At Funky Flamingo Shaved Ice Co., making frozen fun is the focus for owners Shane and Mary Anniboli. “We have a fun vibe—come out, hang out, relax,” Shane said.
The snack spot opened in Magnolia on April 20 and serves 45 flavors—10 of which were created by the Annibolis—of shaved ice, which is a fluffier version of a snow cone. To make the frozen treat, Shane said a triple-bladed machine shaves a solid block of ice about 15 inches long, four inches wide and four inches thick. A traditional snow cone, on the contrary, is made from ground-up ice.
Owner Shane Anniboli said the eatery serves shaved ice, a fluffier version of a snow cone.[/caption]“Believe it or not, there’s a difference,” Shane said. “A snow cone is almost like ground ice. This is like snow, almost. Like a fluffy snow [or] like a sugar smoothie.” The Funky Flamingo operates out of a large trailer, which is partially the inspiration for the business name.
“When I found the trailer, [it had] that funky, vintage, retro look, so I knew I wanted funky in the name,” Shane said. “I went through the alphabet [while] laying in bed at night trying to figure out what went with funky, and ‘flamingo’ stuck.”
Mary said Shane deserves full credit for the name and business idea. “It’s got a nice ring to it,” she said. “He’s creative.”
Shane, who is also the owner of Turfco Landscape Management in Magnolia, said he noticed how busy snow cone stands around the Greater Houston area were. Additionally, the startup costs were relatively inexpensive. “I’m always looking for another business to open,” Shane said. “I just kind of came up with this little concept here with the tables and the games.”
In addition to picnic tables and the Funky Flamingo itself, the location offers cornhole and an oversized Jenga set for families to enjoy. “It’s been nice because the community likes this setup,” Shane said. “Even though it is a big lot, [tables and games] help the business, versus it being in a parking lot of a convenience store or something to that effect.”
The Funky Flamingo extended its hours for the summer after moms in the community began asking for morning hours once school let out, Shane said. “People love this place because they can let their kids run,” he said. “People literally will sit here for an hour or two.”
Shortly after its opening, the Funky Flamingo began catering events via the Flying Flamingo, a smaller trailer. “It’s like the coolest retro trailer,” Shane said. “It’s even cooler than the Funky Flamingo.”
Shane said there has already been an overwhelming response to the Flying Flamingo; the Annibolis have served guests at corporate events and parties and hope to cater weddings in the future. “What can I say? Everyone is always happy when they’re coming to get a snow cone,” he said. “We love snow cones around here.”
618 Honea Egypt Road, Magnolia
281-750-9838
www.facebook.com/funkyflamingoshavedice
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (summer), 1:30-7:30 p.m. (school year); Fri. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (summer), 1:30-8:30 p.m. (school year); Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
