Midtown just got a lot louder in the dessert department. Banana Daddy has planted its first permanent flag at 3415 NE 1st Ave, turning a once-roaming banana-and-coconut soft-serve concept into a 1,500-square-foot, neon-lit hangout. Inside and out, the storefront is built for lingering and posting, with indoor and outdoor seating, a bold banana wall and merch that leans into its self-aware “Big Banana Energy” vibe. The flagship expands on the brand’s all-electric “Swirls” truck and is positioned to catch everything from quick snack breaks to late-night dessert runs.
From Kitchen Experiments To A Midtown Destination
Banana Daddy started as a side project between two Miami couples, Tom Favorule and Jordan Frey and Chris and Emily Campbell, who turned a running dinner-party joke into a serious business, according to What Now. “We spent years perfecting these recipes because we refused to put anything out there that wasn't exceptional,” the founders say.
What’s On The Menu And When To Go
The shop’s menu is built around scratch-made soft serve that leans heavily on banana and coconut, with rotating flavors, signature sundaes, protein shakes, parfaits, specialty iced coffees and fresh-baked treats. Many options are gluten- and dairy-free, according to Banana Daddy. The Midtown location also serves as a base for catering and private events, while local listings such as Restaurantji show hours as Wednesday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the shop closed on Tuesdays.
From Swirls Truck To Brick-And-Mortar
Before locking in the Midtown address, Banana Daddy tested the waters on the road. Its fully electric “Swirls” truck rolled into Art Week, popping up at NADA and other events to hand out soft serve, trial new flavors and build a following, according to Eater Miami. The pop-up approach, paired with event catering, helped the team bank some early buzz ahead of the storefront opening.
Why Banana Daddy’s Timing Hits The Sweet Spot
Banana Daddy is stepping in at a moment when plant-based desserts and baked goods are holding strong as a bright spot in the broader alt-protein retail category, a trend highlighted by the Good Food Institute. In an event-heavy city like Miami, a scratch-made, vegan-friendly soft-serve brand has room to grow well beyond walk-in orders, with opportunities that range from branded merch to private gatherings.
For now, the new Midtown shop slots into Miami’s dessert circuit as a high-color, selfie-ready stop for families, nearby office workers and visitors. Locals can still expect to see the Swirls truck around town, as the team continues to split its time between the street and the storefront this year.
