Butler Esplanade’s newest business will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, opened Oct. 26. The restaurant, located at 232 SW 35th Blvd, was announced in February and originally slated to open in June, but changes in ownership resulted in the opening being delayed.
Gainesville residents Jen and Dung Phan own the new location. Dung said they wanted to open Jeremiah's because of their love of the store.
"We are super excited to be able to be part of such a great company," he said.
Phan said he and Jen, his wife, would always make a point to go to Jeremiah's when they visited cities like Orlando or Orange Park, where other chains are located.
To the Phans, the Jeremiah's franchise means much more than the average ice cream shop.
"It's not just Italian ice, but it's the culture of the staff and management and how everybody works together," Dung said. "It's a great opportunity for younger employees to get some work experience to be part of a team and to learn a professional, proper work environment."
One of these younger employees is Sarah Patterson. The 20-year-old crew member worked during the grand opening Tuesday.
Like the Phans, Patterson said the pull of Jeremiah’s is the people..
"I really wanted to work in this environment because we're all so upbeat and supportive,” she said.“I've loved every second of it."
Patterson said the turnout for the store’s grand opening was “amazing.”
"We were super busy,” she said. “The line was pretty much almost halfway down the strip center."
Patterson said there was a three-hour time period when the line was consistently full and all workers were busy taking orders.
Jeremiah's is hosting a buy one, get one free sale for customers dressed in Halloween costumes Oct. 31. The sale will last from 5 to 10 p.m.
Contact Alexis at acarson@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @Alexis_Carson99.
Alexis Carson is a third-year journalism major and staff writer with the Avenue. In her free time, she loves watching horror movies and going to concerts.
