Many Immaculate Heart students live near or in Larchmont, a quaint neighborhood filled with small shops ranging from the centuries-old Chevalier’s Bookstore to Starbucks. One store became a special favorite for locals, Jeni’s Ice Creams. For nine joy-filled years, Jeni’s truly made its mark on Larchmont inhabitants. Sadly, last month Jeni’s lease was up, and the store location closed. Emma Chamberlain’s coffee shop, Chamberlain Coffee, is expected to replace it.
The closing of a small scoop shop with other locations in Los Angeles may not seem like a big deal. And sure, some people will suggest going to the Jeni’s on Hillhurst Avenue in nearby Los Feliz Village. But Jeni’s on Larchmont Boulevard was special.
For IH students and Larchmont kids, Jeni’s will be remembered for hundreds of treasured memories. When Jeni’s on Larchmont first opened, there was finally a neighborhood ice cream shop for children and their families. Kids and teens would rush there after school, arms linked, and soon enough their faces would be covered in ice cream. And Jeni’s quickly became the hangout spot. Sure, we all went for ice cream, but we also went to relax, spend time with friends, and create new friendships.
“I am definitely going to miss going to Jeni’s with my friends,” said IH senior Madison Dang, who feels her neighborhood is rapidly changing. “I am trying to remain optimistic about all of these significant changes coming to Larchmont,” she added, “but it is going to be weird not walking past Jeni’s now.”
IH freshman Michaela Christian-Volturo recalled feeling scared after moving from the Palisades to Larchmont, but soon after, she went to Jeni’s with her sister to have ice cream. “Although I can’t remember the flavor, I remember thinking, wow, it feels like childhood in an ice cream scoop, and I felt a little bit less scared,” she said. “I will forever miss Jeni’s on Larchmont.”
Similarly, IH freshman Nikka Gueler laments the loss of Jeni’s where she, too, would regularly get together with friends. “I’m so sad it’s not going to be there anymore, but I can just go to the Jeni’s on Hillhurst,” she said.
These recollections and so many more are what made Jeni’s Ice Creams on Larchmont so popular. Jeni’s wasn’t just a normal ice cream shop; it was one built on the fondness and happiness of the people who loved it.
Making Memories at Jeni’s: Then IH middleschooler Stella Coppola (left) enjoys ice cream with classmates.
(Photo Credits: Larchmont Buzz)