Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

Trenton is continuing to see new businesses breathe life into Main Street. One such recent addition is the Main Street Creamery, located at 1011 Main St.

Graduating from Trenton High School in 2009, Jadeth Jenkins had no intention of entering the ice cream business, but when Chris and Jackie Hoffman, the building’s owners, approached him about taking over the ice cream business from the prior occupant, he decided to take the leap.

“My immediate thought was absolutely not,” Jenkins said. “I didn’t think I had time for this, and all the questions started running through my head. Will this be successful? Will I be able to afford the staff and products?” But the opportunity was there, and he decided to give it a shot.

The Creamery officially opened its doors during Alumni Weekend 2024. With a straightforward name aimed at keeping things simple, Jenkins hopes that when people think of ice cream in town, they know that they are on Main Street.

From the outset, Jenkins’ vision for the Creamery was to create a welcoming environment where customers feel at home.

“Our main goal in opening was just to have as many open hours as possible,” he said. “If people walked through the door to spend money, then that was great. We also wanted to be involved in the community because we believe that supporting others will encourage them to support us back.”

The long-term goal for Main Street Creamery is clear.

“We want to continue treating people with respect and creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere he said. “It’s important to us to evolve and offer something new so our customers keep coming in.”

Key to the Creamery’s success is Jenkins’ mom, Joy, who plays an invaluable role as a source of guidance.

“We refer to her as our ‘checks and balances,’” Jenkins said. “Whenever we need advice or can’t make a decision, she’s the first person we talk to.”

The Creamery has also hired a dedicated staff from Trenton and nearby towns such as , Gilman, Jamesport and Princeton. “We did this on purpose to broaden our market and bring in customers from other areas. Plus, they are just great employees,”

Jenkins highlighted the teamwork that has bolstered the Creamery’s positive reputation.

While starting and maintaining the business comes with its own set of worries, Jenkins remains optimistic.

“The biggest challenge isn’t even really a challenge,” he said. “It’s the ongoing worry of thoughts like, ‘What if people don’t like this?’ Thankfully, we have been supported beyond what we could have imagined, and we sincerely appreciate every customer who walks through our doors.”

For those in Trenton, Jenkins wants the community to know that kindness is at the heart of the Creamery’s philosophy.

“We don’t view customers as just money in our pockets,” he said. “We understand that we have to earn their trust and business,” he stressed. “Anyone is welcome here, and that includes chaotic kids—because we know that’s our market”

As for upcoming events, Jenkins said, there are some exciting things planned that will be announced soon.

Main Street Creamery is open and ready to serve, not just ice cream, but also a gathering place for the community to come together. With a focus on respect, fun, and involvement, Jenkins is determined to make his mark in Trenton, one scoop at a time.