When Kevin Quinn and his family decided to relocate to Carbondale, it wasn’t a business opportunity that brought them here first — it was family. After law school, and two decades of government work in an office environment, he found himself searching for something different. With his wife’s parents living in Carbondale and the promise of a supportive community for their sons, the move felt right. What he didn’t expect was that it would also spark the creation of one of Carbondale’s newest small businesses: Chilly Jilly’s, a traditional hand‑scooped ice cream parlor in the heart of downtown.
The owner’s inspiration for the shop came from a desire to reconnect with the kind of work that brings joy face‑to‑face. Earlier in life, he spent summers working in an ice cream parlor — an experience that stayed with him. “There’s something simple but fundamental about offering a person a taste of something sweet,” he shared. When he arrived in Carbondale, he noticed something missing: while the city had great frozen treat options, it no longer had a classic, homemade hand‑scooped ice cream shop. He decided to change that.
Chilly Jilly’s quickly discovered what many local entrepreneurs already know: Carbondale is a great place to do business — welcoming, supportive, and full of opportunity. The owner emphasized how easy the City of Carbondale made the process of opening the shop. The Building and Neighborhood Services Division, in particular, helped guide him through key steps and pointed him in the right direction whenever questions came up. His message to other entrepreneurs is simple: take advantage of it. The city and county are here to help, and working closely with them can make the entire process smoother and more successful.
The business also gives back. Chilly Jilly’s has donated portions of sales to local food banks, supported Carbondale Middle School’s 8th‑grade class, sponsored the CCHS Cheerleading Team, Rainbow Café, and continues to partner with community groups. Nearby businesses have joined in as well — Quatro’s Pizza has welcomed cross‑promotion, including the popular “Yellow Cup Tuesday” discount.
Looking ahead, the owner hopes to continue growing, potentially expanding to a second location or moving production to a larger facility. But at its core, Chilly Jilly’s is about bringing people into downtown Carbondale and contributing to a stronger local business community.
More than a new business, Chilly Jilly’s embodies the kind of energy that drives downtown Carbondale forward. By sourcing locally, giving back, and drawing people into the heart of the city, the shop is helping build momentum for a more vibrant and connected community.
