Delivering a sweet treat with a healthful twist is Red Mango, which opened a year ago in downtown La Grange. Customers build their own dessert from a changing array of frozen yogurt flavors that are all-natural and packed with probiotics. Fresh fruits and other toppings make the combinations endless.
Franchise owners Trisha and Jeff Fendt became restaurateurs after changing careers. He was a union plumber whose last big project was Trump Tower, while Trisha, a social worker, ran a multi-county diversion program for juvenile delinquents and gang offenders until funding dried up.
"When a door closes, a window opens, and with our staff now, I'm able … to do what I love to do — work with kids, work with people," she says.
In fact, it was Trisha's brother, Travis Tuomey, who had experience running an ice cream shop and introduced the couple to the business in which they all partner. They also opened Red Mango locations in Orland Park, McHenry and Chicago. Both Tuomey and Trisha Fendt are graduates of Lyons Township High School in La Grange.
Jeff Fendt praises the quality of Red Mango yogurt, noting that founder Dan Kim is always inventing new flavors.
"He won't (introduce) flavors unless they're absolutely right on target," he says. "If you taste the summer melon yogurt, it tastes like summer melon."
Yogurt options range from the tangy original to sweet and creamy, all with live cultures. They're gluten-free and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. A yogurt serving has about 100 calories.
"When we found out the quality of the products and the health benefits, we knew we couldn't do any better," Trisha Fendt says. "We knew it was something people would be affected by in a positive way."
And while they offer toppings that include fresh fruit, the selections also range from gummy worms to cheesecake, brownie bites, candies and chocolate-covered pretzels. Her pick is original yogurt, tart and tangy with no flavoring added, paired with blueberries and granola.
Red Mango is a favorite destination for Kate McDermott, who provides nanny services in Western Springs, and often brings her charges along to the shop.
"It's a healthier option for a special treat for them," she says, noting the kids like the little taster cups to choose from the rotating flavors. "I don't think you can go wrong with any of the flavor combinations. I really love the peanut butter (and) the fall flavors, (like) the red velvet yogurt. The kids love putting sprinkles on top."
Jeff Fendt's current favorite is a parfait with original yogurt, granola and berries. Other Red Mango specialties are the Frozen Coffee Chillers and fruit smoothies.
To push their primarily high school and college age staff to succeed in life, he says they promote academic achievement.
"We reward kids for As on their report card," Trisha Fendt says, noting high grades translate into pay raises. "We've had such a response from the parents, and the kids have such a sense of pride."
Red Mango
Address: 81 S. La Grange Road, La Grange
Contact: 708-639-4329, redmangousa.com
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