Five Points will get sweeter with the addition of an artisan ice cream company known nationwide for its innovative flavors and smooth, buttercream-like texture in Jacksonville.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams plans to open a Scoop Shop at 1020 Park St. in the iconic Five Points Theater Building, according to its proposed application for a city building permit. The Columbus, Ohio-based brand would take over and renovate a 1,238-square-foot vacant storefront with a buildout estimated at $400,000, online city records show.
No target opening date has been announced. The ice cream parlor would be Jeni's first Scoop Shop in Northeast Florida.
Lukumades initially planned to take over the space to open its second Greek donut shop in Jacksonville after making
is U.S. debut in Jacksonville Beach in 2024.
A proposed building permit for Lukumades at the Five Points storefront was denied on Jan. 24 "due to the expiration rules," according to city online records.
Lukumades officials couldn't be reached for comment regarding the status of the project.
The space was most recently used by Motion Sweets, a gourmet dessert shop, which closed in late 2023. Before that, it previously hosted Me, Myself & Pies, Spot 5 On Park, and Nest Living.
Jeni's will neighbor competitors Ben & Jerry's, 1027 Park St., directly across the Street, and Waffle Cone, just around the corner at 822 Post St.
The new ice cream parlor will be the second new restaurant coming to the Five Points Theater Building. It will be next door to fast-casual Dalmoros Fresh Italian coming to 1018 Park St. in the storefront vacated by Sun-Ray Cinema's Pizza Cave, which closed in February 2024 after four years.
Super-premium ice cream
Founded in 2002 by Jeni Britton, the dessert brand offers a wide variety of core signature and rotating specialty flavors, according to its website.
Among its flavors: Salty Caramel, Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Crisp, Darkest Chocolate, Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake, Maple Soaked Pancakes, Watermelon Taffy, Bay Leaf Cheesecake and Snow Cone Sorbet.
Jeni's also offers ice cream pints, bars and sandwiches, its website shows.
The ice cream company lists 32 Scoop Shops nationwide, including at least three in Florida: Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa.
In Five Points, Jeni's will also be on the same block as Hawkers Asian Street Food, Rodrigo's Craft Pizza, Hoptinger, BREW, Biggies Pizza and 904 Tacos.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams plans first Northeast Florida shop
