DANVILLE — An ice cream shop could be coming to the Dan River Falls commercial and residential development in the River District.
Blue Cow Ice Cream Co., a Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø-based business that began in 2017, plans to open a location at the site. If it does, the ice cream shop would be the first commercial tenant there.
“Blue Cow has expressed interest in the two smaller buildings located outside of the main Dan River Falls structure,†said Samantha Bagbey, project manager with the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism. “However, no final decision has been made and their potential location is still subject to further evaluation and approval.â€
The Danville Industrial Development Authority, which has an ownership agreement with Dan River Falls’ developers, The Alexander Co. in Madison, Wisconsin, reviewed the Blue Cow project last week.
People are also reading…
Blue Cow Ice Cream Co., based in Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, hopes to open an ice cream shop at Dan River Falls commercial and residential development.
There is no confirmed timeline for the project, Bagbey said.
If the IDA approves a letter of intent from Blue Cow’s owners, a 90-day due diligence period would begin in which they would examine the feasibility of proceeding with the project.
“Blue Cow has built a strong reputation across Virginia for their high-quality, small-batch ice cream and commitment to sourcing locally when possible,†Bagbey said. “The founders have ties to the Danville area and have shown a genuine interest in contributing to the community.â€
If Blue Cow were to open at Dan River Falls, the business would be the IDA’s tenant.
In their letter of intent to Bagbey, Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. owners Carolyn and Jason Kiser pointed to their product as “delivered by a team of dedicated ice cream enthusiasts through fun and inspiring retail spaces.â€
“Our products and brand change the way in which we think about ice cream,†they wrote.
Since starting up in Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø eight years ago, they’ve opened additional locations in Virginia Beach, Richmond (which has two locations) and Fredericksburg.
“Danville’s Dan River Falls is a top choice for our next location,†the Kisers wrote.
An ice-cream shop in the River District would be a perfect fit for the area downtown, Bagbey believes.
“Their presence could enhance the River District by attracting both residents and visitors, supporting local collaborations and creating a destination-style experience that aligns with the city’s revitalization goals,†she said.
Kendra Bishop, director of business development with The Alexander Co., pointed out that the ice cream shop would be close to the Riverfront Park.
“We would be delighted to welcome an ice cream shop and believe it would an excellent complement to the new community created along the riverfront,†Bishop said. “I picture Dan River Falls residents grabbing ice cream and meandering over to the new park to gather amongst friends and family along the river.â€
Blue Cow reached out to the city’s office of economic development and tourism to express interest in opening a location in the River District, she said.
Preliminary discussion between city officials and Blue Cow started in early October, Bagbey said.
“We believe this location will be a winning one for Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. and for the Danville community,†the Kisers wrote in their letter.
