Mitchell’s Ice Cream, a family staple in the Cleveland area, has temporarily shut its Beachwood and Solon stores from Jan. 29 until early April.

According to Mitchell’s website, the company has partnered with Dimit Architects to renovate those locations and create an environment that is “more open and welcoming.”

In its Solon location, Mitchell’s will be installing two new openings, including a patio door and an entrance to a children’s seating area.

Similarly, Mitchell’s is adding new features in Beachwood. Larger doors will lead directly to the patio and a children’s area inside the store. The store will also be increasing use of wood planks in both stores to create a “transparency between the outdoor and indoor seating,” according to the website.

Junior Naomi Sternberg said that when she discovered the news in January, she drove to the store to get one last scoop.
Freshman Domani Berry was also upset to learn about the temporary closure.

“I am highly upset now because I was going to go there this weekend,” she said.

Hailey Hanahan, who is in charge of public communications for the company, wrote in an email that the renovations were timed to avoid the busy summer rush.

“Unfortunately, both shops needed to be closed at the same time as the winter timeframe or ‘offseason’ is the best time to renovate. This allows renovations to be completed before our busiest time of year,” Hanahan wrote.

The renovations are also designed to further promote sustainable building, including high efficiency lighting, water heating, as well as heating and cooling, Hanahan explained.

While Mitchell’s is closed, other ice cream options include Ben and Jerry’s, East Coast Custard and local grocery stores, which sell packaged Mitchell’s ice cream.

It has been a long few months for Beachwood students, who hope to return to a new and improved store after spring break.

“I’ll have to find a new store for now, but hopefully I can go back soon,” Junior Maor Keren said.

The company posted on its website that ice cream prices will not be changed after the renovation.

Hanahan did not disclose the cost of the renovations.