Sugar ’N Spice Vs. Dad’s: the Decades-Long Rivalry for Balboa Island’s Frozen Banana Crown
Q1: Who actually invented the frozen banana on Balboa Island?
A: Historical records attribute the original frozen banana to Bob Phillips, who began selling them from an outdoor stand along the Balboa Peninsula around 1940. Sugar ’n Spice was the first to open a permanent brick-and-mortar storefront on Balboa Island proper in 1945.
Q2: What is the difference between a frozen banana and a Balboa Bar?
A: A frozen banana uses a whole, peeled, frozen banana impaled on a stick as its core. A Balboa Bar replaces the fruit with a thick, rectangular slab of premium vanilla ice cream, which is then submerged into melted chocolate and coated with the same toppings.
Q3: Which shop is better for visitors with dairy or nut allergies?
A: Sugar ’n Spice offers clearly labeled dairy-free and vegan dark chocolate dips, along with dedicated nut-free preparation stations upon request. However, because both small shops process extensive volumes of peanuts, pecans, and dairy toppings in close quarters, individuals with severe airborne or cross-contact allergies should exercise caution.
