After a two-year absence, an iconic and nostalgic landmark is set to reopen.
Two years to the day after the closing of Jim’s Tastee-Freez, a cornerstone in Alamance County for 61 years, it is having a grand opening celebration April 1 under new ownership simply as Jim’s.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said new owner Santos Solorzano, who also owns El Carbonero, the Salvadoran restaurant across the street from Jim’s.
Until the first of April, the new owners are running a soft opening to reintroduce the community to Jim’s, said Alex Solorzano, who is Santo’s son and will be running Jim’s.
“It’s a chance for us to get feedback from the community and get everything ready,” he said.
For those who grew up in Alamance County, Jim’s Tastee-Freez was a post-church hot spot serving up pink hot dogs and hot fudge sundaes.
While there may be new ownership, the history of Jim’s Tastee-Freez lives on. David Covington, the son of the namesake Jim and the previous owner, has been helping Santos Solorzano to stay true to the roots of the restaurant.
“I’m here to help Santos get started here. I appreciate the faith that he has in me,” Covington said. “Other than some new items, everything is the same — right down to the chili.”
The only changes to the menu are additions, Santos Solorzano said.
“We are serving pizza, calzones, strombolis and wings,” he said.
Citing COVID-19 and a number of other setbacks, Santos Solorzano is looking towards the future.
“It has been very difficult opening the restaurant, but we are grateful for David’s help and looking to move this tradition forward,” he said.
