Mainstreet updated its list of ice cream shops around town on Thursday after Ben & Jerry’s opened a new storefront in Jonesville, the national chain’s first in Alachua County in over a decade.
The Vermont-based chain, founded in 1978, set up shop with a women-owned and operated store at 14128 W Newberry Rd., Ste. 50 in the Steeplechase Plaza next to Publix.
The Jonesville location is in soft opening mode and open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Customers can stay tuned for the grand opening announcement on Facebook.
The local Ben & Jerry’s team is scooping out classic flavors like Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey and Marshmallow Sky, as well as new ones released this year like Key Lime Pie and Razz Up. Flavors come as pints, sundaes, shakes, smoothies, sorbet slushes and dough chunks.
“Our team is ready to serve you with big smiles, good vibes, and, of course, your favorite ice cream!” the shop posted to Facebook on opening day. “Thank you for supporting us and being part of this exciting journey. We can’t wait to make lots of sweet memories together!”
Ben & Jerry’s used to operate two ice cream shops in Gainesville on Archer Road and University Avenue, landing visits from co-founder Jerry Greenfield in 2005 and 2009. Both locations closed in the mid 2010s.