Below you will find some of the basic items needed for any shaved ice or snow cone business. Some of the equipment listed may or may not be required by your local health department. These are just some of the requirements that many of our customers have needed. Check with your local officials for the requirements in your area. We know some states require hot and cold water, three compartment sinks, easy cleanable walls etc. We also know of some states that have NO requirements whatsoever. Talk about a wide range! Sometimes regulations even vary from county to county. Be sure to check before you buy!

Stainless Steel Three Compartment Sink – This commercial type sink is found in almost all of the food service industry. The heavy-duty sink is used to wash, rinse and sanitize all your food utensils. The sink usually has to be large enough to wash your largest container or utensil. 

Hand Washing Sink – This is a dedicated sink that is used for hand washing. Health departments will usually not allow a three compartment sink to double as a hand wash sink. 

Mop Sink – Often found in permanent locations only, this mop sink is only used for cleaning your mops and mop buckets. Usually it is located outside the building on a back wall with hot and cold water.

Easy to Clean Walls, Floors and Counters – All floors and walls need to be smooth and cleaned easily. FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) paneling can be found at your local building supply store. FRP can usually be found in white or almond colors. Standard vinyl flooring will usually pass. Formica is acceptable for all counters. Whatever wall, floor or counter surface that you choose, be sure that the material will not absorb any moisture. Unfinished rough wood or plywood will often not pass health inspections. Be sure to ask your local Health Department for suggestions.

Counter Space – Be sure to have adequate counter space in your shaved ice business. You will need enough room for your shaved ice machine, flavors bottle and your flavoring mixing area. Usually the more counter space you have, the better off you will be. A counter depth of at least 25 inches is recommended, however a 30 inch depth is best.

Serving Window – Most shaved ice businesses will have one or two sliding serving windows that are used to take and hand out orders. Make sure that you have some counter space near the window dedicated to taking orders. Often times these serving windows are large enough to allow customers to watch their shaved ice being prepared. 

Shaved Ice Flavor Menu Board - A professional looking menu board is a must for your business. Make it eye catching! Use bright cheerful colors! You can have a menu board designed at a local sign shop if needed. Dry erase boards are often used for menus. Make sure to include all your flavors, prices and other items clearly on your menu board. Make sure your menu is large enough to read should you have several customers in line at the same time. Customers will be able to make their menu selections before arriving at the order window.

Running Water – Hot Water – Some, but not all, states require hot and cold water. Hot water is a necessity if you plan to mix your own syrups on site. If city water is not available for your location, you may get by with using potable water tanks. These tanks often have a capacity of 10 to more than 50 gallons. Usually a pump is attached to the water tank than provides pressure for your water system. If portable tanks are used, you will also need a wastewater storage tank that is usually at least 25% larger than your fresh water tank. For hot water, you can usually find a 1 to 6 gallon hot water heater at your local building supply store. Some health departments will allow you to use the hot water from a coffee pot instead of having a dedicated hot water heater. In depth information on water and sewer systems is discussed later in this document.

Awnings and Signs – Many snow cone and shaved ice business owners decorate their building or mobile unit with brightly colored awnings or signs. Check with an awning and sign company in your area to help you add that special touch to your location.

Air Conditioner – Highly recommended for any shaved ice or snow cone business.

Spray Nozzle - One handy option that we feel is a must for all shaved ice businesses is a counter mounted spray nozzle that is located beside your shaved ice machine. The spray nozzle must be hooked up to a pressurized water line to work properly. The spray nozzle helps you clean your ice shaver as well as help to remove any clogs or freeze ups that may occur during heavy use. The nozzle recommended is similar to the spray nozzle found in any kitchen sink.

PH Test Kit - This kit is used to check the PH of your syrups.  This is required by some health departments.    

Freezer – Chest type freezers are used for storing block or bag ice. Uprights freezers do not work well with ice blocks.

Large Ice Coolers – Will be needed for storing cube or block ice for easy access. These are especially useful for tempering block ice. See instructions about tempering ice detailed earlier in this manual.

Refrigerator – Will be used to store any creamers or toppings that require refrigeration. Under counter refrigerators work well since they take up less room.

Drip Pan and Drainage Line – We suggest placing a drip pan under all ice shavers. The drain pan collects ice overspray, water and spilled syrup and drains it away from the machine. Drain pans are connected to a hose that discharges into the drainage system.

Shelves for Storage – Usually the more shelves you have, the better off you’ll be. Shelves will be used to store a variety of items from cups to concentrates. Make sure that the shelving material is easy to clean.

Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet – A must have if hand dipped ice cream will be served. Ice cream dipping cabinets are specially made to keep ice cream at the proper temperature. A regular chest type freezer often will freeze the ice cream too hard. Your ice cream vendor may be able to provide a dipping cabinet for your business.

Picnic Tables and Benches – During busy times of the day, your customers may have to wait a few minutes for their shaved ice order. Picnic tables and benches can be very helpful during these times. You might want to add an eye catching umbrella.

Fire Extinguishers – These are usually required by local fire marshals. Even if it isn’t a requirement, we strongly suggestion you keep at least one good fire extinguisher mounted within easy reach in case of an emergency.

First Aid Kit – Be prepared, just in case. There are some first aid kits designed especially for food service businesses. You may want to check with your worker’s compensation insurance to see what type of first aid kit they recommend.

Syrup Mixing Tank and Paddle – Used to mix up simple syrup, we suggest at least a 20 gallon mixing container. 

Radio – It will aid in passing the time on those slow rainy days or to help entertain customers.

Paper, Pens, Notepads – Useful for taking orders or making simple notes. We often purchased notepads from our local print shop or office supply store.

Business Cards and Brochures – Always have some information on hand. You never know when you will meet a potential customer.

Cash Register/Cash Box – A designated place to keep cash and change secure. Cash registers are suggested when the “owner” of the business is not always on the job!