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Porter SnoBall opened March 20 for its 50th season, owner Karen Barfield said via email April 10.
The history
The shaved ice stand was originally opened by Barfield's mother, Martha Turner, in April 1976. At the time, prices started at 25 cents and the stand was located farther south on Loop 494 near Ford Road. The business name, Porter SnoBall, was given a few years later in 1979.
Barfield said she assumed ownership of the business after her mother's passing in 2001.
"My mom was the pillar of the business," Barfield said. "She worked hard to instill the values of what it takes to be in business. We grew up in the SnoBall stand. My sister and I cut ice from an ice house in Cleveland every Saturday morning to take to the SnoBall. We loved it."
Today, Barfield said the tradition continues as her daughters and grandchildren can often be found at the stand helping run the family business.
What to expect
Porter SnoBall offers 50 shaved ice flavors available in four sizes with toppings ranging from cool whip and Nerds to caramel and condensed cream.
"My grandfather was the chef, he helped critique the flavors," Barfield said. "Blackberry Supreme has been our claim to fame. We make all of our syrups [and] we add in our own dash of this and that."
The business is open seasonally, typically opening by April 1—if not sooner—and closing by Labor Day. The cash-only establishment is closed Mondays.
"Porter SnoBall has never changed the way we do things," Barfield said. "Quality, friendliness and devotion to the people of this area are what have kept us in business. Lots of stands come and go ... our customers always return to Porter SnoBall."
