A famous ice cream shop has opened in Durham. Here’s how to get a free scoop.
The ice cream brand blessed by Dolly Parton herself has opened its first scoop shop in the Triangle.
Jeni’s Spendid Ice Creams opened its latest location in Durham’s Brightleaf District last month, building the new shop at 908 W. Main Street, behind Goorsha restaurant.
The new ice cream launched its soft opening in late May, but is building to a grand opening event on June 21, the first day of summer.
The shop is giving away free scoops of ice cream on June 21 to customers who sign up for the free Jeni’s Rewards program.
Jeni’s is famous for its creative ice cream flavors, including popular desserts like Gooey Butter Cake and Brambleberry Crisp. They brand is also known for its celebrity collaborations, like Dolly Parton’s Strawberry Pretzel Pie and controversial flavors like Everything Bagel ice cream.
Jeni’s started in Columbus, Ohio, in 2002, founded by Jeni Britton Bauer. Over the past couple of decades it’s grown into one of the country’s most popular brands of boutique ice cream, shipping nationwide and opening shops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Charleston and other cities.
“I love the Durham area. It’s got so much character and entrepreneurial spirit,” Bauer said in a press release announcing the shop. “We can’t wait to become a part of the Brightleaf Square community.”
This isn’t the first Jeni’s in North Carolina. The Durham shop follows three locations already opened in Charlotte.
The Durham Jeni’s joins a Brightleaf District in the middle of a massive rebuild. Following the $39 million purchase by Asana Partners in 2019, the dining and retail district in Durham has seen numerous changes, including the departures of businesses like El Rodeo, Sugar Koi Ice Cream and Parker & Otis.
Other restaurants are on the way, including a new location of Emmy Squared, a Detroit-style pizza shop with a famous burger.
Jeni’s opens at noon every day in Durham, scooping until 11 on weekdays and until midnight on weekends.
This story was originally published June 10, 2022 at 10:55 AM.
