SNO TIME SHAVE ICE QUESTION & ANSWER
WHAT CAN SNO TIME DO FOR YOU?
INCREASE PROFITS: Sno Time has created the most efficient shave ice program in the market place today. Your park will increase profits using our program compared to any other *quality shave ice operation that you may currently be using or considering.
ENHANCE & INCREASE FOODSERVICE REVENUES: Sno Time Shave Ice offers your customers a refreshing treat without filling them up or effecting other food item sales.
CREAT YOUR OWN CUSTOMIZED PROGRAM: Sno Time can customize a specific **treat program directly addressing your parks needs and requirements.
FULL SERVICE PROGRAM: Sno Time will arrange delivery of equipment, set everything up and train your employees. If your location is seasonal we will winterize and have everything ready for re-opening.
INCREASE SUPERVISORS PRODUCTIVITY: Sno Time programs require minimal attention and are designed to operate with 1 employee. Putting less workload on your managers and supervisors will add to workplace productivity.
*Snow Kones are not quality shave ice **Treat program may include themed carts or vending units, additional ice and ice cream type products
WHY USE A SNO TIME SHAVE ICE PROGRAM?
Sno Time has been in the trenches and on the front line serving customers in high volume situations for 20 years! We don’t just have the experience we have the scares on our knuckles from bust’n ice!
We know what it takes to run a successful shave ice operation and understand the pitfalls associated with common mistakes that turn a revenue source into nothing but a labor expense.
We have firsthand experience with the many different ice shaving machines, ice suppliers, cart manufacturers, and different type flavoring syrups being offered in the market place today. This knowledge compiled with training thousands of employees and numerous cart designs has lead us to perfecting the art of “Shave Ice Simplicity”.
WHAT IS SHAVE ICE SIMPLICITY?
The ability to operate a shave ice location with 1 person with enough supplies and production capability to serve well over 1,000 servings without the operator ever leaving the cart!
No worries about keeping up with production during peak demand times
No worries with consistently offering the same size and shape time after time
No running back and forth to refill flavor bottles.
No worries about running out of flavoring or having to mix or dilute flavorings.
No worries about running out of spoons or logo serving cups.
No worries about storing ice
No timely learning curve to train employee
WHAT’S SO DIFFICULT ABOUT MAKING A SNOWBALL?
Nothing; if you know what you’re doing and have the proper equipment, flavorings, ice and an uncomplicated safe proven system that works!
Sno Time has eliminated all the negative issues that obstruct performance and waste time and money.
HOW WILL PROFITS INCREASE BY USING A SNO TIME SHAVE ICE PROGRAM?
Sno Time operations are fast, efficient, reliable and safe.
Besides the No Capital Investment part, the Sno Time operation is the easiest shave ice location to run. We have taken the challenge out of trying to keep up with serving the customer during those peaks demand times. By being able to blast out the high volume servings when needed greatly enhances your bottom line and turns a good sales day into a great sales day.
Our ice shaving machine can shave 8 pounds of cubed ice in about 1 minute creating up to 18 servings. Unlike most shave ice machines when a blade breaks or goes bad you’re not out of business. Our shaver takes about 3 minutes to replace the blade housing and can be done without hand tools. Unlike most ice shaving machines we do not use the straight edge blade. So it is much safer, reduces or eliminates liability and compensation claims and does not require an adult to operate. If a blade does go down it’s not taking the location down with it. Less down time equals more production and that represents increased revenue.
The RTU Sno Time Flavor syrup comes "ready to use." No wasting time diluting or mixing flavors. No prep time equals less labor expense and frees up your manager or supply person to focus on other tasks. Sno Time carts are designed to operate with low labor costs. One employee can serve well over 1,000 servings without having to leave the cart. This alone greatly decreasing labor expenses compared to other shave ice operations.
HOW DOES CUBED ICE COMPARE TO BLOCK ICE?
Most parks already have cubed ice making on the premises. The ease of accessibility and the cost factor to purchase cubed ice from an outside source, if needed, is easily attainable.
The costs associated with purchasing block ice or in-house production of making block ice requires dedicating a large amount of freezer space as well as an organized labor force to harvest the block ice. Making block ice in-house comes with a list of concerns and challenges. Before agreeing to a block ice program check local ice suppliers for availability as block ice is not as common as cubed ice.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT VARIATIONS IN BLOCK OR CUBED ICE?
“CLEAR BLOCK ICE” will work best in all machines as the ice is clear because it has less air in the block. This allows for more of the ice to meet the shaving blade and enhance production and texture of the shaved ice by creating a larger or longer shave of ice.
“COMPRESSED BLOCK ICE” is the most undesirable type of block ice as it is usually made by compressing cubed ice together and formed into a block shape. Visually a compressed block will resemble a cinder block used in construction. Because there is a large amount of air throughout the block it is course and gray in color. Production is reduced as there is less ice hitting the shaving blade and creating longer shaves of ice is difficult if not impossible. Compressed block ice is also more difficult to chop, or split, to fit in the average spinner type shave ice machine creating more waste and increased food cost.
“CUBED ICE” comes in various shapes and sizes depending on ice supplier or ice making units on site. The larger or more solid cubes work best. Smaller pellet type ice may not function properly in the cubed ice shave machines.
WHAT TYPE ICE AND MACHINE PRODUCES THE FLUFFIEST SHAVE ICE?
This is one of those questions that the answer will be based on the individual or organization they represent. Fortunately Sno Time offers both cubed and block ice programs.
Here is the real answer!
Clear block ice shaved from a spinner type machine that uses a straight surgically sharpened blade will produce the fluffiest shave ice!
For years I preferred the Swan SI-100E Block Ice machine. Today there finally are some less expensive spinner type Block Ice machines that can compete with the Swan. But be careful as there still are plenty of machines claiming to be as good as or better than the Swan…but are actually more like hand grenades with the pin out!
If spinner type block ice machines produce a fluffier texture why not use them?
We use them but don't reccomend them unless you are an individual owner operator not concerned with the added challanges and expense.
HOW MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF ICE SHAVING MACHINES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET PLACE TODAY?
There are way too many! How’s that for an answer?
Ok here is a better answer, if we take out all the residential “Snoopy Snow Cone” makers and the old fashioned commercial Circus style “Snow Cone” makers that look similar to a fish aquarium type box full of crunchy ice bits and a World War 1 cast iron style ice crusher on the top of the box we can divide the different machines into the following categories.
Block Ice Machines are either “Grinders” or “Spinners”:
The Grinders: 
Most of these grinder type machines I believe were manufactured in the Deep South and at one time may have been considered the machine of choice in the early days especially in New Orleans area. A block of ice is placed into a machine that is horizontal in design. The block is concealed inside the machine that applies pressure horizontally forcing the block into belt driven blades that grinds the ice off projecting it through a shoot that quickly fills a serving cup. The ice is not really shaved, it is similar to saw dust flying out of a commercial wood saw. Although the ice is very fine it quickly reforms to a more solid state or refreezes itself when flavoring is applied. To achieve this very fine condition the ice is usually extremely cold approximately 20 degrees when placed into the machine. These machines have a larger degree of difficulty to repair, replace items and maintain.
The Spinners: 
The spinner type machines are designed in a vertical position. They apply downward pressure. The block is placed on a base with a straight blade that adjusts upward into the bottom of the block. By adjusting the depth of the blade into the ice block controls the consistency of ice from fluffy to course. The block sits in full view on many machines and is designed to spin on top of the shaving blade. An example of how the straight blade shaves the ice could be similar to inserting a pencil into a hand held sharpener with a straight blade. While turning the pencil against the blade a thin shaving strip of wood is almost pealed or shaved from the pencil point. The spinner machines are either belt or gear driven and although similar in design have minor differences.
Although these spinner type machines will produce the best textured shave ice they come with concerns or drawbacks depending on manufacturer.
Cubed Ice Machines: 
Cubed ice machines are design with the basic principal of loading the ice cubes into the top of the machine. Depending on the manufacturer and model will greatly vary in the texture and production of the ice they will produce. As with all shave ice machines the tempiture of the ice, the condition of the blade and type of ice being used will have an effect on the texture and performance.
As we have evaluated cubed ice machines we found that there are many factors to consider. The most important factors to us were;
Quality and consistency in shave ice texture
Safety, consistency and ease of use to produce servings/ learning curve training new employees
Ability to meet peak demands for production
Quick, safe and uncomplicated blade replacement
Durability, required maintenance, down time
WHY OUR CUBED ICE SHAVER IS YOUR BEST CHOICE 
SIMPLICITY!
You want a quality product and a machine that is easy to use and maintain. One that will consistently produce the same quality serving time and time again.
Many machines will produce a decent shave ice but as the blade dulls so does the quality. In fact, to be on the up and up, some cubed shavers can produce a slightly better quality shave ice than our machine. But, it’s only for a minimal amount of time before the consistency issue becomes a factor.
Our machine shaves with the same consistency of ice regardless if the blades are new or have 5,000 servings on them. Our blades are safe and easy to replace. Replacing the blade housing can be done in 3 minutes with no tools. Many cubed ice shave machines use straight blades. These straight blades are surgically sharpened and dangerous! Check with you legal team or your insurance policy as these straight blades usually are required to be operated by an 18 year old adult. Not a 15 to 17 year old! Not using the straight blade greatly reduces liability or workers compensation claims.
Finally the machine has a built in “shaper” to form the top or dome shape on the shave ice serving. This built in production mold helps insure each shave ice is consistently the same shape and size time and time again.
This is the best machine for ease of use, high performance, safety, and quick and easy blade replacement. You can place a brand new employee at a Sno Time Shave Ice Cart and have them adequately trained and ready to go in under 5 minutes! Awesome!
WHAT MAKES THE SNO TIME CART SUPERIOR TO OTHER CARTS OR CART MANUFACTURERS?
The Sno Time Signature Series Carts are designed and built to look good, last long, maximize production and simplify the entire operation. These carts are a reflection of the Sno Time commitment to excellence as well as a statement of superior quality. Placing a Sno Time Signature Series Cart in your park will be an enhanced visual asset and a high profit revenue source!
The last 20 years operating in theme parks has given us an extensive background and firsthand knowledge of the many different carts and cart manufacturers.
The bottom line…. “You get what you pay for”. . . sometimes you don’t even get that!
There is a handful or so of the key players out there manufacturing carts and I don’t plan on insulting any of them buy saying they offer inferior carts. But I will say that they do make carts to fit lower end price levels. The only way to make an inexpensive cart is to reduce material costs and productions steps. Some carts are made of plywood with a thin laminate applied to the exterior side, some cardboard type material and different types of plastic panels. Some carts are built without a frame at all.
I have used brand new carts in theme parks that were falling apart before they were unloaded from their shipping create. Others started to self destruct in a matter of days and some made it to the middle of the season.
If you have been in this game for a couple years then you know what I’m talking about. There may be electrical issues, handles and hinges breaking, parts falling off, sneeze guards cracking or falling out, graphics fading, panels warping, etc, etc.
We still have carts sitting in parks for over 10 years that with a little cleaning and stainless steel polish look and work great!
Please review the SNO TIME VENDING CART page for additional information
SNO TIME CARTS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO FIT YOUR PARKS NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS!
We can customize a cart to meet a certain theme or color. We can offer additional treat items or supply additional counter space for in-park items like cotton candy, popcorn or other items of your choice. We have the ability to represent other treat/desert manufacturers and can offer way more than just Shave Ice. Give us a call at your convenience and let us show you why..."There's No Time. . . Like SNO TIME!"
Because providing superior quality carts are built into our pricing programs we ask for your consideration in acknowledging that there is a vast difference in price from an entry level cart to the Sno Time Signature Series. We continually strive to find alternative sources to reduce costs while still maintaining a superior level of quality. Depending on your needs and requirements we may be able to offer more economical solutions which would be reflected in our pricing.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS WITH A NO CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM & HOW DOES IT WORK?
Since each program is created specifically to your parks needs and requirements it is difficult to provide numbers in general and insure they represent reality.
However, the Sno Time Programs goal is to keep your food costs at or below 20%.
A basic review of how a package or program works is fairly simple. After all parties have addressed their needs, concerns and requirements a program will be designed and approved. Sno Time, LLC usually will supply all related equipment and proprietary supplies. Arrange to deliver and set up equipment, review and train your management and staff on the features and steps to run an efficient operation.
Before any equipment or production of equipment can be executed a contract must be secured and signed by all responsible agents or companies defining each parties obligations including length of term and minimum purchasing amounts of proprietary items or supplies.
Pricing is based on items and equipment needed to create the program with consideration given to attendance and projected sales. To offset the No Capital Investment on your part Sno Time, LLC in most cases institutes an up-charge added to the price of proprietary food items or flavorings supplied by Sno Time, LLC to operate the program.
Programs can vary greatly but the common theme is Sno Time supplies the majority of items and equipment; you supply the labor to operate it.
SNO TIME, LLC
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
E-mail: info@SnoTime.com