Home of Bubba’s Famous Upside Down Banana Split
Iconic Frozen Treats: Creamy Soft Serve & Homemade Italian Ice
Full Support & Extensive Franchise Training
Want to learn more about opening your own Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream franchise? Fill out the form below to get started today!
Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream has been a community favorite in Danville, Virginia, since 1959. Founded by Clarence “Bubba” Barker, the shop became known for introducing soft-serve ice cream and its signature Upside Down Banana Split. For decades, Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream has been a gathering place for families to enjoy delicious treats and create lasting memories.
In 2016, John Arnone brought fresh energy to Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream while preserving its nostalgic charm. Today, this unique ice cream brand continues to offer high-quality soft-serve, Italian ice, and creative sweet desserts while expanding its legacy through franchise opportunities.
Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream has been a community favorite in Danville, Virginia, since 1959. Founded by Clarence “Bubba” Barker, the shop became known for introducing soft serve ice cream and its signature Upside Down Banana Split. For decades, Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream has been a gathering place for families to enjoy delicious treats and create lasting memories.
In 2016, John Arnone brought fresh energy to Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream while preserving its nostalgic charm. Today, this unique ice cream brand continues to offer high-quality soft serve, Italian ice, and creative sweet desserts while expanding its legacy through franchise opportunities.
Here’s why Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream stands out from the rest:
Established in 1959, Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream has been a local favorite for generations. Offering a strong connection to nostalgic memories and high-quality soft serve ice cream.
From the famous Upside Down Banana Split to Italian ice and custom sundaes. Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream offers a unique product lineup in a flexible, seasonal franchise business model.
Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support in everything from operations to marketing. Ensuring they have the tools they need to open their own Bubba’s franchise.
Operate an easy-to-start, easy-to-run streamlined, walk-up ice cream stand. A Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream franchise is easy to manage and designed for quick service with minimal overhead.
The ice cream industry continues to thrive. With families seeking fun, affordable experiences. Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream offers a chance to bring smiles and treats to your family & freinds.
Turn your passion for sweet moments into a thriving business with Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream!
The ice cream industry continues to thrive as consumers seek delicious and nostalgic treats. With consistent market growth and increasing demand for frozen desserts. There’s never been a better time to invest in an ice cream franchise. The combination of industry expansion and customer loyalty creates a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to serve up sweet treats and experiences.
The global frozen desserts market is projected to hit $124.82 billion by 2030, growing steadily at 4.15% annually. ¹
The U.S. ice cream market is estimated to generate $15.01 billion in 2025, with a sweet 5.12% annual growth rate through 2030. ²
Many U.S. ice cream manufacturers have been family-owned for over 50 years, blending tradition with timeless treats. ³
The average American indulges in 4 gallons of ice cream per year—about 20 pounds of pure joy. ⁴
Owning a Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream franchise is your chance to be part of a beloved iconic brand with deep community roots while running a flexible and scalable business. Franchisees gain access to detailed training, ongoing support, and a streamlined franchsie business model designed for growth.
Estimated Initial Investment
$435,509 to $590,320*
Franchise Fee
$24,200 – $30,000
(Discounts available for military veterans and additional locations)
*See the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for more information.
Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream is expanding, offering exciting ice cream franchise opportunities in Virginia, North Carolina, and beyond. The initial focus will be on cities within a couple of hours’ drive from our flagship location in Danville, Virginia, including Lynchburg, Roanoke, Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham, and Chapel Hill.
As we grow, future expansion plans include territories across the Southeast, providing new franchisees the opportunity to join a legendary brand that has delighted communities for generations.
Be among the first to bring Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream to your city. Offer your community a taste of sweet tradition and fresh experiences.
At Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream, we are committed to giving every franchise owner the tools and resources needed to build a thriving business. From site selection to daily operations, we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you grow your business.
Receive comprehensive training and guidance on site selection, build-out specifications, and inventory setup to ensure your franchise gets off to a smooth start.
We’ll help you develop a customized grand opening marketing plan and provide access to ready-made marketing materials that can be tailored for your local marketing needs.
Franchisees benefit from ongoing business coaching and regular field visits covering operations, finances, maintenance, and marketing strategies to keep your business running efficiently.
Gain access to approved Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream technology tools designed to streamline your business operations and assist with scheduling, reporting, and more.
Our franchise team will assist with your initial inventory and equipment orders, helping you navigate preferred Bubba’s vendor relationships for cost-effective solutions.
A go-to resource for running your franchise. Our comprehensive operations manual covers everything from daily procedures to financial management and more.
Our dedicated support team is available by phone or email to assist you with any questions or challenges you encounter in your day-to-day operations.
Contact our franchise team to learn more about Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream opportunity. We’ll provide a brief overview and answer your initial questions.
Schedule a call with our franchise development team to discuss your goals, qualifications, and what makes Bubba’s such a unique and rewarding business opportunity.
Complete and submit the franchise application. This helps us get to know you better and evaluate whether Bubba’s is the right fit for you.
Once your application is approved, we’ll provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), detailing investment requirements and operational expectations.
Join us for a Discovery Day at our flagship location in Danville, VA. Experience the Bubba’s brand in action, tour the facility, and meet key members of our leadership team.
After all questions are answered and both sides agree it’s a perfect match, finalize the Franchise Agreement and officially become part of the Bubba’s Famous Ice Cream family.
Participate in a comprehensive training program at our Danville headquarters. We’ll cover everything from site selection to operations, marketing, and customer service.
Our team will help you prepare for your grand opening with a customized marketing plan and on-site support to ensure a successful launch in your community.
434-425-7456
BUBBA’S ICE CREAM FRANCHISING LLC
(434) 425-7456
franchiseinfo@bubbasicecream.com
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