by Molly Eide Marquez

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Fresno, BB’s Gelateria is more than just a dessert shop—it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and a passion for authentic Italian flavors. Since opening its doors in January, BB’s Gelateria has quickly become a beloved gathering place, offering rich, creamy gelato, refreshing Italian sodas, and an old-school ice cream parlor atmosphere that invites visitors to sit, play, and stay a while.

For owner Stacy Williams, BB’s Gelateria is deeply personal. “I have always wanted to share my love for community and my Italian heritage with Fresno,” she explains. The inspiration for the shop came after a difficult time in her life when she lost both her job and her grandmother, Betty, in October of 2024. Soon after, she discovered the gelateria was for sale. Seeing an opportunity to turn hardship into something positive, she took the leap. “We turned lemons into limoncello,” she says with a smile. The name BB’s is a tribute to two influential women in her life—her grandmother Betty and her fiancée’s mother, Beatrice, affectionately known as Bea.

BB’s Gelateria stands out as Fresno’s only full gelateria, bringing a truly Italian café experience to the city. Customers can indulge in authentic gelato, gelato-filled cannoli, and classic floats while enjoying the stunning Art Deco ambiance of its historic location inside the Warnors Theatre building. The shop also offers board games, creating a welcoming, nostalgic space where families and friends can gather. “Watching kids put tablets down and play chess or Chinese checkers in our shop is beautiful,” Stacy says.

The response from the community has been overwhelming. Despite launching in January, a time many cautioned would be tough for a new business, BB’s opened to a packed house. Even the grand opening, held on a rainy day, drew more than fifty people who huddled under umbrellas to celebrate.

For Stacy, choosing Downtown Fresno as BB’s home was a natural decision. “Downtown is literally the heartbeat of Fresno,” she says. “The buildings are amazing, the art is inspiring, and the people are what make it so special.” She sees BB’s as part of the ongoing revitalization of the area, introducing visitors to its beauty and historic charm. In fact, since she opened her doors, two friends have opened businesses nearby, reinforcing her belief that “if we create space, people will come.”

BB’s Gelateria is also committed to giving back. The shop has collaborated with local Girl Scout troops, donated kids’ scoops to Kepler School, and hosted an all-women Valentine’s Day collaboration that was met with enthusiastic support. Stacy, who has spent years working with local nonprofits and community organizations, views her business as an extension of that work. “Creating a communal space that uplifts our diverse city is such a beautiful honor to me,” she says. “Having a business doesn’t have to be just about profits—it can be about equity.”

Looking ahead, Stacy has exciting plans for BB’s, including Saturday chess lessons, downtown office lunch specials, and a “happy hour” mocktail night to provide a fun, alcohol-free social space. Private gelato socials and catering for weddings and events are also in the works.

Stacy encourages locals to support BB’s Gelateria and other small businesses in the area. “Come downtown! When you think about spending money, spend at locally owned small businesses—we need you way more than the corporate spots,” she urges. Even something as simple as liking and sharing social media posts can make a difference.

BB’s Gelateria is proof that great flavors and a welcoming space can bring people together. Whether you’re a longtime Fresnan or visiting for the first time, stop by, grab a scoop of delicious gelato, and experience the warmth of community at BB’s.

BB’s Gelateria is located in Downtown Fresno at 2017 Tuolumne St, Fresno, CA 93721. Follow them on Instagram at bbs_gelateria for the latest flavors and events!

Molly is a Central Valley native, where she and her family live, work, and play. A graduate of CSU Fresno, she is actively involved in the local community and is proud to lift up those around her, shining light on the many wonderful people and organizations that make the Central Valley such a great place to live.