News Summary
Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice, a popular family-owned treat shop in Downtown Austin, will close at the end of summer as owner Jim Moy retires. Known for its Philadelphia-style water ice, the shop has served the community since the 1990s and has become a staple at local events and gatherings. Customers can visit through September to enjoy one last season of their refreshing products. The Moy family expresses gratitude for their loyal patrons and the meaningful bonds formed over the years.
Austin – Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice, a cherished family-run summer treat shop located in Downtown Austin, will be closing its doors at the end of this summer. The Moy family, including owner Jim Moy, announced this decision as part of Jim’s plans for retirement, during which he intends to travel and spend more time with loved ones.
The beloved shop, which has been serving the Austin community since the 1990s, is known for bringing Philadelphia’s famed water ice to Texas. This water-based frozen dessert, often referred to as Italian water ice, is made by blending real fruit with water and sugar, creating a smooth texture that distinguishes it from traditional snow cones that rely on syrup poured over shaved ice.
Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice has been a summer staple for locals and visitors alike, with the Moy family selling their product at various popular locations including Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool. They also catered a range of events, such as school functions, summer camps, youth sports fundraising activities, weddings, and birthday parties, further embedding themselves into the fabric of the community.
The Sixth Street shop will be open through the end of September, allowing fans of Jim-Jim’s to enjoy one last season of the delicious water ice. In their farewell message, the Moy family expressed deep appreciation for their loyal customers and emphasized the meaningful friendships that have formed over the years. They also reflected on the significance of their summer employees, whom they consider part of their family.
Jim Moy first discovered water ice while living in Philadelphia and recognized its potential popularity in Texas, leading him to introduce this refreshing treat to the Austin area. The recognition of Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice skyrocketed in 1998 when it was awarded “Best of Austin” by The Austin Chronicle, solidifying its status as a local favorite.
Despite facing various challenges over the years, Jim and his wife Rachel have remained hands-on in their operation, crafting approximately 200 gallons of water ice daily. The shop boasts a total of 38 unique flavors, each requiring different preparation times, showcasing their commitment to variety and quality. In addition, Jim-Jim’s emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients, with most fruit purees made in-house, ensuring that customers enjoy the highest quality product.
As the summer draws to a close and Jim-Jim’s prepares to bid farewell to the Austin community, locals and visitors alike will no doubt cherish the memories formed over frozen treats enjoyed on hot summer days. The closing of Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice marks the end of an era in downtown Austin, where generations have gathered to enjoy this unique and delightful treat.
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
