In this part of the world there are a few unofficial, yet important, holidays that people consistently have marked on their calendars: Reds Opening Day, Ohio State vs. the team up north, and, of course, the start of Flub’s season.
An early March visit to Flub’s has been a Hamiltonian tradition for decades, as evidenced by the smiling faces, running children, and the line of cars trailing down Eaton Avenue, regardless of weather. There are few businesses that are as synonymous with Hamilton as Flub’s, and for many lifelong Hamiltonians, Flub’s has been part of their lives since they were children. Countless residents can recall regular visits to the dari-ette, and their love of Flub’s has been passed from one generation to the next. This is certainly the case for Brian Connaughton, the current owner and operator of Flub’s.
Brian definitely got an early start in the ice cream business. When Brian was a young boy, he fondly recalls that he was paid a penny for each ice cream sandwich bag that he stamped with the Flub’s logo. Fast forward to the present day and you’ll find Brian getting ready to open for another delicious season, now as the owner and operator of multiple Flub’s locations.
Flub’s has been a Hamilton fixture for over 50 years since Mike and Ann Connaughton purchased what was then known as “The Dari-ette.” Since then, the Connaughton family has been serving up delicious ice cream, sundaes, and cyclones to Hamiltonians young and old.
“My dad was always a school teacher first and foremost. Flub’s was something that he could do with his summer breaks as a second income” says Brian. Mike, according to Brian, also had a degree in hotel and restaurant management, so owning Flub’s was something that catered to his interests and education.
Brian Connaughton, who took over Flub’s in 2003, attributes their success to two simple things: drive and hard work. “Family comes first for me; then comes the business. My wife, Jodie, and I pride ourselves on our dedication to quality and creating a family friendly atmosphere.” Flub’s, Brian and Jodie are quick to point out, also owes a great deal of its success to its wonderful employees that work for them each season.
The mission for Flub’s has always been a simple one: Keep the quality and price as fair as possible. There is an obvious pride centered around Flub’s, not just within the Connaughton family, but the Hamilton community itself. Whenever discussions occur about where the best ice cream in Cincinnati is, someone from Hamilton is always quick to point out Flub’s as a must visit locale. In Hamilton, “there is a hometown feel and pride surrounding mom and pop shops like ours,” says Brian.
Since 1966, customers and community have been a big part of the Flub’s story. At age 10, Brian remembers one of his first jobs at Flub’s was sitting on the counter and thanking customers whenever they made a purchase. This commitment to customer service and satisfaction has stayed with Brian ever since. Whether it’s after school in early May, or a West Side Little League game in the dog days of summer, Flub’s is always there to make people feel welcome. “Our customers are loyal and everybody knows everybody,” Brian adds.
Hamilton, however, is not the only Butler county community able to take part in the frozen treats Flub’s is famous for. Their commitment to providing high quality desserts has expanded to other communities since Brian took over the business. In 2006, he opened a second location in Fairfield, and in 2016 he added a third store in Ross. The Flubsmobile also makes regular visits during the summer to both Riversedge and Village Green concerts.
Brian and Jodie couldn’t contain their excitement about the upcoming opening of the Hamilton location. “We are so looking forward to seeing everyone on March 1st!” For more information about menu items, hours of operation, and the Flubsmobile schedule, please visit flubsicecream.com or visit them on facebook.