Shortly after scooping out a spot in Old Town, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is hosting a grand opening celebration next Thursday (Dec. 19) with a scheduled appearance from the eponymous Jeni Britton Bauer.

The grand opening celebration is scheduled from 7-11 p.m. at Jeni’s (102 S. Patrick Street). Free ice cream and “swag” is promised to the first 50 people in line.

The chain, based out of Ohio, has a cult following and about three dozen stores nationwide. Its new Bethesda store is celebrating its grand opening the same day.

The ice cream lineup is scheduled to include flavors like brambleberry crisp and brown butter almond brittle, as well as dairy-free flavors like Texas sheet cake and roasted peanut butter and strawberry jam.

The ice cream shop opened in mid-November in the former Misha’s Coffee location, which has relocated down the block to 907 King Street.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott