Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has a surprise for fans as today they opened the Wrigleyville location, eight days earlier than they told the public they would. The new location, inside The Park at Wrigley, the plaza directly next to Wrigley Field at 3637 N. Clark Street, features bleacher seats and a baseball theme building off the energy from nearby Cubs fans.
Founder Jeni Britton Bauer, the Beard Award-winning cookbook author, will make a store appearance next week to celebrate the opening with customers. Bauer has made that a tradition in Chicago as she’s opened shops in Lakeview, Wicker Park, and Old Town. Her gourmet ice cream flavors have attained cult status. Jeni’s is unveiling a flavor inspired by baseball called “Popcorn! Peanuts!” That’s an ode to the stadium vendors who roam the seats during games. Bauer will be at the store on April 5 and fans can RSVP for the grand opening event at the link.
Baseball represents family for Bauer. Her grandfather was a lifelong Cubs fan. Jeni’s takes design cues from Wrigley Field, as its outfield bleachers are one of the most unique places to watch a ballgame where the mantra is “shut up and drink your beer.” The 2,100-square-foot space features customer bleacher seating. Maybe that will lead to a parent to tell their crying child to shut up and eat their ice cream. But, then again, there’s no crying in baseball.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 3637 N. Clark Street, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.