Alumni raises money with frozen treats

Heissam Jebailey, a 2000 College of Sciences alumni, is focusing on his newest business project: frozen yogurt. Jebailey owns one Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt location in Winter Park and is opening another in the Winter Park Village during the second week of October.

“Our long term goal is to dominate Winter Park,” said Jebailey, who owns the rights to three Menchie’s locations and is thinking about opening a spot on campus.

According to Restaurant Business magazine Menchie’s Inc. is the nation’s fastest-growing franchise chain. Jebailey isn’t the only entrepreneur to delve into the world of desserts, though. He faces competition from popular chains Pinkberry Inc., Yogurtland, Tutti Frutti and HighFive Frozen Yogurt.

“Are only issue is competition but we aren’t worried,” Jebailey said. “We have flavors no one else has, drinks, cones and merchandise.”

Besides a wide array of flavors Menchie’s offers kosher, nondairy and no sugar added yogurt options.

Before focusing full time on frozen treats Jebailey started working for the Central Florida Future after graduating from the Nicholson School of Communication. After only a year he became publisher and co-owner with business partner Brian Linden.

Jebailey sold the paper to focus on the publication of his books “Wake Up Live the Life you Love, Living in Abundance” and “30 Quick Tips for Success.” He then delved into public speaking, commercial real estate and his franchise career with Menchie’s.

His love for UCF has kept him an active alumni member. He is doing a fundraiser with the alumni association to raise money for the William T. Grasty Scholarship, which is awarded to a junior or senior for academic achievement, community involvement and/or work experience.

The alumni association will pass out Menchie’s flyers for customers to use September 9 and 30. The store will donate 20 percent of each sale that is brought in by the flyers.

“We are doing a lot of fundraising,” Jebailey said. “We don’t turn anyone away.”