Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream to Open First South Carolina Location in Bluffton

A small ice cream chain recently announced plans to debut its inaugural South Carolina storefront.

Spearheaded by franchisee Derek Cohen , Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream will soon open in Bluffton at 65 Towne Dr, Unit 65 in Belfair Towne Village II .

According to QSR Magazine , Cohen has purchased the rights to develop Chill-N locations in the Hilton Head and Savannah, Georgia markets. He plans to open one location in each market initially, with a long-term goal of owning five Chill-N stores.

The forthcoming Bluffton Chill-N will showcase the brand’s latest prototype, which features an updated nitrogen system that has cut the investment needed to open a store by 20%.

Cohen, a longtime member of the United States Marine Corps, has served in various roles, including career planner and executive assistant to the chief operations officer at Quantico. He currently works as the executive assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa, but plans to retire soon to focus on expanding the Chill-N brand, according to QSR .

Founded in 2012 in Miami, Chill-N has grown to fifteen locations across three states. At the shop, patrons choose a portion size, an ice cream base (including dairy-free and vegan options), and a flavor, then add toppings like candies, cookies, cereal, fresh fruit, sauces, nuts, and more.

The forthcoming Bluffton Chill-N will showcase the brand’s latest prototype, which features an updated nitrogen system that has cut the investment needed to open a store by 20%. Each scoop is handcrafted to order and flash-frozen on the spot using liquid nitrogen at -320° Fahrenheit, resulting in thick, rich, and creamy ice cream.

“As I was looking for an ice cream brand that could service the more than two million visitors that the Hilton Head area receives each year, I was immediately blown away by Chill-N and its level of technology. I believe that Chill-N is leading the way in which all ice cream shops will eventually operate, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of a brand that is pioneering the future of one of our country’s most beloved sweet treats,” Cohen told QSR . “I’m looking forward to introducing Chill-N to the Bluffton community and growing my portfolio even further in the years to come.”

Cohen plans to open the Bluffton Chill-N location before the end of the month.