Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Reflecting on My Experience as a Former Shopkeeper at Jeni’s – Buckhead

Working as a shopkeeper at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Buckhead was both a rewarding and eye-opening experience. I’m proud of what I accomplished during my time there—I was promoted twice within six months, successfully led my team, and maintained high operational standards. I took great pride in building a positive work environment for both employees and guests, and being part of a brand that aimed to bring joy to people’s everyday lives.

However, not all of my time at Jeni’s was met with the same sense of respect or fairness. As one of the few Black male shopkeepers in Georgia and Alabama, I faced significant challenges that went beyond the scope of my role. Despite my performance, I often found myself undermined, ignored, or disrespected by upper management. Decisions were made about my store without my input, my concerns about employee behavior and store disruptions were dismissed, and I was subjected to a pattern of differential treatment based on race and gender.

There were instances where I felt my voice as a leader was actively silenced, even when I followed proper reporting procedures. I experienced retaliation after standing up for myself and my team, and unfortunately, my commitment to accountability and fairness led to a hostile work environment and ultimately, my termination.

To any future employees—especially Black employees and men—I strongly encourage you to speak up at the first sign of different or unfair treatment. Don’t wait. Advocate for yourself early, and document everything. This company—like many—has systems that tend to prioritize protecting women over men, and that imbalance can leave male employees, particularly men of color, unsupported. Your concerns are valid, and your voice is just as deserving of protection and respect.

I share this not with bitterness, but with the hope that Jeni’s—and companies like it—will take a closer look at how leadership equity and inclusion are practiced on the ground. Talent, integrity, and dedication should be nurtured, not punished.

Despite the challenges, I’m grateful for what I learned and proud of the team I led. I continue to advocate for fair treatment in the workplace and believe in the power of speaking truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Former Shopkeeper, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Buckhead, Atlanta

I got the strawberry ice cream. Never fails! My wife loves her butter pecan and they never miss. Love a good ice cream from Jeni’s!

I’m a regular customer, but today’s visit was extremely disappointing. While already in line, I asked multiple employees for the restroom code and was told I had to wait, make a purchase, and retrieve it from my receipt. I’ve never seen such an absurd policy, and I won’t be returning.

Very good ice cream and service

Believe the reviews because this is some of the best ice cream you'll ever have. My wife and I almost went back for more right after leaving. I think they might have ruined all other ice cream for me...

Ice Cream Dreams in DC's Funscape

Beneath the glow of Capitol light,
In Washington's warm summer night,
Dreams take shape in frosty swirls,
A cityscape alive with pearls.

The Tidal Basin whispers low,
As cherry blossoms start to glow,
With cones in hand, we take our flight,
Through marble halls and moonlit sights.

The Washington Monument points to the stars,
While kids chase laughter near food trucks and cars,
Scoops of vanilla, a creamy embrace,
Reflections dance on Lincoln's face.

By Eastern Market, flavors bloom,
Lavender, honey, and berry in plume,
The vibrant streets a canvas wide,
For cones that drip and hearts that glide.

From Georgetown's charm to H Street's hum,
Every corner sings, "Come, come!"
To taste the joy in a city's gleam,
And revel in sweet ice cream dreams.

In this funscape where history meets,
A summer treat makes life complete,
A scoop of wonder, a bite of delight,
Washington DC, a magical night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had Tayon as our server, he was friendly and very helpful. Led us to great flavor combos and was extremely charming. He made the experience so special for just a simple ice cream visit!

Kid-friendliness: Wonderful upstairs area to relax and eat

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

That's just good stuff.

Ice cream was so rich and flavorful. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Cake, Gooey Butter Cake

The Good: Jeni’s ice cream is very good. Gooey Butter Cake, Boston Cream Pie, and High Five Candy Bar are incredible. The staff is always fast and friendly. Strongest ‘scoop arms’ in DC.

The Not So Good: The to-go pints are frequently melted and refrozen before purchase. I mean… not purposely (I don’t think) and maybe not *all* the pints experience this tragic fate but my last few visits have been quite disappointing. Once the safety seal is removed, you’ll notice there’s no ice cream to lick off the peel and there’s a small gap between the ice cream and the lid.
(*Class time* This gap is caused by bubbles that escape the ice cream as it softens and melts outside of the freezer, possibly during the delivery/stocking timeframe. Could also be the small, frequently opened freezer packed with product… idk.)
So instead of a soft, fluffy texture you can glide a spoon across… you get a sad, dense, spoon-bending glob that you either have to chew or wait to drink from the outside in. This process is hard on some of the flavors like the Salted Caramel but completely ruins any with breaded pieces like the Boston Cream Pie and High Five. The cake pieces and pretzels become weird and crumbly, devoid of soft or crunchy texture as intended
by the unmelted product. Whole Foods on Florida and Harris Teeter in Kalorama have the same melt/refreeze problem but they’ll only screw you out of $9/pint instead of $12 at Jeni’s storefront. The most consistent pints I’ve found in DC have been 7-Eleven. Their Ben & Jerry’s is currently undefeated and the signature 7-Select brands ($6ish) are also surprisingly good. Same or better price for quality ice cream.

TLDR: Visit Jeni’s for a scoop or 2 but skip the overpriced, underwhelming pints.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Everything Bagel Ice Cream, Gooey Butter Cake

The ice cream was ok. I had a scoop each of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and honey vanillla. The milk chocolate had frost on it. The place was a bit run down and could use a renovation.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

The ice cream at this store was unparalleled, my partner outlined to me that the ice cream was just going to be great based on someone she follows on social media. We went in and tried multiple flavours, all of which were lovely. The pistachio macaron and sweet potato flavours stuck out to us so we got them both in a cup to share.

The sweet potato was maybe the best ice cream I've ever had in my life.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ice Cream Scoop

I love Jeni’s DOWN. The l’affogato(with one scoop honey vanilla bean and one scoop coffee with cream and sugar) is my absolute fave. Haven’t been to another icecream shop after having their l’affogato, literally nothing exists next to it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Enjoyed the 4 half scoop “study” sampler, with the favorites being Coffee, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salty Caramel and Gooey Butter Cake. Waffle cones/bowl were average. Will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice flavors, nice variety

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5