The Most Fun Food Mistake in the World

(Gerry Furth-Sides) For 76 years and counting, Sugar ‘n Spice has been the original creator and vendor of the infamous frozen banana dessert. Bob & Dorothy (Dot) Cook opened Dot & Bob’s Candy Shop in 1945. Why “infamous?”

One day, their 11 year old son, Don, put some bananas in the freezer by accident. When his mother asked Don for the bananas a few days later, they realized his “mistake.”

Ready to throw the bananas away, Bob stopped himself and had the idea to dip them in warm fudge and cover the outside in various toppings like English Toffee crumbs and chopped peanuts. Thus, the Original Frozen Banana was born!

The delicious creation was an instant hit with their patrons, with many visitors coming to Balboa Island just for the unique, frozen treat. The Cook’s instantly added the bananas to the shop’s menu. They soon expanded to selling blocks of vanilla ice cream on a stick which, like the frozen bananas, they dunked in melted chocolate and rolled in various toppings – leading to the beginning of the Balboa Bar! 

In 1958, the shop officially changed its name to Sugar ’n Spice (SNS) with the essence of Dot & Bob’s Candy Shop still at heart. In 1995, Helen Connolly took her life savings and purchased Sugar ’n Spice which is now owned and operated by her daughter, Courtney and son-in-law, Will.

The shop has been the inspiration for the prime-time TV show, Arrested Development, with the stand appearing under the fictional name, Bluth’s Original Frozen Banana Stand. The replica even included the stand’s infamous royal blue logo and beloved, “Banana Guy” mascot. 

Thanks to Courtney and Will, the SNS treats and brand is now recognizable beyond Los Angeles. With a catering truck, Goldbelly partnership, congressional recognitions and being Goodwill Ambassadors for the island, the two have taken the SNS name to the next level. They want nothing more than to see Sugar ’n Spice hit the next big milestone of 100 years, and are so proud to see generations of patrons filled with joy.