Rountree ice cream shop closes

A 1-year-old ice cream venture in the Rountree neighborhood has closed up shop.

Box Turtle Creamery announced Nov. 6 on social media that the 1458 E. Cherry St. shop is no longer operating. The shop from entrepreneur Dani Hunnell, who also owns Sleepy Opossum Cafe in Rountree, launched in November 2023, according to its Instagram page.

"The tough economy, rising rent and the stress of operating multiple businesses have led me to this choice," Hunnell wrote in the post on social media. "I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for everyone who has shown us love and supported us. I also would like to thank the community for giving us the space to express our creativity and our joy for ice cream."

Hunnell, who could not be reached for comment by deadline, recently relocated her Sleepy Opossum Cafe business to 1423 E. Cherry St., Ste. 101, from 1427 E. Cherry St., Ste. B, where it was inside The Royal building.

The post this week indicates Sleepy Opossum Cafe would continue to serve "some small- batch flavors of ice cream."

Box Turtle Creamery has served ice cream flavors such as signature vanilla, chocolate, dill pickle sorbet and roasted banana, according to its Instagram page.

Greene County assessor records list the building owner as Lexington Investments Inc. The property is located across Cherry Street from Tie & Timber Beer Co. LLC.