Tropics Ice Cream & Jerk has permanently closed, according to signage posted at the restaurant.
The storefront at 9324 Georgia Ave. in Montgomery Hills, next to the newly-opened Milk & Honey, is now available for lease, according to SCS Realty Advisors agent Jonathan Weiss.
This restaurant closed briefly in June for renovations and a menu rework.
Tropics Ice Cream & Jerk was originally opened as Islands Tropical Cafe by York Castle Ice Cream owner Cal Headley, who sold it to distant cousin Pierre Stone, according to MoCo360. After being rejected for a Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Stone’s niece Kayla launched a GoFundMe campaign to save the shop, which went viral on social media and triggered an outpour of local support, yielding nearly $33,000 in donations within 48 hours. Local businesses reached out to offer help, including Amber Chaney of Rockville-based Chaney Communications, who hosted a socially distanced ice cream social in 2020 with Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-District 8).
Kayla assumed ownership of the shop in June 2020, according to Washington Business Journal. “I’m very grateful for the way that it was handed to me,” Ms. Stone told WBJ. “As a young person, I feel like I’m able to be creative and do what needs to be done.”
Stone rebranded the shop to Tropics Ice Cream & Jerk shortly thereafter, expanding the menu to offer Jamaican patties, smoothies, and jerk chicken.
The Source will provide updates as more information becomes available.
(Thanks to reader Emily W. for the tip!)