🍦 Seth Trimble: From Tar Heel Guard to Chapel Hill Ice Cream Owner — A Story of Leadership, Community, and Legacy

When most college athletes dream about their future, the visions usually include professional contracts, championship trophies, or endorsement deals with global brands. For Seth Trimble, a senior guard for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, his dream has taken a slightly sweeter route: he’s not just leading on the hardwood at the Dean E. Smith Center, but also serving his community as the proud new owner of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop on Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill.

For the people of Chapel Hill, Franklin Street is more than just a collection of restaurants and shops. It’s the cultural heartbeat of the town, the place where fans celebrate Final Four victories, and where generations of students have laughed, studied, and shared memories over late-night meals. By stepping into ownership of the iconic Ben & Jerry’s location, Trimble is not just buying a business — he’s embedding himself into the fabric of the community he’s represented since the day he suited up in Carolina blue.

This is the story of how a college athlete turned an unexpected opportunity into a lasting legacy — one scoop at a time.

From the Court to the Community

Seth Trimble’s name has long been associated with basketball excellence. Known for his defensive tenacity, leadership, and commitment to his teammates, he has embraced the UNC tradition of grit, teamwork, and brotherhood. Yet, behind the uniform and highlight reels, Trimble has shown a maturity that sets him apart: he understands that his influence stretches beyond the basketball court.

When the chance came to take over the Franklin Street Ben & Jerry’s, Trimble didn’t hesitate. This wasn’t just about business. For him, it was about roots, relationships, and responsibility.

The shop itself already carried deep Carolina ties. It had been run for years by Antonio McBroom, a UNC graduate who started there in 2002 as a scooper while still in school. McBroom eventually became the first Black franchise owner in Ben & Jerry’s history, building the Chapel Hill location into a community staple. When it came time for McBroom to pass the torch, he saw in Trimble not just a basketball star, but someone who could carry on the spirit of Carolina pride and community leadership.

Why Ice Cream Matters

At first glance, owning an ice cream shop might seem like a lighthearted, even playful, business move. But for Trimble, it carries a deeper symbolism. Franklin Street’s Ben & Jerry’s is not just a store — it’s a gathering place. Fans stop in after games. Families bring their kids for birthday treats. Students celebrate the end of exams with waffle cones and sundaes.

By putting his name on this space, Trimble isn’t simply investing in a business — he’s creating a bridge between his identity as an athlete and his identity as a community leader. A Trimble jersey now hangs on the wall of the shop, a reminder that basketball and Chapel Hill culture are inseparable.

Trimble has even spoken about his desire to make the shop a place where students, teammates, and fans feel connected. It’s not hard to imagine fellow Tar Heels dropping by after practice, or fans lining up during March Madness to share both ice cream and team spirit.

A New Era of College Athletics

Trimble’s move also reflects a broader shift in college sports. Thanks to the NCAA’s new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, players are no longer limited to scholarships and stipends. They can now pursue entrepreneurial ventures, build brands, and prepare for financial independence — all while still in school.

While many athletes have focused on clothing lines, endorsement deals, or social media partnerships, Trimble chose something different: an investment with staying power. Instead of chasing short-term hype, he bought a business that will stand long after his playing days at UNC are over.

In doing so, Trimble is modeling a new kind of leadership for college athletes: one that blends on-court excellence with off-court vision.

Carrying on a Legacy

It’s important to recognize that Trimble is not the first Tar Heel to understand the power of connection. Legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter have used their platforms to invest in communities and causes they care about. But Trimble’s story feels especially unique because he’s doing it while still a student-athlete.

At a time when many college players focus on transferring schools or chasing NBA draft status, Trimble is anchoring himself deeper into Chapel Hill. He’s not just “passing through” as a player. He’s leaving his footprint on Franklin Street — a footprint made of waffle cones and sprinkles, but also of dedication and community love.

And in many ways, this reflects the same qualities he brings to the basketball court: consistency, teamwork, and trust. Just as he’s willing to make the extra pass or lock down an opponent on defense, he’s willing to put in the extra effort to build something lasting for others to enjoy.

Looking Ahead

What does this mean for Trimble’s future? On the basketball side, he remains a critical leader for the Tar Heels as they chase ACC titles and another shot at the Final Four. On the business side, he has already planted seeds for a post-basketball career. Whether he eventually plays professionally or not, he’ll carry with him both the lessons of entrepreneurship and the respect of a community that has watched him grow.

His ownership of Ben & Jerry’s isn’t just about today’s scoop of ice cream — it’s about tomorrow’s opportunities. It’s a reminder that athletes can be more than just players; they can be builders, role models, and community anchors.

📝 Conclusion

Seth Trimble’s journey from UNC guard to Franklin Street ice cream shop owner is more than just a headline. It’s a powerful reminder that true leadership is about service, that community is built not only in arenas but also in small shops where people gather, laugh, and share moments.

In an era where athletes are often judged solely by points, rebounds, and assists, Trimble is redefining success. His legacy will not just be in the box scores or highlight reels, but in the countless smiles that come with every scoop of Cherry Garcia or Half Baked sold under his watch.

As Chapel Hill fans cheer him on this season, they’ll know that Trimble isn’t just playing for victories — he’s playing for something bigger. And in that sense, he’s already a champion.