DEARBORN — With self-serve stations and fair-trade, gluten-free and vegan products, the Yogurtopia location in East Dearborn is bringing new options and a new atmosphere to the heart of the city.

“Customers come in curious to see what it is and how it works,” said Abir Mehanna, who operates the business with her husband, Haitham. 

The grand opening for the shop at 6901 Schaefer Road will take place Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 3 to 8 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. 

The Mehannas considered opening their branch of the dessert franchise in Dearborn Heights but felt more connected to the East Dearborn community.

“A place like this was not something we witnessed, so that’s why we came here,” Abir Mehanna said.

They hope the shop becomes a comfortable place where neighborhood residents can socialize, especially during Ramadan when people stay up late. 

Organic coffees, smoothies, crepes and other bakery goods supplement the frequently changing selection of frozen yogurts at Yogurtopia.

“It’s a little variety for different ages and different groups, so it really gathers everybody,” Abir  Mehanna said. 

The East Dearborn shop is one of four Yogurtopia locations in Michigan and Arizona.

Yogurtopia founder Sam Abbas, a Dearborn native, guided the Mehannas through the eight-month process of opening the new location.

“We’ve known them from the community for many, many years now,” Abbas said. “So, it was kind of an easy fit for us.”

Since the location began serving customers on June 21, Abbas and Haitham Mehanna said sales have been steady.

“We want to have a strong foundation and then start growing little by little with good service,” Haitham Mehanna said.