Bubba’s Ice Cream owner Jon Arnone is optimistic about plans for a second location that could bring the longtime ice cream shop to Danville’s Schoolfield District, across from Caesars Virginia.
While the project is not yet a done deal, a proposal involving the property is scheduled to go before the Danville Industrial Development Authority at its Aug. 11 meeting.
“From what I am hearing and understanding, everyone seems to be on board with the proposal moving forward,” Arnone said.
According to the IDA agenda, Bubba’s Properties LLC has submitted a letter of intent to lease, purchase and develop a portion of Parcel 51588 on West Main Street for a soft-serve ice cream shop.
The approximately 2.84-acre parcel is owned by the IDA and is located near Caesars Virginia.
“We are looking at a portion of the lot on the northern end to open our second location,” Arnone said. “The lot is very narrow, and we will work with the IDA to figure out the best design and layout for the new Bubba’s.”
Arnone has owned Bubba’s Ice Cream since 2016.
The proposal requires an additional step because of Caesars Virginia’s existing rights involving the property.
According to the IDA staff report, the First Amended and Restated Casino Resort Development Agreement, executed May 17, 2024, grants Caesars Virginia LLC certain rights involving Parcel 51588. As a result, the proposed transaction requires a Right of First Refusal Waiver, Consent and Project Acknowledgment among Caesars Virginia, Bubba’s Properties LLC and the IDA.
The resolution scheduled for consideration would authorize those agreements and allow the proposed transaction to move forward. It would not constitute final approval of construction or development plans for the ice cream shop.
If the project proceeds, Arnone said the Danville shop would operate year-round, following a schedule similar to Bubba’s existing location. He said it would generally close only during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The proposed location would focus exclusively on ice cream and would not offer grill items or indoor seating.
“The new building will be a bit smaller than our current location but will be similar, including a walk-up window and outdoor seating,” Arnone said. “We are very excited and feel like things are looking really good to get this in the works.”