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Shaved Ice Business

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How to Start a Shaved Ice Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on August 9, 2021 Updated on March 13, 2024

Investment range

$7,500 – $28,000

Revenue potential

$60,000 – $200,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$50,000 – $110,000 p.a.

Industry trend

On a hot summer day, shaved ice can be the very definition of refreshing! So why not live out those summertime dreams and start up your own shaved ice business?

The market for shaved ice, or snow cones, is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, offering real opportunity for the smart entrepreneur. The business tends to be seasonable, but you’ll be able to spend your time outdoors, in parks and at special gatherings, enjoying life with locals as you make good money.

You can start out as a solopreneur with a single cart, then scale up to a shaved ice shop or dozens of carts across the city. Of course, starting any business is a challenge that requires hard work and determination. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place, as this step-by-step guide lays out all you need to know to develop and launch your promising shaved ice business.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

It’s crucial to consider the factors that go into starting a business and decide if it’s right for you. Unfortunately, loving shaved ice is not enough to be successful in the business! Read through the below before taking the leap.

Starting a business is going to have both pros and cons. It’s important to review them before jumping into a new business venture.

• Getting started is easy, inexpensive
• Flexible hours
• No experience required
• Follow demand to a variety of outdoor spaces and events
• Make people happy with a tasty dessert!
• Demand tends to be seasonal, depending on your location
• Saturated market with significant competition
• Repetitive, sometimes tedious and strenuous work

Shaved ice industry trends

The shaved ice and snow cone market grew steadily from 2014 to 2019, according to industry analyst Market Research Explore. Following a pandemic-driven downturn in outdoor events, frozen desserts like shaved ice started coming back strong in 2021.

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US frozen dessert market, which includes shaved ice, was valued at $31 billion in 2021, according to market analyst Grand View Research.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-frozen-desserts-market )) 
• Growth forecast – The industry is expected to expand at least 4% annually through 2030.

Trends and challenges

Trends shaping the shaved ice industry include:

• Growing consumer awareness of eating healthy and staying fit
• Rising demand for vegan and dairy-free products
• Consumers stockpiling food with longer shelf life due to pandemic

Challenges in the shaved ice industry include:

• Supply chain disruptions
• Seasonal and highly competitive

How much does it cost to start a shaved ice business?

Startup costs for a shaved ice business are fairly low, assuming you launch your business with a single mobile cart. The minimum start-up total is about $7,500, while the high-end cost, which includes a storefront and mobile vending trailer, is about $28,000.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your shaved ice business. Here’s a list to get you started:

• Ice maker and mobile cart
• Cube/block ice shaver
• Flavored syrups, cups, spoons, straws, napkins
• Tablet Device and point-of-sale software
• Computers and IT equipment

How much can you earn from a shaved ice business?

Because demand fluctuates with the seasons, monthly revenue for a single cart shaved ice business can run from $200 to more than $10,000. From October to March, you may want to consider shifting to a cold-weather alternative, like hot tea, though some owners shut down for the winter and re-open again as the weather warms up.

In your first couple of years, you might generate enough sales to average $5,000 in monthly revenue, which would give you just over $60,000 for the year. This would give you a pre-tax profit of $50,000, assuming an 80% margin.

With your own shop, revenues will be significantly higher, but the increased overhead will bring your margin down to 55%. You might be able to generate $200,000 in annual revenue, which would give you a tidy profit of $110,000.

Within five years you could scale the business to three storefronts and five carts, generating close to $1 million in revenue and nearly half that in profit.

What barriers to entry are there?

After looking at the financials, you can see that there is good revenue potential in the shaved ice business. But there are some barriers to entry to consider before getting started, such as:

• Strict regulations around the safe processing and handling of food products
• High competition from many small-scale operators in shaved ice business and ice cream
• Difficult to build brand loyalty due to the mobile nature of business
• DIY shaved ice machines exist and people may opt to make their own at home
• Seasonality means less consistent income

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

All businesses need to find clients to start making money. That means you need to determine where the demand is for your product. Overall, the frozen dessert industry is very popular, because people love dessert!

However, the demand for shaved ice will primarily be driven by rising demand for low-calories and low-sugar desserts in the US. Consumers are eager to try new options that do not have a negative impact on their health.

Shaved ice is also an excellent alternative for vegans or others who avoid dairy but still want a delicious frozen treat. This is a growing market and is a good segment to market your business towards. Shaved ice also has hundreds of flavors, so your business will have something for every taste of the customer.

What? Determine your products or services

The main ingredients for shaved ice are ice shavings and flavored syrups. Each vendor gains popularity based on their top flavors and customer service. You can purchase flavors in powders, concentrates, and ready-to-use syrups from a supplier such as Snowie .

Shaved ice is usually served in a paper cup or cone with a spoon or straw, though customers can also just eat it directly like an ice cream cone.

There are a few different ways you can sell your shaved ice. The following options vary in mobility and will affect the number of people you can serve. Here are your options:

• Cart — on wheels and mobile, can be rolled up onto a sidewalk, a park, or even the beach
• Kiosk — a small storefront placed on a street with high foot traffic
• Storefront — a traditional brick-and-mortar store that can serve a high volume of customers at one time
• Vending trailer — similar to but larger than a cart, allows for greater sales volume

How much should you charge for shaved ice?

Prices start at around a dollar per 8-ounce cup and go as high as $5 per cup in a pricey district during peak-demand summer months . Research local competitors to check out their offerings and prices, and customer response. Perhaps you could offer a slightly smaller cup at a better price? Or go big with a 12-ounce cup. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

It’s important to identify your target market for your shaved ice business. Here are a few examples of market segments that you can target and promote your product to:

• Families with kids: Kids love sweet treats! Therefore, targeting families and going to where they spend time (i.e. parks, beaches) can be a great way to drive sales.
• Vegans and others avoiding dairy: Since shaved ice does not include dairy, it’s a great alternative for those who are allergic or avoid dairy for ethical reasons. Think cultural events like music and arts festivals.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a storefront. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

You’d also want to go where the demand is. Just think – when do people have a craving for a frozen dessert? With that logic, the best locations to sell shaved ice are sporting events such as baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts; beaches, parks, and other outdoor recreation areas; fairs, festivals, carnivals and other local events; and birthdays, fundraisers, corporate events, weddings, church events.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Shaved Ice Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “shaved ice” or “snow cone”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Icey Delight Co.” over “Shaved Ice Cocktails”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity. 

Step 4: Create a Shaved Ice Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Summarize the essence of your shaved ice business, highlighting the unique flavors, mobile or fixed-location setup, and strategies to attract a diverse customer base.
• Business Overview: Describe your business’s focus on offering shaved ice treats with a variety of flavors and options like natural syrups or toppings.
• Product and Services: List your menu offerings, including different sizes of shaved ice, a variety of syrup flavors, and any additional snacks or beverages.
• Market Analysis: Assess the demand for frozen desserts in your area and identify target demographics, such as families, tourists, or event attendees.
• Competitive Analysis: Examine other local dessert and snack vendors, emphasizing what sets your shaved ice apart, like unique flavors or health-conscious options.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your approach to attracting customers, which might include social media marketing, participating in local events, or loyalty programs.
• Management Team: Highlight your and your team’s expertise in food service, customer relations, and business management.
• Operations Plan: Detail your operational approach, whether it’s a mobile shaved ice truck or a fixed kiosk, including equipment, supply chain, and staffing.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of start-up costs, pricing strategy, expected sales volumes, and profitability projections.
• Appendix: Include additional materials such as market research data, supplier agreements, or health and safety certifications that support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to shaved ice. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your shaved ice business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a shaved ice business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Shaved Ice Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a shaved ice business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your shaved ice business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use food truck software such as Shaved Ice Software , Square , and clover to take payments, manage staff and inventory, and enhance customer experience.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Launching a shaved ice business can be a refreshing venture, and with the right marketing strategies, you can quickly attract a loyal customer base. Here are some concise and practical tips to help you get started:

• Mobile Presence: Utilize social media platforms and location-based apps to inform potential customers about your shaved ice offerings, share promotions, and engage with the community.
• Seasonal Specials: Introduce seasonal flavors and promotions to keep customers excited and coming back, creating a sense of urgency to try your limited-time offerings.
• Collaborate with Local Events: Partner with community events, fairs, and festivals to set up a booth, increasing visibility and providing attendees with a cool treat while enjoying the festivities.
• Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program to reward repeat customers, offering discounts, free upgrades, or a punch-card system to encourage frequent visits.
• Student Discounts: Target schools and colleges by offering student discounts during peak hours, attracting a younger demographic and creating a buzz within the student community.
• Creative Merchandise: Design and sell branded merchandise such as cups, T-shirts, or reusable spoons, turning satisfied customers into walking advertisements for your shaved ice business.
• Themed Nights: Host themed nights or events, such as tropical or retro themes, to create a unique experience and draw in customers looking for more than just a sweet treat.
• Cross-Promotions: Collaborate with nearby businesses, such as cafes or recreational facilities, for cross-promotions that benefit both parties, expanding your customer reach.
• Engaging Visuals: Invest in eye-catching signage and vibrant visuals to make your shaved ice stand visually appealing, attracting passersby and encouraging impulse purchases.
• Customer Testimonials: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on online platforms and share their experiences on social media, building credibility and attracting new customers through word of mouth.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your shaved ice meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your shaved ice business could be:

• Over 100 flavors — find your favorite!
• Book us for your next birthday party!
• Delicious dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan-friendly frozen desserts

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a shaved ice business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been selling shaved ice for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in shaved ice. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build your team

If you are starting small as a solopreneur with a cart, you may not need to hire any employees. As your business grows and you open a brick-and-mortar storefront and acquire additional vending trailers and carts, you will need employees to help you.

The key role in your business will be shaved ice vendors and drivers. As your business grows, you may need additional support. Here are some of the jobs you will need to fill if you scale up your business:

• Administrative assistant to help with general paperwork and basic duties.
• Marketing executive to help with promotion and social media accounts.
• Operations manager to help with scheduling and human resources duties
• Accountant and bookkeeper to help with the financial duties.

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Shaved Ice Business – Start Making Money!

Finally. You are at the last and most exciting step! Don’t let the seasonality of this business get in the way. You could come up with season-themed promotions or special products that would attract customers regardless of the season. A creative marketing campaign, both in digital and traditional formats, could do the trick.

Remember also that there’s an increasing demand for all-natural and sugar-free products, so you might take advantage of that and come up with innovative flavors that meet this need. This will promote your brand and encourage repeat customers. 

Now, you’re ready to start shaving ice and making money!

• Shaved Ice Business FAQs

Shaved ice machines range between $1,000 and $5,000, averaging at $3,000. The price varies depending upon its manufacturer and how fine it shaves the ice.

There are two ways to make shaved ice. Either you use the food processor to grind the ice cubes, or you do it through professional shaved ice machines. To be a successful shaved ice business you should invest in a high-quality shaved ice machine. It’s important to have a quality product so that clients will love it and come back for more!

Shaved ice is very light and fluffy, similar to the texture of snow, whereas snow cones have crushed ice that have relatively larger granules. Again, investing in a high-quality machine will ensure a high-quality product that customers are happy with.

A shaved ice business can be profitable, but the level of profitability depends on various factors such as location, market demand, competition, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency. It’s not likely to be a high growth business, however.

To achieve fluffy shaved ice, consider the following factors:

• Quality ice: Start with high-quality ice that is finely shaved or finely crushed. Use an ice shaver that produces consistent and fine ice particles.
• Proper ice temperature: The ice should be kept at the right temperature to prevent melting or freezing into larger ice chunks, resulting in a finer texture.
• Flavored syrups: Use high-quality flavored syrups that are evenly distributed throughout the shaved ice to enhance the taste and experience.
• Layering technique: Layer the flavored syrups between layers of shaved ice to ensure even distribution and enhance the flavor.

Experiment with unique and creative flavor options that appeal to your target market. Offer interesting combinations and seasonal specials to keep customers engaged. Introduce distinctive and premium toppings that complement your shaved ice offerings. Consider using fresh fruits, gourmet sauces, unique syrups, or even customized toppings.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Shaved Ice Business Name
• Create a Shaved Ice Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Shaved Ice Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build your team
• Run a Shaved Ice Business - Start Making Money!

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Shaved Ice Beverage Business Plan

Start your own shaved ice beverage business plan

Executive Summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. It describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">

Ice Dreams will sell shave ice as its primary product in addition to soft drinks and frosty Latin drinks called licuados. Shave ice is the hottest new dessert since frozen yogurt! Shave ice is heating up rapidly and shows no sign of cooling.

Shave ice has been around for many years, beginning in Asia, then becoming popular in Hawaii. People would shave ice by hand, creating a cold, flaky snow. Then they’d top it with fruit juices to create a refreshing treat. Something this good couldn’t remain a secret. In recent years, the taste for shave ice has spread all over the world.

Shave ice is much different than a sno-cone in that it is made by a small counter-top machine that shaves ice rather than grinding it like a sno-cone machine, which results in ice so fine that it rivals real snow! The snow is then placed in bowl or cup and filled with high quality tropical fruit flavors. Because the snow is so soft the syrup is held within its tender texture versus settling to the bottom like traditional sno-cones. Since the syrup is absorbed into the snow, it must be eaten with a spoon instead of a straw.

Because shave ice is so tender and made with the thickest, best-tasting tropical fruit flavors, it is preferred by adults and children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

A drive-through business will be built on privately-owned commercial property on Highway 86 (Adams Avenue) in El Centro, California. Other products which will be incorporated into the business including beverages (soft drinks and licuados).

1.1 Objectives

• To construct a drive-through building (12′ x 20′) on existing privately-owned commercial property (50′ x 120′).
• To produce a net profit of at least $50,000 by the third year of operation.
• To sell 20 different tropical and Mexican flavored syrups.
• To sell other products such as soft drinks and licuados.

1.2 Mission

Ice Dreams will produce and sell shave ice with 20 different flavored syrups, soft drinks, and licuados to consumers in El Centro, California. Retail customers will be in the low- to mid-income bracket, and will range in age from children to adults.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success are:

• Will be the first business of its kind in the city of El Centro, California.
• Business will be located on a major city highway, next to several housing developments, the city pool, near schools and parks, and along a major restaurant and motel strip.
• Product quality will include a large variety of tropical and Mexican flavored syrups.
• Business has the potential for expansion into other Imperial County communities.
• City of El Centro experiences warm to hot weather approximately seven months of the year.
• Two-way traffic on Highway 86 averages 48,300 vehicles on a daily basis.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Ice Dreams will be known for selling shave ice with 20 different tropical and Mexican flavored syrups to children and adults in El Centro, California. Other products will include soft drinks and licuados.

2.1 Company Ownership

Ice Dreams will be owned by Ofelia R. Arellano as a sole proprietorship.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Start-up costs will be approximately $52,010 which will include facility construction including sidewalks, parking, inventory, mandatory city permits, and other expenses associated with opening this business. The start-up costs will be financed through a loan. Appendix A provides more detailed information regarding permit requirements, equipment, construction costs, and land improvements required to open this new business.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

Ice Dreams will be located on Highway 86 in El Centro, California which experiences a high volume of traffic on a daily basis. According to a study by Cal Trans (Traffic Volumes, 1995), approximately 48,300 vehicles pass through this location on a daily basis making it an ideal location for business. The majority of traffic enters and exits via Imperial Avenue and Fourth Avenue traveling through Highway 86.

A 240 square foot drive-through facility will be built on a privately-owned commercial property which will also include parking facilities, landscaping, and a small sitting area. Other major businesses located on Highway 86 include Carl’s Jr., Roberto’s Restaurant, La Fonda Restaurant, Raging Bull Restaurant, China Restaurant, Donut Shop, Steak House, Big John gas station, Recreation Center, and several motels.

The appendix provide additional information on the company facilities, a tentative plot plan, and highlights of the traffic study conducted by Cal Trans.

Main products to be sold through the Ice Dreams business will be shave ice topped with tropical and Mexican flavored syrups in three main sizes: small, medium, and large. Other products will include three soft drinks (Sprite, Coke, and Diet-Coke), and licuados.

3.1 Product Description

One major product will be sold through Ice Dreams which will include shave ice topped with tropical and Mexican flavored syrups. Twenty different tropical and Mexican flavored syrups will be sold and include the following:

Wild Watermelon, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Guava Grape, Cherry Jubilee, Root Beer, Kiwi, Strawberry, Blue Bubble Gum, Orange Mango, Raspberry Red, Luscious Lime, Bodacious Banana, Tamarindo, Jamaica, Hortacha, Melon, Papaya, Manzana, and Limon.

Other products will include soft-drinks in three flavors: Coke, Diet-Coke, and Sprite, and licuados in three flavors (strawberry, banana and mango).

3.2 Competitive Comparison

No other business in El Centro specifically caters to the shaved ice market on a large scale. It is anticipated that prices will be competitive with other businesses who sell shave ice on a smaller basis.

3.3 Sales Literature

Sales literature to be distributed to the general community will include fliers, advertisement in the local newspaper (Imperial Valley Press), and other print media.

3.4 Sourcing

Ice Dreams will purchase products from Crystal Fresh, Inc. which manufactures and distributes high-quality syrups and ice shavers. All equipment and supplies are available through a regional distributor. Mexican flavored syrups will be purchased in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.

3.5 Future Products

It is anticipated that 10-15 additional syrups will be added such as Spearmint, Black Cherry, Cinnamon, Blueberry, Peach, Red Apple, Tutti Frutti, Coconut, Cola, Green Apple, Tangerine, and Vanilla. Also, future products to be sold will include ice cream in vanilla and chocolate flavors.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

El Centro is geographically situated at the junction of major east-west and north-south transportation routes. El Centro is also referred to as the “center of opportunity” with benefits created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) becoming one of Southern California’s most promising new commercial/industrial areas.

El Centro is accessible via Interstate 8, State Highway 111, and State Highway 86, where Ice Dreams will be located.

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4.1 Market Segmentation

According to Advertising Age (September, 1995), premium ice cream and frozen yogurt products are losing market share to mid-priced and other frozen dessert products. Information Resources reported that frozen ice products comprised a third of the $2.4 billion ice cream category for the year ending May 21, 1995, generating $717.7 million, up 9.3% from the previous year.

Based on this information, it is anticipated that the frozen dessert market can be divided into two customer segments. The first segment prefers premium ice cream and frozen yogurt products. The other segment obviously includes those that prefer frozen ice products. Shave ice products are ideal for today’s health-conscious consumers. They boast no fat, no cholesterol, and are relatively low in calories.

Ice Dreams will target all segments of El Centro’s population: children, teenagers, and adults. The Hispanic population will be of special interest since it comprises 65% of El Centro’s total population. This population will be targeted with Mexican flavored syrups and licuados.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Ice Dreams will target the low- to mid-income consumers who want to have a high quality dessert for moderate prices. Ice Dream’s shave ice meets the quality required by these customers since it will also cater to the large Latino population in El Centro with its Mexican flavored syrups.

4.3 Industry Analysis

One of the best known shave ice businesses is Sno Biz Shave Ice under the parent company of Crystal Fresh, Inc. Dealerships such as Sno Biz have demonstrated the success and feasibility of selling shave ice. The Sno Biz dealership has been in existence for the last 11 years with over 3,000 individual dealerships throughout the United States. Sno Biz syrups products are also sold in Wal Marts throughout the country. While no Sno Biz dealership currently exists in California, Sno Biz products are sold at the San Diego Zoo, Lion Country Safari, and the San Diego Military base with great success. The potential success for selling shave ice is attributed to the following:

• Compared to other food service products, Ice Dreams will be a relatively simple business to operate.
• Shave ice is similar to a Mexican favorite called raspado, but because it is softer and tastier, it is preferred over raspados.
• Shave ice has a low food cost and is easy to prepare, which keeps speed-of-service at optimum levels to keep up with high-traffic volumes.
• Ice Dreams will be easy to maintain and clean.
• Shave ice is a product that has yielded a considerable profit in terms of cost to produce at $0.16.
• Shave ice is an ideal product for the health-conscious consumer.

Market research conducted in El Centro did surface one raspado (sno-cone) business on a small scale called “Snow Shack” located on State Street. Snow Shack consists of a small trailer that accommodates only one employee. Sno-cones are sold in cups at prices ranging from $1.00 (small), $1.25 (medium) to $1.50 (large).

Sno-cones were also found to be sold at Garcia’s Food Market and Wal Mart. Each sold sno-cones in one regular size at $1.00 each.

Research conducted in Bullhead City, Arizona noted that the Sno Biz dealership only sells shave ice as their primary product. Shave ice units sold for $1.25 (small), $1.75 (medium) to $2.25 (large) per unit. In interviewing the current owner, he indicated that during his first year in business he was selling 200 units per day.

Research in San Diego, California revealed that shave ice is sold along with other products. Several businesses in Mission Bay sold shave ice with prices ranging from $1.79 (small), $1.99 (medium) and $2.39 (large). In terms of licuados, prices were $2.79 (regular) and $3.15 (large).

Research conducted in Honolulu, Hawaii, showed that in some locations, shave ice sold as high as $5.00 for a regular size. However, the majority of sno-cones were sold by the flavor and not necessarily by the size. For example, one flavor was $1.79, two flavors were $2.29, and three flavors sold for $2.79.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

The shave ice business will be new to El Centro. Competitors in this type of business primarily sell raspados or sno-cones and do not focus on the shave ice market. One major competitor is the “Snow Shack” located on State Street. Snow Shack sells sno-cones through a small, one person trailer with limited choices of syrups. Other competitors sell sno-cones through Garcia’s Market and the Wal-Mart store which also have limited syrup selections and do not necessarily focus on the sno-cone or shave ice industry as their primary product.

The keys to success will definitely focus on selling shave ice and not sno-cones made with coarse ice and selling high quality syrups. Prices will also be competitive with those of the competition.

4.3.2 Main Competitors

Main competitors include the Snow Shack, Garcia’s Market, and Wal-Mart. The following are strengths and weaknesses of each.

• Strengths : The main strength of Snow Shack is that it is the only business in El Centro that caters to the sno-cone market. It also has very reasonable prices.
• Weaknesses : The primary weakness of Snow Shack is that it does not sell shave ice but rather sno-cones made from very coarse ice. Syrups are also not of good quality.
• Garcia’s Market
• Strengths : The main strength of sno-cones sold by Garcia’s Market is their low price of $1.00 and the convenience to the shopper in buying sno-cones while doing their shopping.
• Weaknesses : The main weakness of sno-cones sold by Garcia’s Market is that they do not sell quality syrups and prefer to sell the more inexpensive brand with lower quality taste.
• Strengths : Main strength of sno-cones sold by Wal-Mart is the convenience to the shopper and low price.
• Weaknesses : Wal-Mart’s weakness, like Garcia’s Market, is that they do not sell quality syrups. Also, the sno-cone business is not their primary focus or product.

4.3.3 Industry Participants

The shaved ice industry in El Centro, California currently has no key players since no other business of this type currently exists in the Imperial Valley.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Ice Dreams is planning for slow growth by expanding flavors available from 20 to 30 in year two of operation. Also, an additional product to be sold in year two will include ice cream in flavors of vanilla and chocolate.

5.1 Marketing Strategy

Ice Dream’s overall marketing strategy will be to create an image of offering the highest quality shave ice in Imperial County. The business will be located in a high traffic area of El Centro. Customers will be reached through advertisements such as fliers, newspaper ads, and through its grand opening ceremonies.

A special marketing program will also be incorporated by offering special coupon prices for nearby restaurants, motels, city pool, the donut shop, and the gas station to customers who purchase any product at Ice Dreams.

5.1.1 Promotion Strategy

Ice Dreams will promote shave ice to customers by:

• Flier distribution to consumers’ homes within a five-mile radius.
• Newspaper advertisements will be purchased during the first three months of business until a clientele is built.
• Ice Dreams will offer discounts to recreational groups such as children/adult baseball and football teams who play in nearby facilities.
• Promoting products for an introductory price at its Grand Opening.
• Ice Dreams will “adopt a school” and provide shave ice to individuals who are selected for having excellent attendance, good grades, and good citizenship. Other incentives will include sponsoring a good attendance program by purchasing a bike and raffling it to students with the best attendance. This will be a promotional strategy to encourage business.

5.1.2 Distribution Strategy

5.1.3 positioning statement.

Distribution of shave ice will be through the business facility only. It is anticipated that in the future, a small portable ice shaver will be purchased such that the product could be sold on site at various fund raising functions through churches, schools, etc.

5.1.4 Pricing Strategy

Shave ice will be offered at the following prices:

• Small $1.00
• Medium $1.25
• Large $1.50

Soft Drinks

• Regular $0.79
• Large $0.99
• Regular $1.35

Products will be sold on a cash basis only.

5.2 Sales Strategy

Sales strategy will be directly linked to marketing programs since all sales will be through the business facility only.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

Consumer sales will start in January, 1997 (or sooner if construction is completed before the targeted date) with a grand opening anticipated by then. Sales and units costs for the first six months of 1997 are shown in the sales forecast as projected numbers. As indicated, primary sales will occur during the peak warm weather months as noted in the following chart and table.

5.3 Milestones

Sample Milestones topic text.

The milestones table and chart show the specific detail about actual program activities that should be taking place during the year. Each one has its manager, starting date, ending date, and budget. During the year we will be keeping track of implementation against plan, with reports on the timely completion of these activities as planned.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Ice Dreams will hire an employee to assist with the business. Ice Dreams will require minimum daily supervision after it has been established since all three products are fairly easy to make.

6.1 Organizational Structure

Ofelia R. Arellano, the owner, will have one individual assisting her with the business. Long range plans will include a second employee to assist with the weekend hours.

6.2 Management Team

Ofelia R. Arellano is the most important member of the management team. Dr. Arellano is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with several advanced degrees (Masters and Doctorate in Psychology). She has spent the last six years working as an administrator overseeing a budget of approximately $800,000. Ofelia will oversee the business primarily during the weekend hours and Frank Arellano will oversee the business during weekdays along with one employee.

Business expertise include:

Budget Control

• History Based Budgeting
• Object-Code Budgeting
• Program Budgeting
• Planned Programming Budgeting Systems

Personnel Management

• Management by Goals and Objectives

Strategic Planning

• Long-Range Planning
• Total Quality Management
• Operational Planning

Public Relations

• Advertising for Educational Purposes
• Marketing Research

Community Leadership

• Advisory Boards
• Business and Educational Partnerships

City Planning and Development

• Board of Director, San Ysidro Planning and Development Group

Business Needs Assessment and Consultation

• Board of Directors, San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce

Frank Arellano will serve as a consultant on a volunteer basis. Mr. Arellano spent over 35 years in the retail business handling marketing and inventory for a major food chain. He is familiar with all aspects of business management and operations having owned and operated his own grocery store in El Centro. Mr. Arellano will also assist in the building design, landscaping layout and business marketing. Mr. Arellano will supervise the business during the week days which means managing one employee.

6.3 Personnel Plan

Monthly personnel cost estimates are included in the following table.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

• We want to finance growth mainly through cash flow. We recognized that this means we will have to grow slowly.
• The most important indicator in our case is that minimal inventory will have to be stored for these products.

7.1 Important Assumptions

Monthly sales are the largest indicator for this business. There are some seasonal variations with the months of March through September being the highest sales months.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The following Benchmark chart shows our key financial indicators.

7.3 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart show the current break-even analysis.

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

We expect significant profits in all three years.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

Projected cash flow is estimated for the next three years as shown in the table below.

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet shows a slow but steady upward growth in net worth after initial start-up.

7.7 Business Ratios

Standard business ratios are included in the table that follows. The ratios show a plan for balanced, healthy growth. The standard industry indicators shown are for SIC 5812, eating places.

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How to Start a Profitable Shaved Ice Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a shaved ice business plan., 3. develop a shaved ice brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for shaved ice., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for shaved ice services., 8. acquire shaved ice equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for shaved ice, if required., 10. begin marketing your shaved ice services., 11. expand your shaved ice business..

Starting a shaved ice business requires a solid understanding of the market to ensure success. A thorough market analysis will provide insight into consumer preferences, competition, and potential locations. This critical step lays the foundation for making informed decisions as you plan your venture.

• Identify your target customers by age, income level, and taste preferences to tailor your offerings accordingly.
• Analyze competitors in the area, noting their product range, pricing, and customer reviews to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Research the demand for shaved ice in different locations and seasons to optimize your business strategy.
• Consider current trends in the food and beverage industry, such as the popularity of organic or natural ingredients, to align your products with consumer interests.
• Examine suppliers for shave ice machines, flavors, and other necessary materials to assess the cost and maintain a high-quality product.
• Study local regulations and permits required to operate a food business to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.

Are shaved ice businesses profitable?

Yes, shaved ice businesses can be profitable. Depending on the business model and local market, profits can vary significantly. In general, well-run businesses that have a strong pricing strategy, marketing efforts, and a steady customer base have the potential to be profitable.

Creating a comprehensive business plan is a critical step towards launching a successful shaved ice business. It will help you outline your business goals, strategies, and the resources needed to achieve them. Here's a guide to drafting your shaved ice business plan:

• Define your business concept: Include details about your shaved ice products, unique selling points, and the theme of your business.
• Analyze the market: Research your target audience, competitors, and the demand for shaved ice in your chosen location.
• Develop a marketing strategy: Detail how you plan to attract and retain customers, advertising methods, and branding.
• Outline operations: Describe the day-to-day activities, the equipment needed for your shaved ice business, suppliers, and staffing requirements.
• Financial projections: Provide realistic revenue projections, start-up costs, operating expenses, and a break-even analysis.
• Risk assessment: Identify potential challenges and risks, and explain how you will mitigate them.
• Set goals and milestones: Establish short-term and long-term goals, and outline the key milestones for your business growth.

How does a shaved ice business make money?

A shaved ice business makes money by providing a unique product that customers cannot make at home. They typically purchase high-quality ingredients and supplies to make their product unique and attractive to customers. A shaved ice business's target audience could include anyone who enjoys the dessert; such as young adults, families, those with a sweet tooth, or tourists visiting the area. Additionally, they can focus on specific markets such as high school students, beachgoers, or people attending outdoor events.

Creating a strong brand for your shaved ice business is crucial as it will set the tone for your customer's experience and differentiate you from competitors. Your brand should reflect the unique qualities of your product, your company's values, and appeal to your target market. Here are some key points to guide you in developing your shaved ice brand:

• Define Your Brand Identity: Choose a name, logo, and color scheme that resonate with your target audience and convey the cool, refreshing nature of shaved ice.
• Develop Your Brand Voice: Establish a consistent tone for all communications, whether playful, friendly, or sophisticated, to reinforce your brand personality.
• Focus on Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Highlight what makes your shaved ice special—be it unique flavors, organic ingredients, or a secret family recipe.
• Consider Your Packaging: Design cups, napkins, and spoons that are not only functional but also visually reinforce your brand identity.
• Build an Online Presence: Create a professional website and active social media profiles to engage customers and share your brand's story.
• Engage with the Community: Sponsor local events or partner with other businesses to increase brand visibility and build a loyal customer base.

How to come up with a name for your shaved ice business?

Coming up with a name for your shaved ice business can be a fun and creative process. Start by brainstorming different words and phrases that relate to your business, such as “Ice”, “Treats”, and “Shaved”. Once you have some ideas, think about puns or clever word combinations you can use to create a unique and memorable name. Consider the flavors you offer or potential ingredients that could be used in your business's signature creations. Lastly, make sure to research the names you come up with, to ensure they are not already in use by another business. With a bit of creativity and effort you can create an eye-catching and unique name for your shaved ice business.

Once you've done your research and laid the groundwork for your shaved ice business, the next crucial step is to formalize your business registration. This will legitimize your enterprise, allow you to operate within the law, and enable you to start building your brand. Here's how to navigate the registration process:

• Choose a business structure that suits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation, and understand the implications of each for taxes and liability.
• Register your business name with the appropriate state authority, ensuring it is unique and not already in use.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees.
• Apply for any necessary local and state business licenses and permits, which for a shaved ice business may include a food handler's permit and health department certifications.
• Check into zoning laws to make sure your business location is compliant, and acquire a Certificate of Occupancy if necessary.
• Register for state and local taxes to ensure you can collect sales tax if required in your jurisdiction.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore key resources designed for shaved ice entrepreneurs, including publications, industry reports, newsletters, and other materials that provide market insights, operational best practices, and strategic growth advice:

• National Ice Carvers Association (NICA) : While focused on ice carving, NICA offers resources that can benefit shaved ice businesses in understanding the broader ice industry, including safety standards and supplier networks. http://www.nica.org
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) : Provides insights into the amusement park and attractions industry, relevant for shaved ice businesses looking to operate in or partner with such venues. https://www.iaapa.org
• Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery Magazine : Offers trends and operational advice relevant to food entrepreneurs, including those in the shaved ice sector, about the snack and bakery market. https://www.snackandbakery.com
• Food & Beverage Magazine : Covers the latest trends, news, and advice for the restaurant and foodservice industry, valuable for shaved ice businesses seeking to grow and adapt in a competitive market. https://www.fb101.com
• Entrepreneur Magazine : While not specific to shaved ice, offers generalized business growth strategies, marketing advice, and entrepreneurial inspiration that can be applied to any small business, including those in the shaved ice sector. https://www.entrepreneur.com

Starting a shaved ice business requires compliance with various regulatory requirements to legally operate and serve your delicious treats. It's important to research and secure the necessary licenses and permits specific to your location and the nature of your business. Below is a guide to help you through this crucial step:

• Business License: Apply for a general business license through your city or county clerk's office to legally operate your business.
• Food Service License: Contact your local health department to obtain a food service license, which involves passing a health inspection to ensure food safety.
• Sales Tax Permit: Register for a sales tax permit with your state's taxation or revenue department to collect and remit sales tax.
• Resale Permit: If applicable, get a resale permit to buy products wholesale without paying sales tax.
• Mobile Vending License: If you plan to operate a mobile shaved ice cart or truck, secure a mobile vending license from the appropriate regulatory body.
• Zoning and Land Use Permits: Check with local zoning authorities to ensure your business location complies with zoning laws and obtain any necessary land use permits.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a shaved ice business?

Depending on the location, a shaved ice business may require a variety of licenses and permits in order to operate legally. These can include a business license, food handler’s permit, health permit, and/or vendor’s permit. Additionally, the business may need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy if they are renting or leasing property. It is important to check with the local government for specific regulations and requirements that must be met in order to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for the operation of a shaved ice business.

Starting a shaved ice business requires careful financial management, which is where a dedicated business bank account and proper funding come into play. These steps not only help in managing your daily transactions but also establish your business's credibility with suppliers and investors. Here's how to approach these crucial steps:

• Research local banks and credit unions that offer business banking services. Consider fees, services, and convenience when choosing where to open your account.
• Prepare the necessary documents, such as your business license, EIN, and ownership agreements, to open your business bank account.
• Explore different funding options, including small business loans, government grants, crowdfunding, or angel investors, to find the best fit for your shaved ice business.
• Create a solid business plan to present to potential lenders or investors, showcasing your market analysis, financial projections, and growth strategy.
• Consider also alternative funding methods like bootstrapping, where you start small with your own savings and reinvest profits back into the business.

Setting the right pricing for your shaved ice services is crucial in balancing affordability for customers and profitability for your business. Consider the following factors to determine competitive yet sustainable prices for your shaved ice offerings:

• Cost Analysis: Calculate the total cost of goods sold (COGS), including ice, flavorings, cups, and spoons. Don't forget to factor in overhead costs such as equipment, rent, utilities, and labor.
• Market Research: Research the pricing of competitors in your area to ensure your prices are in line with the market, but also reflect the quality and uniqueness of your product.
• Value Perception: Price your shaved ice considering the perceived value to the customer. Premium ingredients or unique flavors can justify higher prices.
• Size Variations: Offer different sizes at different price points to cater to various customer needs and maximize sales opportunities.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Be prepared to adjust prices for seasonal demand fluctuation, with possible discounts during off-peak seasons to attract more business.
• Promotions: Consider introductory prices, loyalty discounts, or bundle deals to entice new customers and reward regulars.
• Profit Margins: Set prices that allow for a reasonable profit margin after all expenses are covered, ensuring the sustainability of your business.

What does it cost to start a shaved ice business?

Initiating a shaved ice business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $2500 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your shaved ice business.

Starting a shaved ice business requires the right equipment and supplies to deliver delicious, frosty treats to your customers. Here's a guide to help you acquire everything you need to serve up the perfect shaved ice.

• Shaved Ice Machine: Research and invest in a high-quality shaved ice machine that is durable, efficient, and capable of producing fine, fluffy ice. Consider your expected volume of sales to choose the appropriate size and power.
• Ice: Ensure a consistent supply of clean, pure water to freeze into large blocks or cubes, depending on your machine's requirements.
• Syrups and Flavor Concentrates: Stock a variety of popular flavors, and consider offering unique or seasonal options. You can purchase pre-made syrups or make your own with flavor concentrates and simple syrup.
• Cups and Spoons: Purchase cups in various sizes and colorful spoons. Consider eco-friendly options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
• Straws: Get straws, especially if you plan to offer shaved ice drinks or need them for layered shaved ice treats.
• Napkins and Wet Wipes: Keep a good stock of napkins and wet wipes for customer convenience.
• Storage Containers: You'll need airtight containers to store the ice and keep your syrups and toppings organized and fresh.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a shaved ice business:

• Shaved Ice Machine - $200-$500
• Shaved Ice Syrups - $25 per quart
• Cups - $10-$20 a pack
• Straws & Spoons - $5-$10 a pack
• Carts or Covered Tents - Starting around $50
• Flavorings & Toppings - $10-$20
• Food Grade Gloves to avoid cross contamination - $10 per pack of 100
• Napkins, Trash Bags and Plastic Utensils - $15-$30 a pack
• Small Scoop for Flavored Syrups & Toppings - Starting at $4 each

Insuring your shaved ice business is a crucial step to protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your enterprise. Different types of insurance can safeguard against potential risks such as liability claims, equipment damage, or business interruption. Consider the following types of insurance often required or recommended for a shaved ice business:

• General Liability Insurance: This protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage that can occur from your operations.
• Product Liability Insurance: This is essential for any food-related business to cover claims related to the products you sell, such as if a customer becomes ill from your shaved ice.
• Commercial Property Insurance: If you own or lease a space, this insurance covers damage to your shop, equipment, and inventory.
• Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Often a bundle of services that includes general liability and property insurance, which can be cost-effective for small businesses.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, this is typically required by law to cover injuries or illnesses that occur on the job.
• Business Interruption Insurance: This helps replace lost income and pay for operating expenses if your business is temporarily unable to operate.

Always check with your local and state regulations to ensure you meet the insurance requirements for your specific location and situation.

Launching your shaved ice business into the public eye requires a strategic approach to marketing. To effectively attract customers and create a buzz around your refreshing offerings, consider leveraging a mix of traditional and digital marketing techniques. Below are some actionable steps to kickstart your marketing efforts:

• Develop a strong brand identity, including a memorable logo and vibrant color scheme that reflects the fun and refreshing nature of your shaved ice business.
• Build a user-friendly website with your menu, location, and hours, ensuring it's mobile-optimized for customers on-the-go.
• Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with your community, showcase your flavors, and announce special promotions.
• Offer opening day discounts or free samples to attract initial customers and encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
• Collaborate with local businesses and events to set up pop-up stands or sponsor community activities.
• Invest in eye-catching signage, banners, and flags for your physical location to draw in passersby.
• Implement a customer loyalty program to reward repeat customers and foster a dedicated customer base.
• Engage with local influencers or food bloggers to review your shaved ice and spread the word online.

Once your shaved ice business has established a solid foundation and a loyal customer base, it's time to think about expansion. This could mean diversifying your menu, opening new locations, or exploring other avenues for revenue. Below are some strategies to consider when you're ready to take your business to the next level:

• Open Additional Stands or Stores: Scout for high-traffic locations to set up new stands or brick-and-mortar stores to reach more customers.
• Introduce New Flavors and Products: Regularly update your menu with innovative flavors and products to keep your offerings exciting and attract different customer segments.
• Offer Catering Services: Expand your business by providing catering for events, parties, and corporate functions, which can significantly increase your revenue streams.
• Franchise Your Business: If your business model is successful and replicable, consider franchising to allow others to open their own shaved ice businesses under your brand.
• Leverage Online Sales: Develop an online ordering system for pickup or delivery, and consider selling pre-packaged versions of your popular flavors.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with local restaurants, stores, or event organizers to offer your shaved ice as a dessert or feature at their venues.
• Invest in Marketing: Enhance your marketing efforts, using social media, local advertising, and loyalty programs to maintain customer interest and attract new patrons.

• Business Ideas
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How to Start a Shave Ice Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 27, 2024

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The shave ice business is a growing industry. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% between 2023 to 2033, the market could reach $5.9 billion by 2033. All in all, it’s not a bad time to enter the shave ice business with your snow cone stand.

Shave ice stalls bring smiles to customers young and old. The sight of a towering mound of ice flakes dripping in sweet syrup makes mouths water. The refreshing, sweet taste mingles nostalgia and simple joy. Shave ice stands evoke carefree summer days, family vacations, and childhood treats.

This guide offers important advice on how to start a shave ice business. From market research and registering an EIN to sourcing your shave ice shop and snow cones. Here’s everything you need to know about opening a shaved ice business.

1. Conduct Shave Ice Market Research

Market research is an important part of opening a snow cone business. It supplies important facts on sourcing materials for your snow cone company, the current market outlook, your target market to sell shaved ice, and more. For selling shaved ice and snow cones, primary and secondary market research is useful.

Some of the details you’ll learn during market research include:

• Adults enjoy shaving ice too, with those aged 20-50 being the second heaviest consumers.
• Location plays a key role. Situating near high-foot traffic spots like beaches, parks, zoos, and pools allows you to capture thirsty crowds.
• Having a mobile shaved ice stand or trailer expands your options. Malls, concerts, fairs, and festivals also present primo spots.
• Keep flavors fresh and exciting by sourcing quality syrups in crowd-pleasing options like tiger’s blood, cotton candy, pineapple, and coconut.
• Rotating special seasonal flavors also keeps customers coming back.
• Extras like fruit chunks, boba pearls, ice cream scoops, and candy toppings can be customized too.
• Low overhead and ingredient costs make it a profitable endeavor.
• Initial start-up and equipment costs range from $10,000-$30,000 on average.

By following shave ice stall best practices, your business can ride the wave of this icy cool trend. Focus on prime locations, quality ingredients, alluring flavors, and excellent service to succeed. Delight customers with a sweet chill-out experience that transports them to those carefree summer days.

2. Analyze the Competition

Doing your homework on shave ice shop business competitors gives key insights into your local market. Start by identifying existing shops in your geographic area. Search online directories and drive around town noting locations.

Some of the ways to identify and investigate shaved ice businesses include:

• Visit incumbents in person. Take note of their pricing structure, unique offerings, and busy times.
• Research them online and study their website, menus, and promotions.
• Check reviews on sites like Yelp and Google to see customer feedback.
• Follow their social media accounts to analyze engagement levels. This shows their marketing efforts and brand perception.
• Search for media coverage as well. Local business journals, newspapers, and blogs may have featured stories on major players.
• See what they say about the brand, offerings, and owners.
• Investigate mobile carts/trailers too. They may frequent key events or rotate across prized locations like beaches. Track them down to learn their routes and offerings.

Compile your findings into a grid detailing:

• Location(s)
• Menu/pricing
• Peak days/hours
• Offerings distinct from competitors
• Online traction and reputation

Let your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses guide your location choices, flavors of Hawaiian shave ice, hours of a successful shaved ice business, marketing, and more. Delivering a better product and experience than existing options ensures you’ll pull in customers. Gathering intel sets you up to carve out your niche in the market.

3. Costs to Start a Shave Ice Business

Starting a shave ice business requires careful budgeting to cover initial and ongoing expenses. From equipment to ingredients, properly funding operations is key to success. Here is an overview of the typical costs involved:

Start-Up Costs

Registering your business legally entails administrative fees for forming an LLC ($500-$1000) and securing necessary permits/licenses ($50-$500). The location also drives start-up costs.

Shaving ice equipment is another big upfront cost, around $5,000-$10,000. Key gear includes:

• Ice shaver machine ($2,000-$4,500)
• Commercial blender for mixing syrups ($300-$600)
• Refrigerator for ice blocks and syrups ($1,500-$3,000)
• Point of sale system/cash register ($500-$2,500)
• Signage ($500-$5,000)

Initial ingredient stock including cups, spoons, straws, napkins, and syrup flavors will run approximately $1,000-$2,000.

All said total start-up costs range from $10,000-$30,000+ for most shave ice operations. Secure business funding through loans, investors, or personal savings to cover these early expenses.

Ongoing Costs

Fixed monthly costs include rent/mortgage, employee wages, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions, and more. These run approximately $5,000-$15,000 per month.

Variable costs fluctuate based on sales volume. These include:

• Product ingredients – $200-$500/month
• Utilities – $150-$800/month
• Credit card processing fees – 1-5% of revenue
• Marketing and advertising – $100-$500/month

Plan for seasonal slow periods with reduced sales. Have a financial buffer to ride out dips in revenue.

By understanding the expected operating costs involved, new shave ice entrepreneurs can lay the financial groundwork for success.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

Structuring your shave ice business legally protects your assets and supports future growth. Four main options exist, each with pros and cons:

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is owned and operated by one person. It’s the simplest structure requiring minimal paperwork. You can get up and running quickly. All profits flow directly to you after taxes.

The owner has unlimited personal liability. Your home and belongings are at risk if sued. Sole proprietors also have limited access to financing options to scale. While easy initially, this structure can restrict growth.

Partnership

A partnership splits ownership between two or more people. You share liability exposure and combine resources. This can ease startup costs like purchasing equipment or securing capital.

However, partnerships can get messy if co-owners disagree. Profits must be split. There’s still high personal liability for each partner. Formal buy-sell agreements should be drawn up addressing potential dissolution.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC shields your assets and limits legal liability. It’s a popular middle ground offering perks of partnerships and corporations. Profits pass directly to members as with sole proprietors.

LLCs have flexibility allowing any number of owners. You can attract investors more easily. This structure positions shave-ice businesses for growth while protecting owners. Start as an LLC to minimize risk.

Corporation

A corporation is the most complex but offers the strongest liability protection. They can sell stock and attract major outside investment. Owners pay taxes on profits before taking distributions.

The legal paperwork is extensive. Administrative costs are higher with stringent record keeping. A C-corp isn’t ideal for new small businesses like a shave ice stand. Explore if pursuing multiple locations.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

Every new business needs its own Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax and identification purposes. This unique number identifies your shave ice company to the IRS and state agencies.

An EIN is free to obtain directly from the IRS by applying online. The entire process takes just minutes.

Simply navigate to the EIN Assistant page . You’ll need to provide basic information about your ownership structure. As a new LLC, select Limited Liability Company for the type.

Next, specify whether you’ll have employees within the next 12 months. Since most new stands don’t immediately hire staff, select No here.

Provide your name, address, and SSN when prompted. Review all entries to ensure accuracy before submitting. Just like that, you’ll receive your EIN for your shave ice business.

Record this number and keep it in your records. You’ll need it for all tax filings, bank account openings, licenses, and registrations. It identifies your business on state sales tax forms as well.

Speaking of sales tax, if you sell physical products, also register for a seller’s permit with your state department of revenue. This only takes a few minutes online after obtaining your EIN.

Filing for a seller’s permit allows you to legally collect sales tax on shave ice sales. It costs nothing to register and takes just minutes via your state revenue website.

6. Setup Your Accounting

Meticulous financial records are key to shave ice success. Tracking sales, expenses, taxes and more requires diligent accounting. The right processes will save major headaches down the road.

Accounting Software

Start by implementing small business accounting software like QuickBooks . This automates tasks like tracking income and expenses, invoicing, inventory, and tax preparations. Direct integration with bank/credit card accounts syncs transactions. Reporting provides real-time financial insights.

Hire an Accountant

While software streamlines much, working with an accountant is still recommended. Hiring one provides experienced guidance on recording and claiming deductions, filing taxes, managing payroll, and remaining compliant.

Accountants charge around $150-$200 per month for routine small business services like monthly reconciliations and sales tax prep. Assistance filing annual income tax returns runs $500-$2,000 depending on complexity.

Open a Business Bank Account

Be sure to separate personal and business finances. Open a dedicated business checking account to keep things organized. Run all company expenses through the business account.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Obtaining a small business credit card also simplifies tracking. Business cards don’t use your credit – approval is based on your company’s financials. Use your card strictly for shave ice purchases.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Starting a shave ice stand legally requires securing the proper licenses and permits beforehand. Find federal license requirements through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA also has a local search tool for state and city requirements.

While rules vary by state and municipality, some common ones include:

• Food Service Permit: Selling food products like shaved ice requires this safety permit from your local health department. Passing an inspection is required before opening.
• Food Handler Certifications: Employees prepping and serving food must obtain a food handler card. These courses teach safe food prep, cross-contamination prevention, storage temps, and personal hygiene.
• Business License: Most cities require all businesses to carry a municipal business license. Fees are usually under $100 annually. Applications request basic company information.
• Liquor License: If you’ll serve alcoholic shave ice options, a liquor license from your city and state is required. Applications undergo extensive review, background checks, and facility inspections.

Don’t wait until opening day to apply. Allow several weeks to get the necessary licenses and permits secured. Passing inspections and paying fees ahead of time prevents frustrating delays come launch.

8. Get Business Insurance

Operating a small business like a shave ice stand comes with risks. The right insurance helps protect your company from financial ruin should problems arise.

Imagine an employee slips on a puddle behind the counter and sues for medical bills. Or a defective shaver malfunctions, starting an electrical fire that damages your building. What if a customer gets sick and tries to blame it on your ice?

Without insurance, you’d pay all those costs out of pocket. One incident could bankrupt your business.

General liability insurance covers injuries, property damage, and legal judgments up to your policy limit. Product liability protects against claims tied to your goods. Commercial property insurance replaces lost inventory and repairs damage to your space from incidents like fires or storms.

Workers’ comp insurance handles medical care and lost wages if employees are hurt on the job. Depending on your state, this may be required.

To get insured, start by requesting quotes from providers like CoverWallet , NextInsurance , and The Hartford . Compare options to find the right coverage and premium for your budget and risk profile.

Policies usually range from $500 to $2,000 per year depending on your needs. Expect higher rates in high-risk locations like beachfronts. Purchase coverage before opening day so you’re protected from the outset.

Don’t gamble with going uninsured. The right business insurance provides peace of mind letting you focus on serving up delicious shave ice.

9. Create an Office Space

While shave ice operations don’t require extensive office space, having a dedicated workspace provides benefits. An office allows you to handle behind-the-scenes work, hold meetings, and store records securely.

Home Office

Working from a spare room or basement in your residence is very affordable, with no rent costs to worry about. However, distractions can be difficult to avoid at home. Working in pajamas also isn’t conducive to productivity for some.

Co-Working Space

Shared office spaces like WeWork offer an environment dedicated to work without the cost of solo rented space. Open layouts promote community. Amenities like high-speed internet, conference rooms, printing, and office supplies are covered. Expect to pay $200-$500 per month.

Retail Office

If securing a storefront space, consider one with a backroom or upstairs space for administrative tasks. Onsite office space allows managers quick access to storage areas and records. No commute also saves time. These units cost more but offer convenience.

Commercial Office

Leasing modest office space in a commercial building provides professional meeting space when needed. Expect monthly rents of $200-$1,000 depending on location and size. Use it for off-season planning or overflow paperwork rather than everyday use.

10. Source Your Equipment

Outfitting your shave ice stand starts with procuring the right equipment. From ice shavers to refrigerators, various options exist for obtaining the necessary gear.

Purchasing brand new commercial grade machines from dealers provides reliability. Expect to pay full retail pricing. Leading distributors include Snowie and Sno-Biz . Budget $5,000-$10,000 for high-quality equipment built to handle heavy use.

Buying Used

Gently used equipment costs considerably less. Check restaurant auction sites like BidSpotter and WebstaurantStore Auctions . Facebook Marketplace , Craigslist , and eBay also list locally used wares. Inspect condition and test operation before purchasing. Be prepared to repair or replace parts. Used shave ice machines run $500-$2,000.

Equipment rental allows short-term access without major upfront costs. Delivery, pickup, and maintenance are handled for you. Rates range from $100-$500 weekly depending on the gear. This offers flexibility for temporary locales or events.

Leasing spreads payments over an extended period, usually 12-36 months. At the end of the term, you can purchase outright, return, or re-lease updated models. Leasing preserves capital for other startup costs. Be sure to negotiate a reasonable buyout clause.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Crafting a strong brand identity is key to Shave Ice’s success. It allows you to stand out from competitors and build recognition. Key steps include:

Getting a Business Phone Number

A dedicated business phone presents a professional image to customers. Options like RingCentral provide toll-free and local numbers with custom greetings and voicemail. Expect costs of around $30 per month.

Features like call routing, extensions, and voicemail help you sound established even as a new business. List your phone prominently on all materials.

Creating a Logo and Brand Assets

A logo crystallizes your brand in customers’ minds. Consider an illustrative, typographic, abstract, or mascot logo. Opt for bright colors and whimsical fonts that reflect summertime vibes.

Services like Looka make professional logo design simple and affordable at $20-$60.

Use your logo consistently across signage, cups, shirts, websites, and more. Matching colors and fonts keep branding cohesive.

Business Cards and Signage

Business cards put your brand in patrons’ hands. Include your logo, phone, website, and social media. Order 250 cards for $20 from Vistaprint .

Invest in quality signage so customers can easily find your stand. LED-lit signs draw the eye.

Purchasing a Domain Name

Secure a catchy .com domain name like YourShaveIce.com. Avoid hyphens or obscure extensions. Use keywords relevant to “shave ice” in the name.

Sites like Namecheap offer domains for $15-$20 annually. Link it to your social channels.

Building a Website

Every business needs a website. Use DIY builders like Wix to create your site yourself or hire a freelancer on Fiverr to custom build it. Promote your website and offerings online.

Consistency across assets reinforces your brand and recognition. Invest in professional branding to stand out amongst shave ice competitors.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining relevant local groups and associations provides invaluable connections and insights for new shave ice stands. Surround yourself with fellow industry experts to help set your business up for success.

Local Associations

City or regional restaurant and food service associations offer guidance from local peers. For example, the Hawaii Restaurant Association and Los Angeles Food Service Council provide networking, training, resources, and advocacy.

Annual membership fees of $200-$500 gain you access to events, seminars and insider advice. Tap into local organizations for market data and operations support.

Local Meetups

Attending food service meetups helps you gain knowledge and contacts. Websites like Meetup list events for the shave ice and restaurant industry.

Look for meetups focused on topics like startup success, food trucks, dessert trends, and managing seasonality. Learn from and connect with fellow business owners.

Facebook Groups

Join industry and location-based Facebook Groups to exchange insights with a wider community. The Shaved Ice Trailers and Shaved Ice business owners provide idea-sharing and troubleshooting.

Leverage groups to find proven recipes, discuss equipment, and ask questions of 5K members worldwide.

13. How to Market a Shave Ice Business

Marketing is crucial for spreading the word about your new shave ice stand and attracting customers. A mix of digital and traditional strategies will help maximize exposure and boost sales.

Personal Network

Start with your network and stellar customer service. Satisfied patrons who rave about your shave ice to friends provide invaluable word-of-mouth marketing. Offer incentives like free extra toppings to encourage shares and reviews.

Digital Marketing

• Run Google and Facebook ads promoting your location, hours, and product offerings. Target by geography and demographics.
• Create an Instagram account showcasing your shave ice creations. Use eye-catching photos and videos.
• Start a YouTube channel with tutorials on making specialty flavors or the perfect shave ice.
• Blog about topics like starting a shave ice business or popular flavor trends.
• Send email newsletters with deals and announcements to build engagement.
• List your business on directories like Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Google Business. Respond promptly to reviews.
• Leverage geofencing campaigns on social media to reach nearby users.
• Partner with local influencers and have them feature your products.

Traditional Marketing

• Print flyers and menus to have at your stand for patrons to take.
• Distribute stickers and t-shirt merchandise as swag.
• Sponsor local events or sports teams to get brand visibility.
• Run radio ads on local stations before and during prime seasons.
• Place eye-catching vehicle wraps featuring your brand on delivery or staff cars.
• Mail postcards announcing new locations or special deals.

Track results to double down on what proves most effective. Stay nimble and keep marketing consistent with your brand identity. Combining digital and traditional strategies ensures maximum visibility.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing top-notch customer service is crucial for Shave Ice’s success. How you treat patrons directly impacts your reputation and referrals.

• Greet each customer warmly when they arrive. Train staff to be friendly and patient taking orders, even during rushes. Make kids feel special by handing cups and spoons directly to them.
• Upsell strategically by suggesting popular flavor combinations or add-ons. But avoid being pushy. Make genuine recommendations you think customers would enjoy.
• Present shave ice creations attractively with toppings and garnishes. This extra touch delights patrons and looks great on social media shares. Photos equate to free advertising!
• Thank customers sincerely when they pay. If there’s a problem like a long wait or a wrong order, apologize politely and offer a free topping as compensation.
• Follow up with quick responses to online reviews. Feedback shows you care and helps boost positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Going the extra mile for service shows. Customers will remember how you made them feel. Their rave reviews drive new business your way. Plus, happy regulars visit frequently and spend more per trip. Outstanding customer experiences must be a priority to gain loyal brand advocates. The effort pays dividends.

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Hawaii Locals Recommend Their Favorite Shave Ice Shops

Cups of flaky ice topped with flavored syrups are easy to find in the state. But the best shops set themselves apart with fresh ingredients and old-school charm.

The Local — flavored with soursop and liliko’i (passionfruit) syrups, then topped with haupia (coconut pudding) — from Kula Shave Ice. Credit... Tim Huynh

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By Matthew Dekneef

• April 10, 2024

In Hawaii, shops that serve shave ice, domes of pillowy-soft ice slivers doused in colorful syrups, vie for ubiquity with other local staples like poke places or lei stands. And you can count on waiting in line: Part of a shave ice shop’s charm is the scramble of people — surfers, construction workers, tourists — you’re certain to find there, all working out which syrups to order once they make it to the front.

Shave ice first reached the islands’ shores in the early 20th century , when Japanese immigrants arrived to work on Hawaii’s plantations, bringing with them a taste for kakigori, the sweet , airy dessert made of thin ice flakes with origins dating back to the Heian period (between 794 and 1185). Some opened general stores selling the frozen treat, which was unsurprisingly popular in the tropical climate. In the workaday Hawaiian Pidgin vernacular, its name became shave ice. (On the Big Island, however, the term “ice shave” prevails.)

What began modestly enough — ice, syrup, cup — has since evolved into desserts of decadent, sundae-like proportions. Mammoth mounds of featherweight ice can sit atop a bowl of adzuki beans and be smothered in condensed milk and topped with five flavors of syrup, from calamansi to root beer, as well as mochi balls and tangy rust-colored li hing mui powder, made of ground plum skins. Ask a longtime island dweller to recommend a spot, though, and the reasons for their choice tend to go beyond flavors and toppings. The shop’s age, its location and the childhood memories it conjures all carry weight. Here, a handful of locals share their favorites.

Waiola Shave Ice (Kapahulu location), Honolulu, Oahu

Recommended by: Ren MacDonald-Balasia, florist and founder of Renko Floral

“I get the works — usually liliko‘i [passionfruit] and POG [passion orange guava] syrup with ice cream, mochi, adzuki beans and condensed milk. It needs three people to finish but it’s absolutely worth it. Arriving beachside at the end of the bowl when everything mixes together into a soupy mess can only be described as heaven.”

Waiola Shave Ice (Mō‘ili‘ili location), Honolulu

Recommended by: Bundit Kanisthakhon, architect

“I love that it’s unpretentious and remains a community institution that hasn’t changed to cater to social media. The ice texture and syrup sweetness are just right.”

Monsarrat Shave Ice , Honolulu

Recommended by: Robynne Maii, chef and owner of the restaurant Fête Hawaii

“I like the venue — it’s a tiny service window down a side alley with benches — and the natural fruit syrups. I highly recommend the mango and coconut with adzuki beans and condensed milk. It’s great example of modern shave ice.”

Shimazu Store , Honolulu

Recommended by: Maile Meyer, owner of the shops Nā Mea Hawai‘i and Native Books

“Shimazu’s, formerly B&S, on School Street along the freeway, is a place for old die-hards and neighborhood kids, and its quality of flavors, ice and mochi balls has remained unchanged. My favorite part about it is how you’ll go there and see people who went as children with their kids and now their kids’ kids.”

Chillest Shave Ice , Honolulu

Recommended by: Andrew Mau, owner of the clothing and gift boutique Island-Boy Shop

“Their signature flavor, Strawberry Milk, is made from scratch with the real fruit! I love that they don’t overpack their ice, which leaves lots of room for the flavor to seep in. They embody the mom-and-pop shave ice experience with a menu that changes every week.”

Aoki’s Shave Ice , North Shore, Oahu

Recommended by: Roger Bong, owner of the record shop and label Aloha Got Soul

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are of beach days on the North Shore that inevitably included a stop at Aoki’s Shave Ice. Back then it was quaint and much less busy than spots up the road.”

Kula Shave Ice , Hilo, Hawaii

Recommended by: John Koga, sculptor

“There’s only one shave ice place on Hawaii Island with not-too-sweet natural fruit flavors, a perfectly smooth ice texture and quality locally sourced ingredients. We always go to Kula Shave Ice in Hilo when my daughter is home visiting from New York and order the liliko‘i shave ice flavor with Waipi‘o Valley poi [taro root pounded into a paste] as a base and haupia [coconut pudding] cream on top.”

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice , Wailuku, Maui

Recommended by: Kirk Kurokawa, artist

“Ululani’s makes its own syrups and uses ice cream from [the Maui-based company] Roselani. It’s always a meet-up spot for our visiting family and friends because who isn’t up for some shave ice?”

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Tropical sno dealer, 13 years.

I became involved in the Tropical Sno business because I had a friend in college that worked at a Tropical Sno in Kansas. I was instantly intrigued by its relative simplicity and obvious success with how busy the location was. I immediately knew there was opportunity in Phoenix, AZ. My favorite part of the business is the overall flexibility and ability to develop the business my way and always offering a high quality Tropical Sno product. It’s what keeps us in demand! I look forward to my little girls growing up knowing and understanding the business.

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Tropical sno dealer, 4 years.

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Growing up as a kid, Tropical Sno was a part of Columbus, KS. I’m a teacher and this business is a perfect fit to my lifestyle given the seasonality in my area. My favorite part of the business is the interaction with customers and neighbors over a fun, quality treat is always enjoyable. I am looking to potentially open a second location in 2018 in SE Kansas. The initial stand I built was too small for the overwhelming demand of Tropical Sno in my town. I built a new, larger stand in 2015 to accommodate the demand!

Nindi Wadhwa | Gilbert, AZ

I became involved in Tropical Sno when I first tried it at an ice cream store in Kansas City. Instantly, I was hooked and was amazed by quality of the product. Tropical Sno is great for the Arizona market, and a great alternative and addition to my existing ice cream store. My favorite part of the business is the customer interaction with such a fun product. Tropical Sno is also a profitable product which helps drive the bottom line of my business.

Levi & Sarah Nickel | Kalispell, MT

We had a unique start to our Tropical Sno journey in the sense that we didn't seek out a business; Shave ice found us. Tropical Sno provides an amazing opportunity for everyday people to take control of their employment and become their own boss. The freedom to choose the days you work, as well as the amount of time and effort you dedicate to your business is liberating. Our number one concern as we embarked on our Tropical Sno journey was the financial commitment. Looking back, we are so thankful we took a leap of faith! Making the final payment on our business loan was an incredible feeling. Now, our business is allowing us to successfully work toward being debt free.

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Our system is simple. We license you to use the Tropical Sno name and logo and you agree to use the Tropical Sno products exclusively. We will never charge fees, royalties, or blue sky.

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We're your source for shave ice flavor, ice shaving machines, marketing materials, cups, printed apparel and just about everything else you need to keep your shave ice business running smoothly.

Quality Products

We are committed to selling only the finest products: from our amazing flavors to our machines and accessories. Everything we sell must be quality or we won't sell it.

A Powerful Brand

Tropical Sno is an internationally recognized brand with an outstanding reputation. Consumers know that our brand represents consistent product quality and outstanding service.

Training & Support

Our team is dedicated to providing the training & support you need to be successful. We help you be in the shaved ice business for yourself but not by yourself. Feel free to contact us anytime.

Profitability

Tropical Sno is profitable! Cost of goods is typically 15-25% depending on the retail selling price. Initial investment is less than a new car. It's a fun and tasty way to make money.

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How I Built This: Building a Snow Cone Business in 30 Days

by Robert Solano

We got the idea for a ‘Shave Ice’ business on our trip to Hawaii.

I built Davis Islands Ice LLC , a mobile shaved ice business in Tampa, Florida, and documented my experiences in a journal for 30 days. I recorded my thoughts and feelings from the moment I got the business idea until I made my first sale a month later. I was afraid I would forget important details during this fast-paced experience.

This is not an article, but rather my raw unabridged journal from the day I had an initial idea for a business through the first sale 30 days later. It is lengthy, but I hope that it will be a resource for other entrepreneurs who want to start a food truck business, particularly snow cone or shave ice businesses. I hope my journal inspires others to pursue their dreams and start a business in a relatively short time.

During those 30 days, I worked about 50 hours a week at my full-time job, traveled for work for 10 days, and made time for a date night and to watch the final season of Game of Thrones . However, this project consumed all of my free time since I had recently quit my PhD . I slept an average of 5 hours a night and was mentally and physically exhausted by the end of those 30 days.

The Origin of the Idea

Before I met my wife, Zaira, I had the pleasure of living in Hawaii from 2008 to 2012. It’s truly one of the most magical places on Earth, and I promised Zaira that I would take her there one day. Last Christmas, I finally made good on my promise and we spent two weeks in Hawaii over the holidays. Our trip was a mix of business and pleasure, and we did many typical Hawaiian tourist activities, like attending a luau, snorkeling, visiting Waikiki, and trying Hawaii’s unique local flavors – including shave ice, which quickly became a favorite of Zaira’s.

The Hawaiian shave ice is different from a snow cone, as the ice is shaved like powder snow instead of being chunky. It’s usually filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with sweetened condensed milk. Hawaiians refer to it as “shave ice,” dropping the “d” in “shaved ice” and it’s now accepted as the proper name for this iced confection. I use both terms interchangeably.

When done properly, Hawaiian shave ice is superior to classic snow cones, ice cream, or frozen yogurt. It’s incredibly delicious, or as they say in Hawaii, it’s “oh, so ono!” One of my favorite (and very popular) shave ice spots is Matsumotos on the North Shore of Oahu.

My coworker’s mobile snow cone golf cart.

While in Hawaii, Zaira and I talked about opening a shave ice shop in our current hometown of Tampa, Florida. Although we both believed that a shave ice business would be very successful in Tampa, realistically, we didn’t have the time to open up a shop. It would require an investment in a storefront, expensive equipment, employees, and a lot of our time. This would be impossible, as we both had full-time jobs; Zaira as the owner and CEO of Solano Immigration Law Firm , and me as a full-time soldier in the Army ( see my bio on LinkedIn ). So, we tabled the idea and didn’t talk about it again until…

Day 0 – Monday, April 8th, 2019

I was Jon’s sponsor during his temporary assignment to our headquarters for 120 days. As his assignment in Tampa was coming to an end, I thought it would be a good idea to invite him and his family to dinner with my wife, Zaira, so that our wives could meet in a more casual, non-work setting. Although Jon and I had been working together during his time in Tampa, I wanted to strengthen our relationship by bringing our families together.

During the dinner, I met Kari, Jon’s wife, who ran a small shaved ice golf cart business without a storefront, a large investment, or multiple employees. I was impressed by her ability to run a successful business with limited resources, and I was intrigued by the concept of a shaved ice golf cart. I asked her many questions and became convinced that I could also start a shaved ice golf cart business.

After dinner, I ordered a Great Northern Shaved Ice Machine based on Jon and Kari’s recommendation, along with other necessary supplies to start my own shaved ice golf cart business.

Expenses (when possible, I’ve included links to the items or similar products) Great Northern Shaved Ice Machine (click here to view on Amazon) – $222.08 Four different syrups (including Tiger Blood), napkins, snow cone cups , and other supplies – $178.09

Here is everything you need to make professional Snow Cones or Hawaiian Style Shave Ice at home today!

(Golf cart not included)

Great Northern Premium Quality Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine Commercial Ice Shaver

Hawaiian Shaved Ice Syrup 6 Pack, Quarts

Plastic Liquor Bottle Pourers Black- 12 Pack

White Paper Snow Cone Cups 4.5 Oz, 200 Count (paper cups go inside flower drip tray)

Freezable Deli Food Containers w/ Lids, 8 Pack

12-Ounce Snow Cone Flower Drip Tray Cups, Assorted Colors, 100 Count

Paper Drinking Straws (100% Biodegradable), Assorted Colors, 200 Pack

Mini Wooden Spoons, Biodegradable, 200 Count

Day 1 – Tuesday

After work, I spent about two hours researching golf carts for sale. The ones with a refreshment attachment ranged from $8,000 (used) to $22,000 (new), and my budget was up to $10,000 for the project, including the estimated $2,000 refurbishing cost.

I also familiarized myself with Florida’s food cart regulations, which apply to golf carts with food service capabilities. One requirement that caught my attention was the need for a commissary, since using a personal residence for water and utensil cleaning is prohibited. I plan to investigate the possibility of using a local restaurant as a commissary.

Expenses: Wooden spoons – $12.99

Day 2 – Wednesday

Today was a long day in the office. After work, I spent about 30 minutes looking up golf carts for sale, but nothing else. My regular job is my priority, and I don’t want anyone to think that I’m neglecting my work to build this golf cart. Therefore, I’m being extra careful to keep this project completely separate from work and staying in the office as long as necessary to complete essential tasks before coming home to work on the golf cart.

Day 3 – Thursday

I continued to shop around for golf carts. I called a local golf cart shop, but they didn’t have any of the beverage cart-style carts. Then, I found one on eBay that is located in Fort Myers, only two hours away from me. I’m a little concerned because it is listed at $3,750, which is much cheaper than anywhere else. I will call the guy tomorrow to get more details.

Day 4 – Friday

I found this golf cart for sale near bye.

I called the golf cart guy in Fort Myers and scheduled a pickup. From Google Maps, it appeared that he operated a used outdoor equipment shop that sold refurbished lawnmowers, forklifts, golf carts, etc. He was kind of an asshole. I tried asking him about the condition of the cart and he cut me off abruptly with, “Do you want the cart or not?” He was very terse and not interested in answering any more of my questions. His customer service sucked, but the golf cart was a really great deal. It was the best I found online across the nation, and it was only two hours away from me.

I also received the shaved ice machine .

My first test run was really chunky, like old-school snow cones from the Jersey Shore. For a moment, I thought that I made a huge mistake to think that I could create Hawaiian-style shave ice. Then I realized that I could adjust the blade to make the ice finer. I made my second shaved ice with ice cream and it was the bomb.

It didn’t look very good; it was more of a low mound than the tall peak I was trying to make, but the flavor was on point—just how I remembered from Hawaii.

Day 5 – Saturday

I picked up a 20′ U-Haul van and drove to Fort Myers. I was a little anxious and had my fingers crossed that this guy was legit. When I arrived at his shop, he greeted me in the yard without a shirt. He was definitely classic Florida-country. He was actually nicer in person than on the phone, and most importantly, the cart was exactly what I was looking for – a used EZ-Go Refresher Golf Cart. It ran well, had new tires, and since it was an older 2003 model, I got it much cheaper than a new model. He sold it to me for $100 less than his online listed price.

He loaded the 1,000 lb cart on the U-Haul with a forklift. I didn’t know how I would unload the cart when I got home, but I had two hours to brainstorm ideas. If I failed, the cart would fall from the back of the U-Haul, which was about 4 feet high.

Ultimately, I settled on the idea of building wooden ramps. The ramps needed to be long so that the cart wouldn’t bottom-out on the back of the U-Haul. I stopped at Home Depot on the way home and purchased four 2″x12″x12′ planks. I bolted two planks together to make two ramps, each 4″ thick and 12 feet long.

Unloading the cart was a challenge. I slowly backed the cart onto the planks, afraid that they would slip out from the back of the U-Haul. In my head, I planned to jump away from the cart if it fell in order to avoid getting smashed by a 1,000 lb beverage cart. As soon as I was positive that the cart was stable on the ramp, I let go of the brakes and let the cart roll down the ramp as fast as possible. The planks creaked and bowed under the weight, but within a few seconds, I was safely on the ground – mission success.

That night, I did a little more shopping on Amazon. Then I informed Zaira, who had no clue what I was up to, that we are now the proud owners of a 2003 EZ-Go Refresher Golf Cart.

We loaded the cart on a U-Haul and I drove it home.

Expenses: 2003 EZ-Go Golf Cart: $3,650 Home Depot ramp supplies: $82.92 U-Haul rental: $359.42 Gas: $97.36 Amazon: foot pedal , wiring, etc: $91.71

Day 6 – Sunday

I woke up early at 6:00 am on a Sunday with nothing else on my mind except the shave ice cart. My goal for the day was to paint the cart, but I still needed to decide on a color scheme. I had tossed and turned all night trying to make a decision. To help calm my mind, I watched some TV before starting my day.

It was hard for me to believe that I had bought a golf cart the day before. Part of me imagined that I was dreaming and that when I went to the garage, it would be empty. However, when I got out of bed, fed the dogs, ate breakfast, and went to the garage, the golf cart was still there. I thought to myself, “Nope, not a dream. I can’t believe that there’s a freaking golf course beverage cart sitting in my garage. This is nuts.”

I got to work by removing panels and unnecessary pieces, sanding the cart’s surfaces, pressure washing it, and taping over the pieces I didn’t want to be painted. I estimated that the cart would require about 15 cans of spray paint and enamel – 10 for the cooler compartment and 5 for the body. Usually, I paint small projects in my yard, but 15 cans of paint would blanket my house and cars in the street with a damaging layer of paint dust. So, I built a makeshift paint booth in my garage using plastic drop cloths to create a booth and two box fans for intake and exhaust ventilation. I also used a home air conditioner filter over the exhaust fan to filter the out-blowing air. Additionally, I bought a 3M protective mask and goggles to protect myself while painting.

While preparing the cart for painting, I thought, “It would be cool if I could paint the body with a wicked design, like waves or koi fish or something.” Then I remembered that many cars use vinyl covers for intricate artwork. A quick Google search led me to vinyl covers for golf carts – score. I painted the cooler compartment gloss black and then ordered a blue vinyl cover for the cart. However, I was still having a hard time deciding what color to make the roof.

I believe that a dream becomes a plan once you put it on paper, so I made some quick concept art designs in Microsoft PowerPoint.

I have also been working on the name. I asked a few of my Facebook friends for their opinions on business names. Here were my first cuts: a) Tiki Car: Hawaiian Shave Ice b) Breaker’s Shave Ice c) Davis Islands Shave Ice d) Bay Breeze Shave Ice e) Aloha Shave Ice Cart f) Shaka Shave Ice

While moving the cart into my makeshift paint booth, I ran into a problem. The cart wouldn’t run. The engine turned over and appeared to idle, but nothing happened when I pressed the gas. I suspect that the water from the pressure washer short-circuited the battery somehow. I’m hoping that a simple battery charge will fix the problem, but I will need to deal with it tomorrow.

Expenses: Lowes paint and hardware – $117.85 Vinyl skin – $377 Ice cream and food supplies – $27.78

Day 7 – Monday

My first pathetic attempt at a snow cone.

It’s hard to believe that I committed to this idea less than a week ago, and now I have a golf cart sitting in my garage and am preparing to file for an LLC, insurance, a business bank account, and a food license.

Today was Monday, and I didn’t get home until about 7 pm in the evening. I compiled my Facebook friends’ name recommendations, and these are the results:

Island Ice – 6 votes Aloha Shave Ice – 6 votes Shaka Shave Ice – 5 votes Hawaiian Snow – 5 votes Breaker’s Shave Ice – 1 vote

I was already leaning towards calling the business Davis Islands Shave Ice, so the vote helped reaffirm my decision. Davis Islands is a unique community. First, it is awkwardly called Davis Islands (plural) because it was a real estate development built on two islands that were combined. Second, Davis Islands is a golf cart community. There is a local ordinance that authorizes golf carts to be on the streets, and many families will drive their golf carts to the small downtown, the dog park, the marina, the beach, or little league baseball field. Although it is a small community, there are plenty of outdoor areas where people congregate. The population on the island is about 3,000 people, and it is relatively affluent. We also have an annual golf cart parade.

I searched the internet and Florida business registry to make sure that no one else was using a similar name. In the process, I also did some competitor research.

There are plenty of ice cream shops and an Italian ice shop in Tampa, but the nearest shaved ice shop is over 14 miles away from me. The nearest shop is a food truck called Kona Ice. It is based in the town of Brandon, which is about 30 minutes away from me. They serve shaved ice with flavor syrup but do not serve ice cream or condensed milk. A few of my coworkers who live in Brandon are frequent customers of Kona Ice when the truck visits their children’s school sporting events.

The Kona Ice truck is my biggest competition, but it is so far away from downtown Tampa that I don’t have much to worry about.

On the islands, my only local competition is the single ice cream shop on Davis Islands. This shop will make it challenging to sell shaved ice in our downtown area, but I have a unique advantage because I can drive my business to the baseball fields, parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.

Across the nation, there are many other businesses that have versions of “Island Ice” in their business name. For example, there is Islands Ice Cream & Treats in Alabama, Island Ice in North Carolina, and Island Ice Cream Co in New Jersey, and Big Island Ice Company in Hawaii, but within my local market, there are no Island Ice businesses, and especially not any business with a similar name to Davis Islands Ice.

I also created a motto, “Da Kine from Hawaii.” “Da kine” is a Hawaiian pidgin (slang) term that means the best. So our motto actually means, “The best from Hawaii,” but it also sounds like, “The kind from Hawaii,” which fits our brand.

I began developing some concept art using PwoerPoint.

After completing my trademark and copyright research, I filed an LLC, created a Facebook Page and Instagram account, refined the design in PowerPoint, and ordered plastic panels for the signage on the side of the cart.

It took about 5 minutes to file an LLC. Filing a business may seem like a daunting task, but the hardest part is really deciding on a name and doing due diligence to ensure you’re not violating anyone else’s copyrights or trademarks. If this were a bigger project, I could have hired a lawyer to do the research and file for me, but this project was low-risk, so I did it myself.

To file an LLC, you need to submit articles of incorporation, which is an online form that creates the LLC. Some people spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to write the purpose of their business, which is a requirement of the Articles of Incorporation. I kept it simple. This was my purpose: “The purpose of Davis Islands Ice LLC is to engage in any lawful activity for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized in this state.”

I also purchased a domain name through Bluehost, islandsice.com. Fortunately, the name was available and cheap.

Expenses: Plastic panels (x2) – $109.80 LLC fee – $125.00 Domain name registration – $23.87

Day 8 – Tuesday

My friend, Jennifer, has been busting my chops about the golf cart. She jokes that my wife, Zaira, can go buy a couple of Louis Vuitton purses since I’m spending so much on the cart. I have always advocated that you get more happiness from spending your money on experiences rather than material goods. This golf cart, no matter what becomes of it, has been an amazing experience. I generally don’t stop my wife when she wants to buy nice things, but for me, this golf cart is much more exciting and rewarding than buying a designer bag or luxury car.

Today, I reassembled the cart after finishing the paint. I tried to crank it again, and it worked. I think that the last time I tried to crank it, the clutch must have slipped, possibly from the pressure washer water, or maybe I wasn’t pressing on the gas hard enough to engage the clutch. I drove the cart up and down the street to test it out. I stayed on the back streets away from public view because it still looks like a piece of junk. I’m glad I didn’t need to take the cart to a mechanic.

The hardest part today was planning how I would sew the overhead canopy. I found the design I wanted earlier in the week, a pineapple pattern made from outdoor umbrella fabric, but I couldn’t figure out how to make a scalloped edge with white piping (aka valance). I know that there are attachments that you can put on a sewing machine to help make the edge binding, but they come in so many different sizes that I couldn’t figure out what I should order. I spent about two hours looking up sewing machines and sewing machine attachments. Finally, I decided to order a sewing machine and the fabric and worry about the edging at a later time.

Expenses: Sewing machine and thread – $130.31 Pineapple canopy fabric – $92.45

Day 9 – Wednesday

Everything is proceeding well. The cart is coming together and I have a handful of long lead items on order, including the canopy, vinyl wrap, side display panels, and a small generator. I am confident that once everything arrives, I will be able to pimp out the cart and make delicious Shave Ice. The cart will definitely turn heads on the Islands.

One of the challenges I face when ordering parts is that I don’t always know what things are called. For example, I need to replace the locks that secure the Plexiglas doors on my cabinet, but I couldn’t find the name of those locks online. So, for now, the doors are zip-tied closed.

I spent about two hours trying to figure out how to power the cart. Originally, I planned to use a deep cycle battery, but someone recommended a generator instead. I purchased a 2000 watt generator that is supposed to be small and quiet, so I plan to mount it on the front of the cart. I figure that I can use the extra power later for a small refrigerator or powered cooling compartment.

I also ordered signage for the side of the cart. I plan to use large window decals stuck on plastic boards. I designed the signage in PowerPoint, which is a great, simple alternative to Photoshop.

Tomorrow, I’ll start the challenging process of figuring out how to legally sell Shave Ice and be compliant with all the health codes and regulations. I challenged myself to go from idea to a profitable business in less than 30 days, so my goal is to start selling Shave Ice no later than May 8th.

Yesterday, someone asked me if I have a business plan. Nope. I’m just following my instincts and passion. I admit that this isn’t the most prudent approach, but it’s fun.

Expenses: 2000 Watt Generator : $519.72 Food production accessories (larger cups, food pan, etc.): $114.72 Signage for the side of cart: $89.28

Day 10 – Thursday

Normally, I struggle to get up by 7:00 am and hit the snooze at least twice before getting out of bed, but today I popped out of bed at 6:00 before my alarm clock went off. I was unable to sleep or calm my mind.

I was flying to Atlanta later in the day and would be away for the weekend. Zaira would return from Atlanta with me on Sunday, and it would be her first time seeing the cart. I wanted it to be the best-looking I could get it before she saw it. I worked for about 45 minutes painting the cart before I got ready for work.

Right after work, I packed and headed to the airport.

My wife and friend, Jennifer, continue to bust my chops for spending thousands of dollars on a golf cart without a business plan. I was at the airport today and had some time to spare, so I caught up on some bookkeeping.

Here is the financial section of my non-existent business plan.

Currently, I have $6,394.62 invested in this project. I anticipate no more than $7,500 all-in. The cost per shave ice is $1.23 in consumable products. I plan to sell them at $5 per cone, which is a 300%+ profit margin.

The profit margin on bottled water is also 300%. At $5 per cone, I will need to sell 1500 cones to break even. I estimate that I will sell 12 cones per hour and will operate the cart for about 8 hours per week, for a total of about 100 cones per week. Therefore, I should break even in 15 weeks or less. These numbers don’t include the cost of labor. Numbers will change if/when I hire help, which I plan to do no later than four weeks after launch.

I would like to note that many of my neighbors on Davis Islands spend $10,000 on their personal use golf carts, which have zero profitability. Although I want to grow this into a self-sustaining profitable business, I will be more than happy to ride around Davis Islands on my pimped-out golf cart and spread Aloha spirit even if I barely make any money.

*When Zaira read the draft of this article, the one comment she made was about this paragraph. She correctly pointed out that my subconscious was giving me an excuse to fail. I was telling myself that it was ok if I didn’t make any money. This attitude is sure to result in a non-profitable business. I love my wife for showing me that I was self-sabotaging. I left the paragraph in the blog as a learning point, but I am actively trying to convince myself that failure is not an option. As Jen Sincero says in You Are a Badass , “If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.”

Day 11 – Friday

Today, I did some shopping on Amazon for small items such as extension cords, door locks, receipt tickets, ticket holders, and juice bottles. Additionally, I purchased a Bluetooth speaker since I anticipate needing some tropical-themed ice cream truck-style music. It seems like Amazon enjoys my patronage as they deliver to my home almost every day. I also delved into the health inspection regulations and eventually found the online application for Florida mobile food vehicles. I will require a commissary, which essentially will be a restaurant, grocery store, or catering facility that I can utilize for storing food, washing dishes, and disposing of dirty water. On the island, there are about 10 restaurants, so I plan to approach their respective owners next week to try and convince one of them to let me use their facilities as a commissary. After reviewing the relevant regulations, I now have a clear idea of the required documents, equipment, and other items that I will need. Based on my research, I will require the following items to operate my golf cart legally.

• Business Limited Liability Company (LLC) registration
• Hand washing station, potable water, and waste water bin
• Food Protection Manager Course certi fi cate of completion
• General liability insurance
• Commercial Insurance
• Workers Comp insurance
• Commissary letter of agreement
• Business bank account
• Federal Employer Identi fi cation Number
• Scaled design drawings
• Photos from each of the four sides
• Sales tax registration and number
• Proof of water and wastewater
• Plan review and license combination form
• Food safety department inspection
• DMV registration (maybe?)
• Environmental insurance (maybe?)
• Restroom agreement (maybe?)

Day 12 – Saturday

According to regulations, I need a cold and hot water pressurized hand-washing sink with the water temperature being over 100°F. This seems like overkill for a shaved ice cart. So, I spent about two hours today researching options for small or tankless water heaters, water pressure systems, pumps, immersion heaters, etc. I have a few ideas for the system, but since I am traveling, I can’t measure the cart to see if the tanks and equipment will fit.

I also registered for an online food safety manager course and started completing it. It’s an 8-hour course, and there will be an 80-question online proctored exam at the end, which I will schedule later this week.

Expenses: Food Manager Course – $124

Day 13 – Sunday

Today was Zaira’s first time riding in the cart. We rode down to the park at the end of the island and had a sunset picnic. We got a few smiles and waves along the way. A few times the canopy blew off while driving because I removed the screws while working on it. We had to each hold the canopy down with our hands while we drove—it was fun. We both laughed at how silly we looked driving down the street while holding the canopy down with our hands.

Afterward, Zaira helped me install the first half of the body vinyl. I rewarded her for helping me with a shave ice. I improved my technique and can now make taller peaks similar to the ones I remember from Matsumoto’s Shave Ice store in Hawaii. She liked it but complained that I skimped on the syrup (she has a sweet tooth).

It’s coming along. I’m still trying to figure out how to install a pressurized hot and cold hand washing station per health regulations. My goal is to be operational and have permits submitted no later than May 8th.

Day 14 – Monday

My first happy customer.

I continued to install the body vinyl wrap and side panels with company logos. I also spent a few hours taking the food safety course in preparation for my exam tomorrow.

During the test run yesterday, I realized that I need a sanitized place to put down my snow cone cups and utensils while preparing. I decided that I will install cutting board surfaces to use as food preparation surfaces and use an acrylic tray as a cone holder. I found an online shop that custom cuts cutting boards and placed two on order.

I probably could have made the cutting boards myself and saved about 50% of the costs. There are a few other items that I probably could have done cheaper but would have required more research and fabrication time. I am challenged to get this cart operational in less than 30 days; therefore, I’m taking shortcuts which sometimes cost more. I estimate that my need for speed has added about $500 to the cost of this project.

The cart is starting to look professional. I’m no longer embarrassed to drive around in my 16-year-old golf course beverage cart.

Expenses: Custom-sized cutting boards – $59.06 Plastic riser for cone holder – $42.68

Day 15 – Tuesday

I completed the food manager course today. It was my first time taking an online proctored exam. It was an interesting experience. I had to let the proctor remotely connect to my computer and had to show him around my room using my webcam. The proctor made sure that I didn’t have any cheating material in the room or on my laptop and then administered the exam. At any time during the exam, they could look at me through my webcam and look at my computer screen to make sure I wasn’t cheating. Once again, there were cheaper courses in town, but I paid a little extra for the convenience and time savings of not leaving my own home.

I passed my Food Safety Manager’s Course with an A-minus.

I also spent about an hour working on a minor issue. Last night while installing the vinyl skin, I sheared a bolt that holds the windshield. This is one of four bolts that supports the structure and unfortunately, it is tapped into the steel frame. I spent about 2 hours last night trying to drill it out. Two broken drill bits later, I hadn’t made much progress. I stopped at Lowe’s this afternoon and picked up some high-strength drill bits, and I’m back at it again. I spent about an hour tonight trying to drill and pound it out, but I didn’t make a lot of progress.

Expenses: Lowe’s drill bits: $20.47

Day 16 – Wednesday

Today, I woke up and checked my email. Earlier in the week, I found a mobile hand washing station that would fit in my cart, but the only suppliers were in England. Most of the suppliers wouldn’t ship to the United States but finally, I received an email back from a supplier that would. I submitted payment and ordered the hand washing station. Shipping was pricey, but I couldn’t find anything stateside that compared. Hopefully, the hand washing station can pass the health inspection.

The sink was incredibly expensive for such a simple piece of equipment. I am sure I could have fabricated something for half the price, but it would have taken me at least a day of work. Essentially, the sink is two plastic bins with a simple spigot. I was surprised that I couldn’t find any similar products in the United States (future business idea?).

On another note, we ate dinner tonight at Sparkman’s Wharf in Tampa, which has about 10 food truck-like establishments. While walking past the food trucks, I casually inspected each kitchen to look at how they handled their hand washing and three-sink dishwashing stations.

Expenses: TEAL Mobile hand washing station – $316.91

Day 17 – Thursday

Yesterday, I attended the monthly networking event of Masterminds Tampa, a local entrepreneur group. During the event, I spoke with another member, Oscar, about my challenge in finding a commissary. He suggested that I look into local industrial kitchens that food prep delivery services use. After the event, I searched Google and found a local kitchen called Pro Kitchen Hub Tampa that offers commissary services for food trucks at a monthly rate of $40. This was a great solution, and I plan to visit the facility next week.

In addition, I received an email informing me that the canopy fabric I had ordered was unavailable. I received a refund and ordered the fabric from a different supplier, which saved me about $10.

Expenses: Fabric refund: -$92.45 New fabric order: $82.87

Day 18 – Friday

I am traveling this weekend and will not be able to do any fabrication on the cart. So today I worked on the cart diagrams which are required as part of my health inspection application. Once again, I used PowerPoint to make some simple diagrams.

I used PowerPoint to make diagrams of the cart.

Day 19 – Saturday

I attended a wedding in Atlanta today and didn’t have any time to work on the cart. A few people have told me that they think $5 for shaved ice is too much. I find this interesting because none of these people have tried my shave ice, especially not on a hot summer day. Sure, the product alone may not be valued at $5, but a food service business (or any service business for that matter) can increase the value of their product by providing additional value beyond the product. For example, we add value by 1) being mobile and delivering our product to the point of need, 2) selling in an environment where the outside temperatures normally exceed 95 degrees, 3) delivering a unique product that you can’t find anywhere else in Tampa, 4) having a local story, and 5) delivering each product with Aloha Spirit. With all of this extra value, $5 is actually a great deal for our shave ice.

Day 20 – Sunday

A small generator will be handy if we need to cater events or for emergency power during hurricane season. Earlier in the week, I received the generator. It is much larger than I expected. It is too large to mount on the front of the cart, and the only way I could use it is if I kept it in the passenger seat. Running a gas-powered generator next to the driver and passenger would not be very convenient.

I realized that I will need a battery system after all. I spent about two hours online researching battery systems and other parts for the cart. I kept the generator to use if I ever need to cater an event for a long period of time. I expect that a deep-cycle battery will only power the shaved ice machine for about 3 hours. So, a generator will be necessary if we want to work a farmers market or other event where we will need to power the machine for a long time and may need to bring a powered freezer.

I got home from Atlanta late at night, so I watched Game of Thrones and then crashed.

Day 21 – Monday

I had to teach myself how to sew so I could sew the canopy.

After being away for the past three days, today was my first day back in town where I could work on the golf cart. I felt like I wasn’t making any progress while traveling. Although I was doing a lot of technical research while away, the cart wasn’t getting any closer to being street ready.

Today, I finally got a good amount of work done, including mounting the shave ice machine, completing the vinyl wrap, reinstalling the windshield, and doing a few other small tasks. I stopped at Lowe’s and picked up some more hardware – a circular 1.5” drill bit, new bolts, drain tubes, spray paint, and plywood to make a menu sign. It’s amazing how much I’ve been spending on the “little stuff.” I expected some of these costs, but not as much as I’ve had. I keep thinking about the little things I need to make the cart functional.

I still need to figure out the battery situation. I think I’ll purchase two 6-volt golf cart batteries and run them through an inverter to the shaved ice machine. I’m hoping that the batteries will last three solid hours of selling, but I can’t be sure until I test them out. I still have a lot of uncertainty about how many amps and watts I need for the system.

I’m also uncertain about the health requirements for selling ice cream. I have a feeling that the safety inspectors will require me to have a powered freezer. I found two options. The first is to purchase a conversion kit that can turn my golf cart’s cooler into a powered freezer. The other option is to purchase a portable powered freezer/cooler. The conversion kit would be ideal, but it would require elbow grease and about $900 for the coils and condenser combo. The electric cooler is cheaper, less than $200, but I don’t have a convenient place to mount it on the cart. I would basically need to keep it in the passenger seat.

I have 9 days left to meet my goal of launching the business in 30 days, and unfortunately, I’ll be traveling for business for 6 of those days. My goal while traveling is to finish the health department paperwork and order all remaining supplies so that I can hit the ground hard as soon as I get back. It will be challenging to meet my 30-day goal, and honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it without pulling an all-nighter when I get back.

Expenses: Lowe’s hardware and items – $107.26

Day 22 – Tuesday

Today, I visited a local industrial kitchen called Pro Kitchen HUB Tampa. It’s a shared workspace for chefs who can sign up for various memberships to use the facilities for food preparation, storage, utensil cleaning, etc. Full use of the entire kitchen and food storage spaces costs $300-$500, but there’s a cheaper $40 option for food trucks that only need access to potable water and wastewater, garbage, and oil dumping facilities. The most important thing is that they provided me with a registration checklist and will help me pass my initial health inspections. The owner said that if I completed all my paperwork, she could probably get me an inspection in about 7 days.

The manager also helped me and answered a few questions that I had. For example, I was uncertain if the health inspector would require a powered freezer for my ice cream. The kitchen manager gave me an excellent idea to help pass the inspection. Instead of buying an auxiliary freezer, she recommended that I operate the cooler on a test run, periodically recording the results to determine if the ice cream temperature remains stable throughout the peak temperature of the day.

Expenses: Pro Kitchen Hub Tampa application fee – $106.70 Pro Kitchen Hub Tampa monthly membership – $42.68

Day 23 – Wednesday

Today, I designed and ordered business cards. I decided to use the same model as a local coffee shop that uses its business card as a loyalty card. If people buy 9 shave ices, they will get one free. I bought a thumbs-up stamp to mark the cards after each purchase. In the future, I may look into loyalty programs that use apps, but for now, I’m keeping it simple.

I also did more Amazon shopping. I settled on a 1200-watt battery inverter. I also have an idea for a three-compartment sink (food industry standard). I plan to use three bread loaf pans as sink basins.

Expenses: Business Cards – $37.25 1200-watt inverter ( click here to view on Amazon )– $312.92 Amazon: sink supplies, etc. – $230.22

Day 24 – Thursday

Spray painting.

I wrote the menu and submitted it to FedEx online for printing. The menus were expensive. I ordered 10 laminated menus. With shipping, they came out to over $50. I probably could have saved money if I printed them myself or picked them up from the store, but in order to meet my launch date in a week, I need to save as much time as I can.

I also purchased a credit card reader, did some more shopping on Amazon, and submitted my license application.

Expenses: License and Plan Review w/ Department of Business and Professional Regulations – $397.00 LLC Certificate of Status – $5.00 Square Reader – $10.85 Laminated Menus – $52.26

Day 25 – Friday

Today was unproductive. I am limited by being away on travel. I already accomplished most of the tasks that I could do remotely, and now I need to be home to finish the big items. I expect that I will have about 20 shipments waiting for me when I return. A few of the big remaining items include installing the battery system, sewing the canopy, cleaning the cart, and testing the production process.

Although I submitted the required license application, I expect that it will be about 10-15 days before I can schedule an inspection. When the time comes, I will need to figure out how I can squeeze that into my work schedule and may need to take a day of leave to get the inspection. I will also need to figure out how to get the cart from my home to the inspection site at the commissary. The cart only goes about 5 mph, so the 7-mile trip would take over 90 minutes on the cart. I will probably need to rent a truck and trailer from Home Depot to get the golf cart to the inspection site.

Although I expect to have a medium amount of business on the island, if I want to sell at larger events or private functions, I will probably need to buy a new truck and trailer. I am trying to delay that expense until I recoup some of my initial investment and hire someone to join the team.

My goal is to hire someone as soon as possible because I really want this business to work for me and not for me to work for the business.

I expect that this week will be intense. I get home tomorrow night and really only have Monday and Tuesday evenings to work on the cart before I start selling on Wednesday. I will probably work on the canopy on Monday and then clean the cart on Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday. If the battery arrives in time, I’ll probably just set it on the passenger seat instead of properly mounting it in the engine compartment. If the battery doesn’t arrive in time, I will probably just park the cart in front of the house and run an extension cord from the garage.

Really, there is a lot more that I want to do on the cart before I feel it is ready, but meeting this 30-day deadline is forcing me to focus on the most important tasks and make decisions incredibly fast.

Day 26 – Saturday

I traveled to Orlando today to speak at a leadership workshop. Our friend Audrey Chilsom invited Zaira and me to speak at the Annual Revolution Leadership Retreat in Orlando. The purpose of the retreat is to provide high school seniors with leadership training, business skills, and financial management education in preparation for college. I didn’t do any work on the cart today, but speaking to those students and helping a friend was definitely worth it.

Day 27 – Sunday

It’s starting to come together.

I got home from my trip and continued to work on the cart. It is coming along and is nearly complete. The only remaining items are the battery system and canopy. I was also informed that I submitted my license application to the wrong government agency. Apparently, I submitted my application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulations, which covers hotel restaurants, but I should have submitted my application to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). The regulations and roles of the different agencies are very confusing. I will resubmit my application to DACS tomorrow, but I will not have my health inspection by my 30-day goal.

Day 28 – Monday

I completed the canopy today, start to finish in one day. I surprised myself. It isn’t perfect, but it looks good for now. All major assemblies are complete except for the battery system. I am still waiting to receive the battery. I had very little sewing experience but managed to sew a halfway decent canopy.

Day 29 – Tuesday

Almost ready for business.

I woke up early and resubmitted my license application to the correct agency. Surprisingly, the agent called me back the same day to schedule an opening inspection. I also found out that I will need to complete a quarterly ice test to ensure that my ice is free of pathogens and fecal matter.* This is the first I heard of this requirement and will need to figure out how to get ice inspections. This will require more research and additional overhead costs.

I also filed for a Florida Tax ID before going to work. After work, I cleaned the cart. Throughout the construction process, it became quite dusty and had a lot of metal shavings throughout. I gave the cart a thorough vacuuming followed by a full wash with soapy water, a freshwater rinse, and then another wash with sanitizing solution. A few neighbors walked by and were excited to try the shave ice tomorrow.

Afterward, I ran through my operating procedures with Zaira. We briefly discussed how I would greet customers, take their orders, and how we would work as a team to serve the shave ice.

The deep cycle battery has not arrived yet, so the plan for launch day is to either use a small generator that we will carry in the passenger seat, or potentially to just park in front of the house and run an extension cord from the garage.

I won’t be able to schedule an opening inspection for 1 to 2 weeks, but I plan on proceeding with a soft opening anyway. Of course, there is risk associated with operating without a license. Most notably, I assume I could get fined or suspended, but I am willing to accept the risk. I plan to use this period to refine my operating procedures, start generating buzz, and potentially find an employee. This will be my market research before an official launch.

I’m anxious, excited, and also exhausted. I’ve been working on this cart from 7 pm until midnight every free workday for the past month. Tomorrow is the real deal.

*When I talked to the inspector on a later date, he informed me that I did not need quarterly ice inspections. He originally thought I was an ice dispensary. When he realized that I was selling shaved ice, he corrected himself and told me that the quarterly ice inspection was not required.

Expenses: Florida Tax ID: $129 Additional Ice Cream, Condensed Milk, and Bottled Water: About $30

Day 30 – Wednesday

I set a goal to launch my Shave Ice business within 30 days of starting this project. Today was day 30. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I was ready. I didn’t install the battery power, I didn’t set up my credit card system, I didn’t create a website, I didn’t advertise, I didn’t finish my sink system, I didn’t create my operating procedure, and I didn’t get my inspection. I didn’t feel like I was ready, but I set a 30-day goal and stuck to the plan.

I got home from work at 6:30 pm, loaded the cart and hit the road. It was cloudy and looked like it was going to rain, but we proceeded anyway. I had a great assistant with me, my wife, Zaira Solano. For power, I loaded a portable generator in the passenger seat. We drove down to the dog park… it was empty. Then, my portable speaker playing tropical music crapped out on me. We drove for 20 minutes without a sale, but we kept driving. Then we saw some kids playing flag football. We waited for them to finish.

After the game, we had one kid come up to the cart and ask for whatever we were selling. I don’t think he knew what we were selling, but he wanted one anyway. He was about 8 years old. I asked him, “Hey buddy, what’s your name?” “My name is Knowledge,” he said confidently. Then he looked over his shoulder and saw his mother standing behind him. “I mean… my name is Jeremy.” Clearly, Knowledge was his street name, but his mother did not approve. I asked him what flavor he wanted and he asked for “the best flavor.”

Making my first sale, 30 days after I began building my business.

“Alright. The best flavor is all four flavors together. I’ll hook you up.” I started making Knowledge a shave ice, but then the generator wouldn’t start. I pulled the starting cord for five minutes, I tried adjusting the choke, loosened the fuel cap, and turned the damn thing on and off— nothing. Here I am, my first paying customer and the damn generator won’t start. I was incredibly frustrated.

As I was trying to start the generator, the flag football coach approached us. He asked about the business, and we talked to him about his practice schedule. He told Zaira that we should come out after a game and he will buy all the kids Shave Ice. I’m glad that Zaira was there because I was so frustrated with the generator that I barely noticed anything he said. I couldn’t believe that the generator failed on my very first day.

Then, after 5 minutes, which seemed like a lifetime, it started. #amen I made Knowledge a shave ice with the best flavor—Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Pina Colada, and Tiger Blood. Zaira collected his $5 and then we got dinner in town. Along the way, we smiled and waved to a few dozen happy inquisitive neighbors. Honestly, I smiled and waved at neighbors because I knew it was good for business, but it also made me feel good too. After all, these were my neighbors. Usually, I drive by them and never think twice, but on the golf cart, we noticed a lot more of our neighbors and neighborhood than we had in the past.

Before we parked for the night, we sold one more shave ice to our next-door neighbor who texted us afterward, “It was yummy, it’s a lot!” In total, we spent just over an hour driving around the island. We sold two ices for a total of $10.

It’s funny. I told myself that I would be happy if I sold ANY shave Ice on my first day. I was successful in making a sale, but another part of me—the overachiever part—secretly wished that I would have sold over $100 on my first day. The rational part of my brain knows that selling $100 on my first day (when I only worked for an hour before sunset, on an evening when it was preparing to storm) is completely unrealistic, but I still find it so hard to turn that part of my brain off.

At the end of the day, I drank some wine and took a long relaxing bubble bath. I had been going H.A.M. for the last 30 days and finally felt like I could unwind. Regardless of what happens next, I am incredibly grateful for the experience these past 30 days.

Total Expenses (first 30 days) – $8,279.45

Day 48 – Sunday, May 26th

I passed my health inspection on Friday, 46 days after I started this project. Overall, the inspection was easier than I expected. The inspectors checked to make sure that I had the following items:

• Overhead cover
• Commissary letter of agreement for my water supply and utensil cleaning
• Cooler system for the dairy products (my non-powered cooler was fine)
• Thermometer in my cooler
• Probe thermometer for checking food temperatures
• Hand washing station with tepid water (100° F was not required for my type of business)
• Knowledge about foodborne illnesses

The inspection took about 10 minutes. The best part about the inspection is that it is valid for the life of my business. I will only get inspected again if I receive a complaint.

With the inspection in hand, we had our official launch on Sunday, May 26th. I created a Yelp page and posted an announcement on the NextDoor app. We drove to the dog park and were immediately met by a retired couple that saw our post. The gentleman was stationed in Hawaii when he was in the Marines and was very happy to see our Hawaiian shave ice. We sold a few more at the dog park, then a few more when we drove through downtown.

This couple hunted us down to get some Hawaiian Shave Ice.

Another neighbor who saw our post on NextDoor invited us to her pool party to serve her children and friends. As I drove to her house, I ran out of gas. Luckily, I was close to home and walked half a mile to the house to get an emergency gas can.

We arrived at the pool party and were greeted by half a dozen excited children. We sold out of ice cream and block ice. We had four additional orders that we could not fulfill because we sold out.

One of our customers was the owner of a local ice cream shop, Dairy Joy. We talked to him for about 20 minutes and learned about his story and experiences in owning an ice cream shop.

We drove home after a successful day. In total, we were out for about 3 hours. Accounting for the gas fiasco and chatting with the neighbors, we were actively selling for about 2 of those hours. We sold 20 ices for about $100 in revenue.

The unit cost is $1.84 for a kid size and $2.06 for an adult size. This is more than my original estimate of $1.23 per unit. The cost per unit is still cheap, and I anticipate that I will be able to reduce this cost by 10-20% when I start bargain shopping and buying in bulk.

The cost for an adult shave ice breaks down like this:

Ice Cream – 69 ¢ Flavor Syrup – 68 ¢ Flower Cup – 25 ¢ Paper Cone & Straw – 13 ¢ Sweetened Condensed Milk – 12 ¢ Loyalty Card – 7 ¢ Spoon – 6 ¢ Napkins – 5 ¢ Total unit cost – $2.06

So we spent about $40 in supplies and made about $60 in profit in 3 hours, or $20 per hour. The profit margin isn’t great considering that we had two people working, Zaira and myself. I really need to sell at least 10 cones or $50 per hour to justify hiring a $15 per hour employee.

Now that I’ve built this business, my next major milestone is to hire a person or team that can help it grow and be sustainable without me working the cart. In the future, my plan is to increase hourly sales by targeting big events like little league games, pool parties, and farmers’ markets.

I am inspired by my competition, Kona Ice. I had never heard of the company before I started my market research, but learned more about them along the way. Kona Ice was founded by Tony Lamb in Kentucky. In 2007, Tony was disappointed with the creepy ice cream trucks in his neighborhood. So with no restaurant or food truck experience, he took out a $500,000 loan and built five Kona Ice trucks. Today, Kona Ice is one of the fastest growing franchises with over 1,000 trucks in 48 states. The estimated fleet revenue is over $125 million and the corporate revenue is about $25 million. The cost to start a Kona Ice franchise is $100,000.

Comparatively, I’ve spent $8,763 on this business. I need to make two more large purchases. First, I need to buy a freezer chest for the garage ($200) so that I can make more ice blocks. Second, I need to buy a 5 x 8-foot trailer ($750) so that I can tow the cart to farmers markets and other events off the island. At the end of the day, I will be all-in for about $10,000. My investment is much cheaper than a Kona Ice franchise and my shave ice is superior and more authentic.

This has been a great experience, and I am very happy for my small successes. Now, I have the challenging task of building this into a sustainable, profit-generating business.

We operated Davis Islands Ice for about a year. I found a niche market at the local little league fields and had great success on Fridays and Saturdays when there were games. I eventually hired a part-time employee, a local high school student. When I was busy, he would take the cart out by himself. I paid him $12 an hour and with tips, he usually made $20-$25 an hour. On a busy Saturday, I would make about $100 in profit after paying his salary and expenses. The best part was that I made that profit without having to sell the cones myself. Unfortunately, business fluctuated significantly around the little league season.

Then in 2020, the COVID pandemic hit. Little league was temporarily shut down and my wife and I were extra precautions because we were trying to get pregnant. We were very afraid that getting COIVD would affect our ability to get pregnant. So we paused business operations. In late 2020, I also received military orders to move to Pittsburgh in 2021.

At the time, I was also writing my first book, Alpha Couples: Build a Powerful Marriage Like a Boss (which is now published. You can get it on Amazon , Audible , or wherever books are sold).

With the pandemic still ongoing and the pending move to Pittsburgh, I decided to sell Davis Islands Ice. I posted an announcement on my Facebook and Instagram pages and a former part-time Davis Islands Ice employee, who helped with a few farmers market and other festival events, offered to buy the cart. She bought it for $8,000. At the time, the business was closed for over 6 months due to the pandemic.

I estimate that the cost of the capital equipment (cart, trailer, machine, syrups, etc) was about $10,000 to $12,000. That is not including all the labor I put into creating the cart. At $8,000, I sold it for a loss; however, the income I earned over a year and half, pulse the profit from the sale, more or less broke even with my investment (not including significant amount of manhours I put into it).

If the COVID pandemic didn’t happen, I am sure that I would have made much more profit during the year-plus that the business was shut down, and I also could have probably sold the business for more. Still, I am happy that I was able to sell the business during a global crisis and recuperate some of my investment.

After I sold the business, I bought another snow cone machine for personal use and frequently make snow cones for my children, family, and friends during the summer (we live in Arizona now). The shave ice is always a big hit and I love telling the story of Davis Islands Ice.

I learned invaluable business lessons from the experience, but most importantly, I learned that a shave ice business is not for me. While fun at the time, I learned that I would rather focus my energy on writing my books and leadership coaching.

We sold Davis Islands Ice, but not before making many happy customers.

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Snow Ball / Shaved Ice Business Plan From Southern Snow ®

Snow Ball Syrup Formulation & Cost:

6 lbs. sugar + 2 qt. 6 oz. water + 4 oz. flavor = 1 gal. (6 lbs. x 50¢) + 0 + 85¢ = $3.85 a gallon. The current sugar price is 50¢ a lb. One gal. of flavoring concentrate will flavor approximately 32 gal. of snow ball syrup ($34.00 ÷ 32 gal. = approximately 85¢ cost to flavor a gallon of syrup). Syrup cost of $3.85 a gal. ÷ 128 oz. = 3¢ cost per ounce.

Cost of a 12 ounce snow ball:

This 20¢ is the cost of a deluxe 12 ounce snow ball. Cost of ice can be cut 2¢ on this 12 ounce snow ball by using a SNOW-BLOCK ® ice maker that will produce ice for approximately 2¢ per pound. Thus, the cost of the 12 ounce snow ball is 18¢.

The prices of these snow balls are usually "sales tax included."

For all snow ball sizes are based on the 20¢ cost of the 12 ounce snow ball with ice purchased at 8¢ a pound. The price of $2.00 will be used for the sales figure, thus yielding a 10% COGS. (20¢ COGS ÷ $2.00 sale price = 10% COGS).

The COGS of 10% is reduced to 9% (18¢ snow ball cost ÷ sale price $2.00 = 9%) by using a SNO-BLOCK ® ice block maker. The SNO-BLOCK ® brochure illustrates daily ice savings.

• Parking lots of shopping malls, department stores or supermarkets are hot and create impulse sales for snow balls that may have been lost inside the air-conditioned facility. Parents who have denied their children expensive purchases inside the shopping mall may treat the same children to a snow ball upon leaving. The children are exposed to the possibility of a snow ball before and after the shopping mall experience. The parents will also be your customers after they sample their children's snow balls. Lease or rent payments for space in these parking lots are sometimes negotiated so that the payments are reduced during the winter season while the snow ball sales outlet is closed.
• Locations across the street from shopping malls, department stores or supermarkets will benefit from the advantages of these high traffic areas. Pedestrian access and parking are important considerations for such a location.
• Inside shopping malls, department stores or supermarkets are high traffic areas suitable for snow ball sales.
• Highway locations with ample parking and some neighborhood access are desirable.
• Fast food outlets can also sell snow balls as an additional item.
• Parks and tourist areas produce customer interest in the novelty of a snow ball.
• Mobile units can also sell snow balls. It is best to have the mobile units conduct regular hours at specific locations rather than roam the streets. Direct current 12 volt motors are available to power the Southern Snow Machine with a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery.
• Neighborhood snow ball sales outlets create sales quickly that peak at an early date during the season.
• Special events sometimes provide high volume sales. The most successful events for snow ball sales are food festivals and any hot day events such as race tracks and rodeos. The earlier above mentioned locations seem to be more desirable than the later. Ample parking and access is always important. There is no guaranteed successful location. Each site needs to be considered for its advantages as well as its disadvantages. There are some special event snow ball sales outlets that sell as many snow balls in one week as some prime locations sell all summer. Location is one of your most important decisions when starting a new business.

Signs are your first step. The more signs you have, and the bigger and more colorful they are, the better. Colorful triangle pennants strung above the snow ball outlet will draw customers.

A day of free snow balls will certainly draw crowds. Your cost on 100 eight ounce snow balls will be under $15.00. Kids are your first customers. As the parents sample the kids' snow balls your customers will be composed of half kids and half adults.

Circulars distributed through neighborhoods, office buildings and parking lots will create customers. If you are creating a new service for a community, you may have a story eligible for free publicity through local newspaper articles.

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A PLEASURE!

Hawaiian Shaved Ice employees are a pleasure to speak with and deal with. The experience of my purchases each time has been nothing less than excellent!

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A fantastic shopping experience. The order was right. Super fast delivery. My grandchildren were thrilled with their gifts. I will continue to shop here. Two thumbs up!

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The product came quickly, was in good shape, and was DELICIOUS!

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Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper, Yay!

I really like cherry-flavored diet Dr. Pepper, and it cannot always be found in stores. Now, I can buy Diet Dr Pepper and make my own CHERRY SODA! Thanks, Hawaiian Shaved Ice.

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Fantastic flavors! It's the real deal if you're making snow cones. What the flavor says is what it tastes like. You can't go wrong.

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I have purchased from Hawaiian Shaved Ice before. As usual, their choices of flavors are great. Not watered down. Always receive products within a few days of ordering. Keep up the good work.

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Best Locations For Your Shave Ice Business

You have your professional ice shaver ready, all your commercial ice supplies organized, and every possible shave ice syrup lined up for action. You flicker the ‘open’ light on- but no one is at your door.

Why? It could be many reasons. But a potentially major reason?

For a successful shave ice business, location always matters. Whether your business has a permanent stand or a mobile truck it’s important to know where to put it.

Below we’ve listed 5 of our favorite location ideas for your shave ice business (make sure you do additional research for your exact location too.)

• Areas with heavy traffic. The parking lots of areas that are always bustling with traffic, such as local shopping centers and malls, are great places to set up shop.
• Public Events. If you’re a mobile shave ice business, special events will bring you an impressive crowd. Pay attention to any local events going on, such as concerts, carnivals, festivals, baseball games, parades, or fairs.
• Roadside Locations. We all have streets nearby that are known for how busy they always are. Pick a roadside location by one of these streets. It’s key that this location is highly visible and has easy accessibility!
• Local Attractions. Sightseeing tourists want to experience all that your area has to offer. Plant your business right by a local attraction? People will think you’re a part of the experience. Plus, all the children will be begging their parents for a break and your shop will be right there for them.
• On a route. If you’re mobile, plan where you’ll be according to popular hours. For example, stopping right by the local middle school when the bell rings then driving over to the local swimming pool nearby, when they’re getting out of their lessons.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice Review: Summer Fun with the Party Package!

I ’m so excited to be sharing our Hawaiian Shaved Ice review with you today! Get the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Shaved Ice machine HERE. You get the machine and two ice molds so you can have plenty of ice on hand. In addition, there are 25 spoon straws, 25 snow cone cups and 3 bottle...

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