Photo by Joe LananeSnow cone stand opens for its second season
Beaumont natives Mandy Felton and Rachel Pry have reopened their snow cone stand in front of Rosedale Market at the heart of north-central Austin.
512 SNO, which makes snow cones from the same machine brand as the owners' favorite childhood spot, has proven popular for Rosedale, Allandale and Brentwood–area residents, the duo said.
"The kids who come are our regulars," Felton said. "They love us, which is so nice."
The first-time business owners said many lessons were learned in their inaugural effort last year. Since reopening in March—two months earlier than last year—regulars have returned to embrace the snow cones, parasails, sidewalk chalk and bubbles Felton and Pry provide for customers.
They will also continue their philanthropic efforts. Last year 512 SNO raised $1,200 for local charities, and during Mother's Day weekend May 10–11 they donated 20 percent of all sales toward the Rosedale neighborhood's Ramsey Pool restoration efforts. That fundraiser helped contribute $100 toward the project, the owners said.
They are also open to other fundraising opportunities this year, Pry said.
"We'll do different things for different organizations that come up to us," she said.
Felton and Pry will also enlist the help of college students as part-time workers after running the operation on their own last year. All 512 SNO snow cones are made using natural sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, Felton said. 512 SNO offers 36 flavors.
They also purchased a second snow cone machine from profits made last year for weddings, corporate events and other private outings.
512 SNO, 1309 W. 45th St., 512-998-1488, www.facebook.com/512SNO
