Jeni’s Ice Creams Set to Open First Chattanooga Location in St. Elmo Neighborhood
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Jeni’s Ice Creams, the popular Columbus-based brand known for its inventive flavors, is preparing to open its first store in Chattanooga. The new shop will be situated at the foot of the Incline Railway in the historic St. Elmo neighborhood, replacing the former Clumpies Ice Cream Co. location, which closed in February.
The company has announced plans to celebrate the grand opening with a special event, although specific details have not yet been disclosed. Jeni’s, founded in 2002 by Jeni Britton in Columbus, has grown substantially over the years, now operating nearly 100 scoop shops across 30 cities, including 10 in Nashville.
In addition to its physical stores, Jeni’s products are already available in Chattanooga through various grocery and retail outlets, including Publix, Whole Foods Market, and Target. The company has not yet provided an exact date for the Chattanooga store opening.
This expansion comes alongside other new store announcements in Peachtree City, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; and San Antonio, Texas.
The closure of Clumpies Ice Cream Co. at the St. Elmo site marks a significant shift in the neighborhood’s local flavor scene. Owned by Chattanooga-based Rock City Enterprises, Clumpies’ departure coincides with the company’s recent decision to end its longstanding contract managing tickets and concessions for the Incline Railway. The railway, operated by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, recently awarded a new contract to the Reinert Group to oversee ticketing and concessions, ending Rock City’s tenure in the role.
Despite losing the St. Elmo location, Clumpies continues to operate its other shops on Frazier Avenue and Market Street, maintaining a presence in the community.
Rock City Enterprises has proposed building a gondola lift that would ascend Lookout Mountain, aiming to enhance tourism and access. The company has secured rezoning approval from Walker County, Georgia, but still seeks final approval from Lookout Mountain’s town officials. The proposal has garnered mixed reactions from residents, some of whom oppose the gondola, citing concerns about its fit within the area’s character and environment.
As these developments unfold, the Chattanooga community continues to navigate changes in its local attractions and businesses, balancing growth with preservation.
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SOURCES: NOOGAtoday & Chattanooga Times Free Press
