Welcome Aboard: Bubba’s Ice Cream
Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream first opened its doors in the spring of 1959, when Clarence “Bubba” Barker introduced Danville, Virginia, to its first soft-serve ice cream at 2626 North Main Street. It was here that his now-iconic creation—the “Upside Down Banana Split”—was born, marking the beginning of a local tradition beloved by generations. Operating from a street-front location, Bubba and his wife Lucille ran the business until 1978, laying the foundation for a family-oriented and community-loved ice cream shop.
After remaining in the family—under the care of Bubba’s niece Judy Thornton and then her son Steve—the business was purchased in 2016 by John Arnone, who inherited not only the brand but also an enduring legacy. Recognizing Bubba’s significance to the community, Arnone brought renewed energy while honoring its nostalgic charm. In 2023, the shop moved to a larger, more modern location at 2455 Franklin Turnpike, housed in a renovated former car wash. This move enabled expanded capacity, better facilities, and more seating—enhancing both operational efficiency and the customer experience.
Today, Bubba’s continues to delight customers with its classic soft-serve offerings—vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, plus a rotating flavor of the month like butter pecan—as well as its signature Upside Down Banana Split and homemade Italian ice in flavors such as mango, blue raspberry, and cherry. A standout addition is their “wet nuts,” pecans soaked in homemade maple syrup, a beloved topping that accompanies nearly every dessert. Under Arnone’s stewardship, Bubba’s remains a vibrant institution, blending cherished traditions with fresh appeal in a welcoming, updated setting.
What others are saying about: Bubba’s Ice Cream
“Bubba’s has been a generational family outing. Alot of childhood memories here and ice cream still taste the same. Thank you for your customer service and still being the BEST ice cream in the South East.” -Actual customer review
Right-Fit Franchisees
Bubba’s Ice Cream is committed to growing their franchise system with right-fit franchisees. They recently engaged Zorakle Profiles in a research project to determine the DNA of their ideal franchisee. Zorakle’s SpotOn! Blueprint uses 7 statistically validated sciences to determine the attributes that separate high-performing franchisees from low performers. Welcome Aboard Bubba’s Ice Cream.
Learn more about: Bubba’s Ice Cream
Contact: 434-425-7456