Home Ice Cream shutting down in Bundaberg, Gladstone, North Burnett

Neighbourhoods will no longer hear the familiar sound of the Home Ice Cream van’s bell as the company confirms a closure affecting several areas.

The sweet taste of a jelly top ice cream or a toffee log will be no more in Bundaberg, Gladstone and parts of Burnett with the Home Ice Cream’s local franchises closing.

The company confirmed the news via Facebook which said the closures were due to “economic pressure”.

The final delivery in Bundaberg was last Wednesday.

“Thanks for your support over the 30 years, 20 years by Dan (Hunter) first from early 1993, and of late November 2015 till … November 2022,” it said.

“Thanks to all for your support and understanding.”

The franchise owners thanked those had left well wishes.

Judy Cairns was one customer who said she was saddened by the closure.

“We looked forward to hearing your bell on your trip around the neighbourhood,” she said.

“Good luck with your new adventures.”

Home Ice Cream in Bundaberg and Gladstone, servicing parts of the Burnett, is closing.

Victoria Jones said she was grateful to have the service at the North Burnett.

“Thanks very much Dan for coming out to Mount Perry with your tasty ice creams,” she said.

“We will miss seeing you and hearing the bell ringing. All the best for your future.”

Karen Hockey said she would miss their delicious treats.

“Thank you for bringing your van of frozen delights to Woodgate, Childers and Monto over these many years,” she said.

It’s not the only big news around the company in recent years.

Home Ice Cream's Dan Hunter.

In 2020, Mr Hunter, who first started working with Home Ice Cream in Hervey Bay during the early 90s, spoke to Bundaberg media about the positive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sales, which saw a surge as people remained home or in isolation.

That same year, Home Ice Cream company director and secretary Berenice Reisinger, who co-founded Toowoomba’s Pixie Ice Cream with husband Keith in 1959, leading to the formation of Home Ice Cream in 1988, announced she had resigned.

Home Ice Cream’s managing director and daughter of the Reisinger couple, Beth French, said Mrs Reisinger stepped down to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Home Ice Cream remains active in many Queensland locations and welcomes submissions from interested franchisees.

The company, and the local franchisees, have been contacted for comment.