paton said. “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. We knew it wouldn't be easy, but it's fun to see families leaving with smiles on their faces.”

Elias summed it up best.

“We're in the business of making you smile.”