J A C K S O N , M I S S I S S I P P I
Nothing says summer in Mississippi quite like long days, high temperatures, and a trip through the Bop’s drive-thru, home of the infamous Snappy Turtle. Frozen treats and delicious eats are not the only things you will find when visiting Bop’s Frozen Custard shop. There you are bound to encounter a family legacy filled with smiles, faithfulness, and Jesus. Bop’s was founded by Starkville native Jimmy Eckford in 2001, but before he opened those neon-lighted lanes, he had an encounter with God that changed his life. That encounter led to him accepting Jesus as his Savior, a decision that shifted his heart toward ministry and mission work.
Eckford went all in. He and his high school sweetheart sold their home, land, and business to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attend Rhema Bible Training Center. While pursuing their studies, Eckford found a local ice cream shop that was whipping up what he believed to be the best ice cream. It was cool, sweet, and rich and unlike the soft serve or scoops he was used to. After several taste tests, a little research, and a few dozen more cones, Eckford discovered that what he was eating was actually frozen custard or “old-fashioned ice cream.” Little did he know, his sweet tooth was guiding him toward his next venture.
Two years in Tulsa led to eight years touring and serving with traveling minister Kieth Moore, but in 2000 Jimmy’s mission changed. The idea of launching a confectionary shop serving up the best frozen custard became top of mind. Bop’s was conceptualized and then, with family support and inspiration, its doors opened on County Line Road in 2001.
The Jackson shop became a little missions hub in a way. Every scoop, malt, and shake was served with a smile and to the tune of Christian music. Every teen employed there learned strong work ethics and customer kindness all while remaining in a Christian environment. Eckford was able to impact lives, share the Gospel, and build a family legacy with whipped cream and cherries on top. In fact, several of the menu items were named after Mr. Jimmy’s grandchildren. There is the Anna Banna (Anna Kate), Katie’s Crunch (Katie), Margaritaville (Margaret), Amazin’ Grace (Grace), and Big Bubba (Joshua). Talk about a family business!
Ask any local, and they will tell you that there is nothing quite like Bop’s Frozen Custard. It is a one-of-a-kind shop for a one-of-a-kind family of a one-of-a-kind man. Jimmy Eckford’s shop is headed into its 21st year of business and its lanes remain open for ice cream connoisseurs from all over. Steeped in tradition and Christian values, it serves up sweet treats all year long. Now, who is ready for a Snappy Turtle?!
Eckford went all in. He and his high school sweetheart sold their home, land, and business to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attend Rhema Bible Training Center. While pursuing their studies, Eckford found a local ice cream shop that was whipping up what he believed to be the best ice cream. It was cool, sweet, and rich and unlike the soft serve or scoops he was used to. After several taste tests, a little research, and a few dozen more cones, Eckford discovered that what he was eating was actually frozen custard or “old-fashioned ice cream.” Little did he know, his sweet tooth was guiding him toward his next venture.
Two years in Tulsa led to eight years touring and serving with traveling minister Kieth Moore, but in 2000 Jimmy’s mission changed. The idea of launching a confectionary shop serving up the best frozen custard became top of mind. Bop’s was conceptualized and then, with family support and inspiration, its doors opened on County Line Road in 2001.
The Jackson shop became a little missions hub in a way. Every scoop, malt, and shake was served with a smile and to the tune of Christian music. Every teen employed there learned strong work ethics and customer kindness all while remaining in a Christian environment. Eckford was able to impact lives, share the Gospel, and build a family legacy with whipped cream and cherries on top. In fact, several of the menu items were named after Mr. Jimmy’s grandchildren. There is the Anna Banna (Anna Kate), Katie’s Crunch (Katie), Margaritaville (Margaret), Amazin’ Grace (Grace), and Big Bubba (Joshua). Talk about a family business!
Ask any local, and they will tell you that there is nothing quite like Bop’s Frozen Custard. It is a one-of-a-kind shop for a one-of-a-kind family of a one-of-a-kind man. Jimmy Eckford’s shop is headed into its 21st year of business and its lanes remain open for ice cream connoisseurs from all over. Steeped in tradition and Christian values, it serves up sweet treats all year long. Now, who is ready for a Snappy Turtle?!
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