Construction continues on the new Yellin’ Helen’s location in Fairfield at 909 West Delaware St., the former site of the Barbwire Grill, with owners hoping to have the business open shortly after the first of the year.
During an interview with WFIW News, co-owner Jena Allen said exterior construction on the new facility is largely complete, with work now focusing on the interior. Jena and fellow co-owner, Joy Renaud are targeting an early 2027 opening, although an exact date has not been established.
Allen said the beginning of the year is a realistic goal, but the opening will depend on several factors, including receiving the necessary approvals from the state.
The new Fairfield location will operate year-round, with winter hours planned from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and summer hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The business will offer drive-through and walk-up window service, with no indoor dining available.
Allen said Yellin’ Helen’s, who is known for its welcoming community atmosphere and generous soft-serve ice cream portions and sweet treats will initially feature a limited food menu, including homemade chicken salad prepared fresh daily, quarter-pound all-beef hot dogs with toppings such as chili and cheese, smoked pulled pork, and soups during the winter months.
Additional menu items, including pork chop sandwiches and chicken wings, could be introduced in the future, although those offerings have not been finalized.
The new Fairfield facility will be similar in size to the existing Yellin’ Helen’s operation in Dix, although Allen said the shop itself will be slightly larger.
One of the biggest improvements will be having the shop, storage space, and office under one roof. Allen said the design will eliminate the need for employees to go outside to retrieve supplies during cold or rainy weather, something they currently experience at the Dix location.
The Fairfield location will also feature an additional restroom available to the public, a larger pavilion than the one at Dix and plans for a commercial smoker located beneath a covered area.
While construction progress has been encouraging, Allen emphasized that the opening timeline remains tentative as work continues on the interior and the business prepares to meet state requirements.
If everything goes according to plan, Yellin’ Helen’s could begin welcoming customers to its new Fairfield location in early 2027.