Jeni’s Ice Creams Quietly Opens Fourth Chicago Shop in Old Town

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, the uber-popular Ohio chain, has opened its fourth Chicago location. Old Town’s traded doughnuts for scoops, as Jeni’s has taken over the former Doodle’s space at 1419 N. Wells St. Founder and Beard Award winner Jeni Britton is in town and they’re hosting a few events to celebrate.

Expect long lines off Wells Street, as the drag hasn’t had an ice cream shop since Kilwin’s closed in 2013. The Doodle’s space was under-utilized. Jeni’s has painted the stairs that lead up to the second-floor landing.

Jeni’s homemade waffle cones and cheffy flavors have earned them quite a loyal fanbase. Right now, they’ve partnered with Chicago’s Right Bee Cider (the name’s a pun — “right be side her”) for “Hard Cider Sorbet.” They’re celebrating the flavor tonight at an event at Kaiser Tiger in West Loop.

Old Town joins Lakeview, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park as Chicago neighborhoods with Jeni’s. A West Loop location won’t open until next year. Perhaps a South Side location would be in the cards by then.

Per Jeni’s tradition, they’re giving away free ice cream to the public as part of an opening celebration from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3. But fans don’t have to wait. If ice cream lovers are in Old Town, they can stop at Jeni’s today.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 1419 N. Wells St., (312) 877-5880, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily