Just in time to cash in on the warm weather, Angel and Anita Pellot have brought Tropical Sno to Carolina Beach Road, next door to Savor Southern Kitchen. 

Pioneer Family Brands Inc. opened the first Tropical Sno location in Provo, Utah, in the spring of 1984. Unlike a traditional franchise, they operate a dealer model, where licensed dealers use the Tropical Sno name, products, equipment, marketing materials and supplies, but have the flexibility of owning their own business. 

Angel Pellot, who has lived in Wilmington since 2006 and has looked into opening an ice cream shop for several years, said he was attracted to the brand because of the dealer model. 

“I can source everything I need from them and it’s a little less restrictive,” Angel Pellot said. “I can create my own setup, my own hours and still have the support of a dealer coach and access to all of the products.”

Pellot, who operates the store with wife, Anita, as well as son Caleb and daughter Karmyn, said Tropical Sno is different from other snow cone products because it’s made with shaved ice.

Water is frozen into large ice blocks that are shaved by a machine and hand formed for each order. Pellot said this yields a smoother consistency and better absorption of the syrups that are poured over it.

Each cup of shaved ice is served in a snocatcher, a cup that’s placed inside a plastic rim that catches any ice that might fall while eating. 

“It’s a big help for kids, but really for everyone since it can be kind of messy,” Pellot said. 

Another thing children love is the spoons that change color when they get cold, said Pellot.

Tropical Sno offers two dozen flavor combinations in three sizes, as well as nearly 40 flavors from which to create your own. There is also the option to have your shaved ice served on top of a scoop of Celtic Creamery vanilla ice cream or to add candy such as gummy worms or Twizzlers. 

Tropical Sno has a loyalty card program where once you buy nine cups, you get the 10th one free. They also offer military, first responder and special needs discounts.

They are currently working on creating a gathering space behind the building with picnic tables and cornhole boards. 

Tropical Sno is located at 3704 Carolina Beach Rd. and is open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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