Scoop of Joy: Jeni’s Ice Creams Expands

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is set to bring a new wave of excitement to Houston with the opening of its latest location at 5411 Morningside Dr in Rice Village. The renowned ice cream brand, celebrated for its artisanal flavors and vibrant atmosphere, is gearing up for its 89th shop. According to Justin Jones , Director of Store Design and Construction, this expansion is a testament to Jeni’s commitment to the Houston market and its growing love for the city’s ice cream aficionados.

“We love the Houston market and have been looking for another opportunity since opening our Montrose location,” Jones shared. “Our brokers brought us this unique opportunity and we immediately began our efforts with Rice University’s leasing team.” This collaboration has paved the way for a new destination where Houstonians can indulge in Jeni’s irresistible ice creams.

The new Rice Village shop will maintain the brand’s signature aesthetic while introducing unique elements to enhance the customer experience. “As with all of our Jeni’s locations, the look and feel has a consistent theme and design aesthetic,” Jones explained. “We try to bring pops of color and other variations on the shop with floor choices, interior finishes and exterior patio furniture where possible.  The goal is always to provide a bright and friendly atmosphere for our ambassadors to connect with and serve our delicious ice creams with the community.”

Construction for the new location is set to begin on October 2024, with an estimated cost of $400,000, according to a permit on file. The project involves renovating the interior of an unoccupied building to create an ice cream shop complete with back-of-house storage and office spaces. With a square footage of 2,118 ft², the construction is expected to be completed by December 2024. Jeni’s anticipates a smooth process and looks forward to welcoming guests to its new Rice Village location by the end of the year.

As the opening day approaches, ice cream lovers can expect the same delightful experience that Jeni’s is known for, combined with the charm and vibrancy of Rice Village. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Jeni’s new shop promises to be a haven of happiness and flavor for all.

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