Auntie Anne's, Red Mango to open after Labor Day

Mason Dining held taste-testing of Auntie Anne's and Red Mango this week. The Tidewater location opens Tuesday. (Jake McLernon)

Following a free taste testing, Mason Dining's newest location is set for a grand opening next week. The two-in-one Auntie Anne's pretzel bakery and Red Mango frozen yogurt shop location officially opens Tuesday, Sept. 6. 

Both services utilize the same cash register are located on the bottom level of the Tidewater residence hall near the Southside dining hall and Skyline Fittness.

Over 200 people took part in a Friday taste-testing. Additional samples were given out Saturday afternoon.

President Merten made an appearance at the tasting event Friday, stopping by to enjoy a pineapple-flavored frozen yogurt. He seemed pleased with the eating spot, calling it “one more George Mason innovation.”

Auntie Anne’s, whose secret pretzel-recipe was discovered by accident, is “the number one hand-rolled soft pretzel company in the world,” according to Store Support Representative, Jay Stewart.

While the original pretzel is the bestseller, the cinnamon-sugar pretzel is also very popular, along with the pretzel stix, pretzel nuggets, and pretzel dogs.

Red Mango serves frozen yogurt with fruit and other unique toppings, offering a healthy choice snack option on campus.

“The yogurt is gluten free and all the fruit is freshly cut and never frozen,” said store manager Alpha Bah.

The Auntie Anne's and Red Mango location will operate Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.  It accepts cash, credit and Mason Money.