Students Assume Control of Campus Creamery
Three students purchased and reopened the St. Louis shop in early 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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In January 2026, three students purchased Campus Creamery located at WashU. The shop temporarily closed for a leadership transition before reopening in February 2026.
Why it matters
The trio of student owners took over the business due to their shared interest in business operations. They now coordinate with various vendors and service contractors to manage the store.
The business is currently operated by 3 student owners who took control of the South 40 location. Operations now involve managing relationships with service contractors and government institutions.
The players
Jei Han Hall
He is one of the three students who own and operate the Campus Creamery ice cream shop.
James Rukin
He is a student owner who assumed control of the ice cream business in early 2026.
Cooper Hazday
He is the third student in the ownership group that currently manages the campus shop.
The details
The students pursued the purchase after being approached by the previous owner in late 2025. The new management team is now exploring potential menu expansions, including the addition of brownie sundaes.
Timeline
September 2025: Previous owner first approached students about a potential sale.
November 2025: Previous owner proposed a lower acquisition price.
January 2026: The student trio purchased the shop and paused operations.
February 2026: Campus Creamery reopened under the new student management.
Market Landscape
The acquisition follows a pattern set by the rise of student-run enterprise programs on university campuses. This move reflects a broader trend of students leveraging academic interests to assume management of campus-based retail entities.
Customers can continue to access the shop at its South 40 location with the current biweekly rotation of exclusive ice cream flavors. The new owners have indicated that additional menu items such as brownie sundaes are currently under consideration.
The takeaway
The transition to student ownership marks a new chapter for the local campus business. Residents and students visiting the shop may see menu changes as the new owners finalize their operational strategy.
Further reading
For more information on retail changes in the area, visit the St. Louis Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Student Life.
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