Amy’s Ice Creams on Far South Congress is Closed

The "Super South" Amy’s Ice Creams on far South Congress is now closed because of doubling rents and a landlord who was unwilling to negotiate, as reported by Austin 360. After a decade in the business, the sweets shop's last day was October 25, leaving a tiny cone-shaped hole in the collective hearts of St. Edward’s students and the surrounding neighborhood.

Director of business development and husband of Amy herself, Steve Simmons, told Austin 360 that the landlord doubled the rent on the tiny strip mall spot and refused to negotiate. A post on the company’s blog stated:

Because of the extreme increase in rent we will no longer be able to serve our customers and friends. We have built a strong relationship with this community and this decision does not come without careful consideration. […] It was our privilege to be a part of this community.

He also indicated that the beloved local ice cream chain, known for its original flavors and zany, scoop-tossing employees, is looking into expanding to Round Rock and San Marcos.

Founded by Amy Simmons in 1984, Amy’s Ice Creams opened its doors on Guadalupe, eventually expanding to thirteen Austin locations, with one outpost each in San Antonio and Houston. Simmons, who worked for Steve’s Ice Cream in Boston while attending Tufts University, went on to earn her MBA at UT-Austin and has earned reams of accolades for her entrepreneurship and creative approach to selling ice cream in the chain’s three decades in business.

— Melanie Haupt