Menchie's Frozen Yogurt at Kitty's Korner in Columbia
What to expect at Menchie's in Kitty's Korner
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt operates a location inside Kitty's Korner, a shopping center on Two Notch Road in Columbia. You walk in, choose from a rotating selection of frozen yogurt flavors, load your cup with toppings from the self-serve bar, and pay by weight at checkout. The space is casual and designed for quick visits or lingering with friends—there's seating inside, and the atmosphere tends toward families and groups.
The frozen yogurt itself comes in both regular and non-fat varieties, and the flavor lineup changes regularly. On any given visit you might find classics like vanilla and chocolate alongside seasonal or limited-time options. The topping bar includes fresh fruit, candy, cookies, granola, chocolate chips, and sauces—the range is substantial enough that two people rarely build the same cup twice.
Menchie's operates on a self-serve model, which means you control portion size and topping choices entirely. This works well if you know what you want, but the first visit can feel overwhelming with so many options visible at once. Staff are present to answer questions about flavors or help if the machines jam, but they don't guide you through the process.
Key Takeaways
- Menchie's at Kitty's Korner is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop where you fill your own cup and choose from dozens of toppings before paying by weight.
- Flavor selections rotate regularly, so the menu changes week to week and includes both permanent options and seasonal specials.
- The location sits inside Kitty's Korner shopping center on Two Notch Road in Columbia with indoor seating available.
- Pricing depends on how much yogurt and toppings you add, since you pay by the ounce rather than a flat rate.
Location and hours
Menchie's is located at Kitty's Korner, a retail center on Two Notch Road in the midtown area of Columbia. The shopping center is easy to spot and has ample parking. If you're coming from downtown, Two Notch Road runs east-west and connects to major routes like Devine Street and Forest Drive.
Hours vary by season and day of the week, so calling ahead or checking the Menchie's website before your visit prevents a wasted trip. Many frozen yogurt shops adjust their hours in winter months when foot traffic drops, and holiday schedules sometimes differ from regular operating times.
How the self-serve model works
When you arrive, you grab a cup from the stack near the yogurt machines. The machines dispense frozen yogurt in a soft-serve style—you hold the cup under the nozzle and pull the handle to fill it to whatever level you want. Most people fill their cup about three-quarters full, though there's no rule about how much or how little to take.
Once your yogurt is in the cup, you move to the topping bar. This is where the real customization happens. You can add a little of many things or a lot of one thing. Toppings typically include sliced fresh fruit like strawberries and blueberries, gummy candies, chocolate chips, cookie pieces, granola, coconut flakes, and multiple sauce options like chocolate, caramel, and fruit syrups. Some locations also offer whipped cream and sprinkles.
After you've built your creation, you head to the register. Staff weigh your cup on a scale and charge you based on the total weight. A small cup with light toppings might cost less than a large cup loaded with expensive toppings like fresh berries or premium candy. This pay-by-weight system means your bill varies each visit depending on what you choose.
Flavor rotation and seasonal options
Menchie's keeps a core set of flavors available year-round—typically including vanilla, chocolate, and a few others—but introduces new flavors regularly. These might be seasonal (like pumpkin spice in fall or peppermint in winter) or limited-time offerings that last a few weeks before rotating out. The company also occasionally brings back customer favorites based on demand.
If you have a favorite flavor, there's no may provide it will be there on your next visit. Checking the Menchie's app or calling the location ahead of time tells you what's currently on the machines. Some people visit specifically to try new flavors, while others come back hoping to find a flavor they loved before.
Dietary considerations and allergen information
Menchie's offers non-fat frozen yogurt options alongside regular yogurt, which matters if you're watching fat intake. The shop also typically has dairy-free or vegan options available, though availability varies by location and changes over time. If you have a specific dietary need, ask staff what's currently available rather than assuming.
Allergen information is important because the topping bar contains nuts, dairy, and other common allergens. Cross-contamination can happen in a self-serve environment, so if you have a severe allergy, let staff know before you start building your cup. They can advise you on which toppings are safe and may help you avoid contamination during the process.
When to visit and what to bring
Menchie's tends to be busiest on weekend afternoons and evenings, especially during warmer months. If you prefer a quieter experience, weekday visits or early afternoon times usually mean shorter lines and more elbow room at the topping bar. Summer is peak season for frozen yogurt shops across South Carolina, so expect more crowds June through August.
Bring cash or a card—most locations accept both, though it's worth confirming when you call. If you're visiting with kids, the self-serve model means they can pick exactly what they want, which is part of the appeal. Just be prepared for the decision-making process to take a few minutes if they're choosing between dozens of topping options.
Nearby options in Kitty's Korner
Kitty's Korner is a mixed-use shopping center, so you'll find other restaurants and shops nearby. This makes it easy to combine a Menchie's visit with other errands or to grab dinner at another restaurant in the center before or after frozen yogurt. The location is convenient if you're already in the midtown area running errands.
If you're exploring frozen yogurt options across Columbia, other shops operate in different neighborhoods, each with their own atmosphere and topping selection. Menchie's at Kitty's Korner is one choice among several, so your decision might depend on which part of the city you're in or what specific flavors or toppings appeal to you on a given day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Menchie's charges by weight, so the price depends on how much yogurt you add and which toppings you choose. A small cup with minimal toppings costs less than a large cup loaded with expensive items like fresh fruit or premium candy. Calling the location gives you a sense of typical prices, though your individual bill varies with each visit.
Can I bring my own cup?
Menchie's provides cups as part of the self-serve experience, and most locations do not allow outside containers for health and safety reasons. Use the cups provided at the shop. If you have questions about this policy, ask staff when you arrive.
Are there vegan or dairy-free options?
Many Menchie's locations offer non-fat and dairy-free frozen yogurt, but availability varies. Call ahead to confirm what's available at the Kitty's Korner location. The topping bar has both dairy and non-dairy options, though cross-contamination is possible in a self-serve environment.
What if I don't like the flavor I chose?
Since you fill your own cup, you can taste the yogurt before committing to a full cup. If you don't like what you've chosen, some locations will let you start over with a different flavor, though policies vary. Ask staff about their approach if you're unsure about a flavor.
Is there seating inside?
Yes, Menchie's at Kitty's Korner has indoor seating where you can enjoy your frozen yogurt. The space is casual and designed for customers to sit and eat, whether you're alone or with a group.