T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM Tropical Sno owner Megan Mohon and her mother, Tammy, wait for customers during the grand opening of the food truck on Friday. During the first hour of business, Mohon said it went rather well, and customers are excited to see the return of the icy summer treat.

A familiar favorite has returned to Marshalltown – Tropical Sno.

The shaved ice truck had its grand opening Friday afternoon in the parking lot in front of U-Haul on Center Street. Owner Megan Mohon said she has wanted to bring the summer treat back to Marshalltown for a while. It was something she and her brother talked about for a long time, and while he is not involved in the venture, Mohon took the leap.

“We’ve always loved Tropical Sno, and it was here before at the U-Haul in a shack,” she said. “It’s very nostalgic for us.”

Mohon said her generation and that of her parents would bring the family to Tropical Sno on hot summer days. Mohon’s mother, Tammy, said it was almost like a picnic.

T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM
Tropical Sno owner Megan Mohon shaves some ice for a small Tiger’s Blood serving on Friday during the grand opening. She said the ice shaver is specific to the company and provides the snow-like consistency.

“I just remember family and happy summer times,” Mohon said.

Mohon, 31, a nursing student at Marshalltown Community College, said she first contacted Tropical Sno to begin the process of opening one. After looking at the numbers with Tropical Sno personnel, it was determined to be a good move. She then had to find a food truck trailer, and located one in Minnesota.

“Then I just ordered all the products and went through the trainings online,” Mohon said. “It’s harder than I thought. The ice shaver can be finicky, but we’re figuring it out. We have to have the blade at a certain level for it to be snowy, and not icy. That’s why it’s so different from any other shaved ice company. The ice shaver is specific to Tropical Sno.”

Plus, she said the company has a “huge” flavor selection. Mohon got all of the flavors, with the exception of blue cotton candy. However, that will be coming soon. She even has Tiger’s Blood, which is a combination of strawberry and coconut.

Mohon’s favorite flavor is pineapple and coconut and Tammy prefers watermelon with the cream topping.

During the first hour of opening, Mohon said business was doing well. She made sure to post the opening on Facebook.

“I’ve had a ton of people post on Facebook like ‘Yes. It’s back,'” Mohon said. “It’s exciting. They had the same reaction I had about bringing it back into town.”

The last day of the Tropical Sno season is tentatively set for Oct. 31, and Mohon also hopes to book events and community events, such as Oktemberfest. She can bring the shaved ice treats to birthdays, graduation celebrations and more and would be able to set up a table for customers.

“Not a lot of people knew I was going to do this,” Mohon said. “It was more I needed to do it for myself. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I hope it goes well.”

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Name: Tropical Sno

Address: 1720 S. Center St. parking lot

Hours: noon to 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m., Sundays; weather permitting

Phone: 641-751-3700

Website: Facebook

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.