Famous the world over for its iconic ice cream flavors, Ben & Jerry’s is not just a brand of ice cream pints you find at the grocery store. It’s also a huge force with its ice cream shops, of which there are more than 500. And this spring, a new, locally-owned Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop is opening in Jacksonville’s Five Points neighborhood, at 1027 Park Street.
The brand’s famous ice cream varieties include Americone Dream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cherry Garcia and more. Actually, you probably already have a favorite!
“Ben & Jerry’s offers a lot of opportunities,” Justin Renaldo, who is opening the location in partnership with his wife Daiana and Orlando and Tanya Garcia, told What Now on Friday. “It’s been a great transition learning about the brand and what it brings to the table, because a big part of the agreement is to give back to the community, and that’s what we really want to do.”
The new location will feature a walk-up counter, seating, and a great people-watching view of the Five Points area, Renaldo says.
“It’s going to be a welcoming place to have great ice cream. We’re going to work to win the hearts of the community, as a local family that’s pouring our heart into this business.”
In other words, Renaldo says, even though Ben & Jerry’s is a big name, this is just another locally owned small business, in a neighborhood that’s known for them.
And if you’re wondering, Renaldo has a favorite flavor too: Milk and Cookies. For Daiana, it’s Chunky Monkey. (For this writer, it’s Peanut Butter Cup!)
You can keep up with all things Ben & Jerry’s by following @benandjerrys on Instagram.
