Orange Leaf Treats the Late-Night Crowds in West Des Moines, Urbandale

Wedding Cake. Red Velvet. Snickerdoodle.

Patrons crave these flavors at Orange Leaf, a frozen yogurt shop that just opened locations in West Des Moines and Urbandale.

“We have a great product," said Andy Grapp, the West Des Moines store’s assistant manager. “Our product is one of the smoothest and creamiest I’ve tasted."

The West Des Moines site is the 100^th store in the franchise. A perky orange and white decor welcomes patrons. The cost is 45 cents per ounce for the treat, and patrons serve themselves. Another shop opened in Urbandale this month.

The store boasts 16 flavors, eight mixes and an array of fruit and other toppings. The yogurt, made with skim milk, is a healthier choice and about half the calories and sugar of regular ice cream, Grapp said.

He began working at the West Des Moines store in August and touts the store’s safe, family-friendly environment. A strong presence on social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter, has helped spike business, Grapp said.

“The yogurt is very high quality and it’s also healthier than ice cream, for sure,” said.

The store also caters to a late-night crowd by staying open on the weekends until 11 p.m.

“We want the high school kids to feel like they can come out and hang out with us,” Grapp said.

He encourages people to try making their own flavor combinations. Mango and Cotton Candy became a popular mix after it was placed in a machine together, he said.

“Now it’s super-popular,” Grapp said. “It’s like a refreshing cotton candy.”

Orange Leaf:

West Des Moines: 6630 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 1120, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Urbandale: 4650 86th St., Urbandale, IA 50322

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (515) 273-5323