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Camellia’s Sweet Treats has officially opened the doors to its new brick and mortar shop downtown. Residents filled the ice cream shop lining out of the front door at the opening Sunday. The recently graduated owner, Chapman Simmons, explained that the shop buzzed with business from opening until closing. 

“Originally, I had no intention of starting a brick and mortar,” Simmons said. “I really liked the idea of the food truck as it was able to move around to set up at different locations. However, we learned we had to create a full-service ‘commissary kitchen’ for our food truck to base out of. This kitchen had to meet the same requirements of every other full service restaurant. Thankfully I’m stubborn and hate when people tell me what I can and can’t do, so I kept on because I had a vision in mind.”

Simmons’ explained that the new shop will not hinder the operation’s mobile trailer, but will benefit its function and business. The trailer will stay continuously stocked and prepared now that there is a large store space to shelve Sweet Treat’s products. 

“We are super excited for more things to come with the trailer and the shop,” Simmons’ said. “We started off this week with a very limited menu so our staff can perfect one product before we add on others. Only a portion of our menu is publicized right now.”

Local resident Tori Bailey Stallworth brought her daughter Charlotte to the opening who was all smiles holding her large waffle cone of multi-colored ice cream. 

“We had so much fun during our quick visit,” Stallworth said. “All of the workers were so sweet. Charlotte said “Krazy Kolor” flavor is the best ice cream ever!”

Simmons’ openly welcomes any aspiring entrepreneur needing assistance and support starting a food truck or trailer to reach out to him for planning, financial advising, and help completing state requirements. He said he has big plans to aid in the growth of the Greenville community.

“I would like to thank all my friends and family, they helped me to make this whole thing happen very quickly,” Simmons’ said. “My church, First Assembly of God, for helping make this dream a reality. And the Pips family, they have been amazing and have helped us way more than I could’ve ever asked of them.”

Camellia’s Sweet Treats current store hours are 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday. The store can be reached at 334-373-2665 and is located at 402 East Commerce Street downtown. 

“There is so much to come,” Simmons’ said. “Six months ago I would not have believed that our little 7×10 shaved ice trailer would lead us here, but here we are and I can’t wait to see where we will be a year from now.”