Dessert? Two Sweet Eateries Open on Ventura Boulevard

They may be only a fourth mile apart, but both family friendly yogurt chain Menchies and newcomer Sweetharts just recently opened in Sherman Oaks' restaurant row.

First came the addicting and popular Menchies of Valley Village fame, which opened at Ventura and Dixie Canyon, most appropriately next to an elementary school. Menchies quickly grew a following during the frozen yogurt craze by doing something different--actually serving yogurt that tastes good and offering gazillion toppings to choose from (kid in the candy store? yes).

Then yesterday Sweetharts opened quietly at Woodman Ave behind Vitello's Express. The two quick bite eateries--and Vitello's in Studio City--are all connected by the hands of real estate powerhouse and community organizer Matt Epstein.

However, this really is a project from actor Melissa Joan Hart and her mother, Paula. "'[It's] the realization of a lifelong dream by a woman who went from playing kids on TV to raising kids in real life," explains their website.

Sweetharts brings more than just frozen yogurt and carries a selection of gelato, cupcakes, baked goods and hard candy. With its purple pinstriped walls, whimsical chandeliers and modern decor, this place will quickly become a neighborhood hang.

Nearby: New Cupcake Shop Opens its doors at New Orleans Snoball Store
Previously: Sherman Oaks' Restaurant Row Revving up to be a Mini Dessert Row