Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has Bastrop residents cooling down from the summer heat after the location officially opened to the public July 15.

“We are grateful, stunned, mesmerized and yet not surprised, because it is totally in character for this special place,” franchise owners Jack and Aly Plimpton said in a social media post. “Blessings to this community and the incredible hard work of our special team.”
Franchise owner Jack Plimpton and staff at Jeremiah's Italian Ice in Bastrop celebrate their grand opening July 15. (Leslie Bradshaw/Community Impact)
What residents should know

Although Jeremiah's Italian Ice has traditionally served a variety of homemade Italian Ice flavors, the Plimptons, who relocated to Bastrop in 2022, highlighted a new Hop-Away Treats menu, featuring:
  • Jelati Cakes
  • OREO Ice Cream Sandwiches
  • Hop & Go Quarts
“I’ve sampled all of our new treats,” Jack Plimpton said. “[We are] extremely excited about this new chapter for the brand.”

Michael Keller, president and CEO of the Jeremiah’s Italian Ice brand, shared that enthusiasm for the Hop-Away Treats menu that launched nationwide in early July.

"Hop-Away Treats represents a major step forward for our brand, allowing us to deliver the flavors our fans love in a new format that better fits their lives, creates new occasions to enjoy Jeremiah's, and positions us to stand out in a large, highly competitive segment,” he said in a news release.


The conditions

Jeremy Litwack, owner of the Jeremiah’s Italian Ice brand, founded the business in 1996 and began franchising in 2019. With every new location that opens, he noted how staff must embody six core values, including:
  • Cool
  • Bold
  • Genuine
  • Vibrant
  • Generous
  • Strategic
In Bastrop, the Plimptons emphasized how those traits are present.

“People kept saying, ‘Wow, these employees are fabulous. Where did you find them?’,” the couple said following the grand opening. “Allow us to correct the record. We found people who were good and we were confident with, but had tremendous potential. They have stepped up on every occasion and they’ve transformed in just a few short weeks of training.”
Customers at Jeremiah's Italian Ice in Bastrop order from a walk-up window during the location's grand opening July 15. (Leslie Bradshaw/Community Impact)
Also of note

The Bastrop location operates 11 a.m.-11 p.m. seven days a week, and has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as walk-up windows.