FOLSOM, Calif. — A new Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop is set to open in Historic Folsom by April 2025, with Napa natives Justin and Amy Pierce at the helm. The new location will take over the space currently occupied by Seasons 916 café at 711 Sutter St.
The Pierces, both 39, relocated from Napa to El Dorado Hills in 2019 to provide better educational opportunities for their daughters. With long careers in the wine industry, they began considering new business ventures and eventually decided to pursue entrepreneurship. Initially exploring the idea of opening a wine shop, they discovered that there was no Ben & Jerry’s shop in the local area, prompting them to seize the opportunity.
“We used to visit Ben & Jerry’s regularly in Napa, and when we realized there wasn’t a shop closer than Thunder Valley or Napa, we saw it as a great opportunity,” Justin Pierce said. “It just seemed like the right fit.”
In their pursuit of the franchise, the Pierces traveled to Vermont to meet with Ben & Jerry’s corporate, where they were welcomed into the company’s family. While the couple has significant experience in customer service, kitchen operations, and staff management, they are new to business ownership. Despite the inherent risks, Justin Pierce is confident the community will embrace their new venture.
“There’s always some risk when starting something new, but we believe people will be excited about the product and the concept,” he said. “I’m not concerned about the community welcoming us.”
Folsom’s Historic District was a natural choice for the Pierces, who have grown fond of the area. Justin Pierce recalled their first visit to Old Town Folsom, where they instantly connected with the charm of the neighborhood. “We loved it from the start,” he said. “When the opportunity on Sutter Street came up, it felt like the perfect spot.”
If all goes according to plan, the couple aims to open the shop in April 2025, depending on the progress of design, renovations, and staff training. Justin Pierce also hinted at future expansion possibilities, especially if the Folsom location proves successful.
“If the business thrives, we could consider expanding, possibly to the east side of Highway 50,” he said.
The upcoming scoop shop will offer a popular and beloved product to Folsom, bringing a fresh, fun option to the city’s Historic District.
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