Clumpies Partners Recognized for Outstanding Service

The Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association has awarded two Clumpies Ice Cream Co. partners with STARS of the Industry hospitality honors. 

Kaitlin Jordan – Clumpies Southside 

Ava Lafayette - Clumpies St. Elmo   

The mission of the GCHA is to promote and enhance the lodging, restaurant, tourism, and allied industries through education, government relations, environment excellence and community service. Each year, the association honors outstanding individuals, organizations, and establishments that have made meaningful contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality and tourism industry. 

Kaitlin and Ava, along with other local hospitality standouts, were honored at a GCHA luncheon on June 17 at Ruby Falls. 

Kaitlin, manager of Clumpies Southside has been with Clumpies for seven years. Kaitlin’s passion for psychology—especially its role in the workplace and guest service training—has led her to the Professional I-O Psychology Master’s Program from the University of Georgia. In fact, her insights have proven so resourceful that they're utilized in training courses across Rock City Enterprises. 

Fellow employees describe Kaitlin as being humble and reserved—eager to praise others than giving herself credit for anything. Rarely at her desk, Kaitlin is usually behind the counter serving up scoops. Her presence is greatly appreciated by staff, especially those new to the team, who may encounter challenges along the way. 

Ava has become a rising star at Clumpies, known for taking on responsibilities beyond her part-time team leader role—all while balancing a full course load at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. When management must step away for extended periods, knowing Ava is on the schedule gives them peace of mind that the scoop shop is in top shape.  

Ava’s friendly persona has left a lasting impression on customers, who have gone as far as mentioning her kindness in quite a few Clumpies Google reviews. One of the first things that many customers ask is whether Ava is working today. In fact, one couple in particular stops by every Friday, looking forward to their weekly conversation with Ava. It all began when Ava enthusiastically served the couple samples of Clumpies’ best flavors. Her patience and genuine desire to find their favorite scoops was simple but left a lasting impression on the now-repeat customers. 

These are the second and third honors Clumpies has received from the GCHA within the past year. In 2024, the company earned the STARS of the Industry Greener Tennessee Award for its innovative recycling and composting efforts. 

Kaitlin and Ava, along with all other GCHA award winners, will be nominated for the state-level STARS of the Industry Purple Iris Awards, to be presented at the Tennessee Governor’s Conference in Kingsport on September 18. 

Well done, Kaitlin and Ava — Clumpies is lucky to have you both!