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The only permanent food truck in Greenville, Camellia’s Sweet Treats, had its official ribbon cutting ceremony last on June 28, at Few Street Park downtown. Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce members in attendance received a free cup of shaved ice at the ceremony.

Chapman Simmons, the owner of Camellia’s Sweet Treats, proudly shared that the business is fully launched, now serving 13 shaved ice flavors and six ice cream options. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked this special milestone for the business which began serving refreshments on April 29 at the Greenville Library.

Simmons said he realized he was meant for entrepreneurship last year when he began Camellia Inflatables, a rental business for bounce houses, water slides, and more. The recent 2023 Fort Dale graduate was inspired to become a business owner to keep more money local instead of going to other cities and franchises. 

“I want to promote Greenville as much as possible,” Simmons said“There is so much potential here, especially downtown. With how close it is to a main interstate exit, there is an opportunity for Greenville and the downtown to be so much bigger than it is right now.”

Three months of development and two months of preparation brought Simmons’s vision to life. Simmons said he was approached by the Butler County Economic Development Team who financed a large portion of the trailer and put Simmons in contact with the people and organizations who could help guide and support him through this business endeavor successfully. 

Simmons enjoys being able to give back to the community through fundraisers and events. Camellia’s Sweet Treats donated 50% of its revenue to the fundraiser for Hayden Sampley, a fellow classmate who endured a recent serious health trauma. Simmons also hopes to help support Children’s Miracle Network by partnering with Walmart and donating 20% of the proceeds to the cause.

“I always have new ideas cooking up,” said Simmons. “This is just phase one of Camellia’s Sweet Treats. Mid July I will release the official announcement for phase two. It’s going to be big!”

Right now Sweet Treats has four employees that were fellow students at Fort Dale Academy. Simmons is currently looking for one more employee to help with the now full time schedule. 

“I enjoy working with Chapman,” said Conley Stringer. “It’s really fun, plus we get to eat free ice cream and shaved ice everyday! I will continue to work with him as long as I can.”

Simmons said he wants to help others in the community develop their business and food truck ideas. He offered to share what he has learned on getting financed and passing the health department requirements to start a new business. 

“For anyone thinking of starting a business, this is a great place to start,” said Simmons. “There are plenty of people who will help you.”

The food truck is now open six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is normally closed on Mondays, To request Camellia’s Sweet Treats to park at a business during the week, or to book the trailer for an event contact Simmons at 334-373-2665, book@camelliasweettreats.com, or message him on Facebook at Camellia’s Sweet Treats.