There’s a “cool” new
business in Downtown
Jackson that is ready to
provide relief from climbing temperatures this
spring.
RJ’s Metropolitan Ice
Cream Co. at 135 E.
Michigan Avenue is the
latest confection of Robert and Yvette Wilkie.
“It’s been a busy place.
We’re gearing up for the
warm season,” Robert
said.
The Metropolitan Ice
Cream Co. was already
open for one year when
the husband and wife
team took ownership last
fall.
“It was a great business
opportunity. We’ve been
wanting to get downtown
for a while,” Robert said.
With the RJ’s name now
atop the sign, the family-run business has been
making the space their
own.
“We’ve been adding our
own twist and making it a
little sweeter. We’re constantly looking for ways to
evolve it,” Yvette said.
Eight years ago, the
couple started with RJ’s
Heavenly Delights.
The bakery and dessert
business has since expanded into a shop on N.
West Avenue.
Their new downtown
venture has lots to offer, with ice cream, milkshakes and burgers on
the menu.
The Wilkies say the eatery’s bright, cheery atmosphere is winning regular
customers.
“It’s a cute place for kids
and families to come,”
Yvette said.
They also have the
distinction of being one
of the few Black-owned
businesses in Downtown
Jackson, something that’s
a point of pride for the
couple.
“I think that’s actually very exciting, and the
encouraging thing is that
other minorities who come
in here say it’s inspiring to
them,” Yvette said.
When they’re not working or raising their daughter, the Wilkies are active
in the community.
They recently hosted the Jackson Black
Excellence Community
Awards, which honors African American residents
making an impact.
“It’s important to have
that representation. We
like that it’s inspiring people,” Yvette said.
Two other businesses
also opened on the same
block of E. Michigan Avenue in 2021; Ogma Brewing Co. and the Marketplace Manna Around the
World Shop, a fair trade
store that moved downtown from the Jackson
Crossing Mall.
