The dealership was started by Joseph Barbera, Sr., a shoemaker from Italy.  He came to the United States in the 1920's.    He first sold Willy Overland automobiles and then Studebaker.  Then in1926 he became a Chevrolet dealer, until his death in 1953.  Then the dealership was run by two of his sons, Sam Barbera and Jerome Barbera.  Jerome Barbera became the dealer in 1962. Then on March 21, 1997, Jerome retired and the dealership became a third generation business, when his son Robert "Bobby" Barbera became the dealer.

Chevrolet Motor Division executives were at Barbera's in Napoleonville for the signing of the Franchise Agreement. Tim Hughes, Zone Manager; Jerome Barbera; Guy Ritchie, District Sales Manager; and Bobby Barbera, seated.