Jimmie Cone will open for its 64th season on Tuesday, March 17, continuing a tradition that has drawn generations of customers to the Damascus ice cream stand at 26420 Ridge Road.
The longtime local favorite has been serving soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt since 1962 and has become a seasonal destination for residents across Montgomery County and beyond. The business also operates a second location in Mount Airy at 1312 South Main Street.
The shop is currently owned by Chelsea Hamilton, whose family has been connected to Jimmie Cone for decades. Her father, Dan Leiter, purchased the business from the Harris family in 1990, and Hamilton and her husband Brett took ownership in March 2021. Hamilton grew up working at the shop and returned full-time in 2014. In recent years, the menu has evolved to include options such as non-dairy offerings and sugar-free selections, along with water ice that is always dairy-free.
Despite the updates, Jimmie Cone continues to emphasize the traditions that have helped it build a loyal following over more than six decades. Many customers return year after year, often visiting when they come back to the area for family events or to introduce the shop to younger generations. As the stand prepares to open for the new season, it remains a longstanding part of the Damascus community and a familiar springtime destination for ice cream fans.
