I heard that JJ’s Snowcone shack was opening up this weekend so I asked one of the employees some questions.
Be sure to go by this weekend for some snowy goodness. And maybe try my favorite flavors: Coffee Coke or Rum and Coke. I think I might try Banana Chocolate Cream.
What is your name?
The name is Anna Hamiter, A.K.A The best “snowstress” currently employed at JJ’s. 
When is JJ’s Snowcone Shack opening for this season?
We open April 1st, officially! And No, that is not an April fool’s joke. We aren’t that cruel.
What is your favorite flavor?
I don’t play favorites, really. I like a new one everyday, (considering we get all the free ones we want at any given moment HA!).
Which flavor sells the most?
By far the “Caribbean Splash”. It’s tropical goodness never fails.
Any new flavors we need to try?
At the moment, we don’t have any new flavors, other than the select few that were added towards the end of last season. But, the possibilities are endless with flavors, so who knows what we will bust out this season!
How much ice cream do you use every day?
I’m not absolutely positive on the statistics of that, but I do know that a 1/2 gallon of blue bell lasts probably 2-3 days during our raving summer months. We sell by the scoop, so I suppose if I knew how many scoops were in a 1/2 gallon, I could tell you. Unfortunately, I do not.
What is the best thing about working at JJ’s?
Oh, tough. It’s fantastic getting to know the regulars, who come up everyday getting their fill of sweet, snowy delight. It’s especially great when I can guess exactly what they want before they even say it, and I already have it waiting. I guess the customers really make it fun. Also, being a family business, I have a little leeway on the tardy factor, which is nice. I tend to run late, which would get me fired in a normal circumstance. Plus, it’s just the best job ever! Who wouldn’t love working at JJ’s snow shack?
What’s the worst thing about it?
Ha. Well, the only thing I truly don’t enjoy is the utter stickiness that occurs ALL THE TIME while working, especially in rush hours. Spills happen, and the stickiness never seems to fade, even if you put the world on hold to clean it up..it’s still everywhere, and never fails to stick to you for the rest of the day. Also, whiny customers are never my favorite part of the day.
What is the craziest combination someone has requested?
Pickle juice and blue bubblegum might be the entire worst flavor ever requested. The thought of it really makes me want to ask them…why? Just why? Especially when they order that in a jumbo…it provokes questions, usually.
Is there really a pickle juice flavor?
Yes, indeed. It’s the real deal. Straight from these giant pickle jars! We also sell those giant pickles…that some customers find entertaining to stick inside of their snow cones. Yep. It does happen. Right in front of my eyes.
How do you keep the ants away?
We have a secret cleaning formula that is thoroughly sprayed onto every surface, then that surface is wiped clean. There is a grueling cleaning process at night that the last shifters have to endure, (usually me and another unfortunate soul). But, it must be done! Or else….
You guys were selling BBQ sandwiches during the off season, any plans to do that during the Spring and Summer?
Actually, funny that you mentioned that, Jorge. The BBQ idea was a flop, and we didn’t continue with it. There was not enough time to invest in it in the first place. We just got a random idea to use the building while it wasn’t in use during the winter, but unfortunately, time and funds did not want anything to do with it. Possibly in the future, we will find a use for the building over the winter, but probably not anytime soon.
If a customer comes in a says “Surprise me”, What is your favorite option to surprise them with?
Haha! That’s the best past of my day when I can do that. If the person looks like they want something good, I’ll ask them a few simple questions to determine which route to take, (sour, sweet,fruity, or creamy) then I’ll determine their snow cone fate. But, if they looks like they can handle a whirl of craziness, i’ll just throw in random flavors like..banana, blue bubble gum and coffee with just a splash of pickle juice and cinnamon.
Has “Alfred” (that homeless guy that usually wears a stylin’ hat and pulls along his luggage on wheels) ever come by?
He hasn’t. I do wonder if he will have his path cross ours anytime in the near future. It would be interesting.
I honk whenever I pass by and you are open, does that bother you? Should I stop?
It doesn’t really bother me, personally. It might the other employees, but I doubt it. We take it as a compliment, that people are honking because they wish they were in line instead of rushing around town in their cars. Continue your honking, if you wish.
Can you tell me some of the flavors you have made up?
I have really only, officially made one up, that is one the board anyway. It’s called the “Creamy Colada”. It basically tastes like a real pina colada, minus the alcohol. It’s far better than the regular pina coloada flavor we have. I’ve been told it kicks butt. I like it too.
If someone comes up to the window and does something cool like rapping about their favorite flavor, or showing you a shirt they made that says “JJ’s Snowcones Rock” on it, or posts a homemade JJ’s Snowcones commercial to YouTube, oh, or a tattoo with “JJ’s Snowcones” on it, will you give them a free “shortie”?
Ok, if someone actually got a tattoo of JJ’s like anywhere on their body, I might have to give them a free supply of snowcones for the rest of their lives. That’s hilarious! Yes, we like to do nice things for people, and if someone did a beat-boxing, rapping thing, I’d give them any size they wanted. They can beat-box….automatic free snow cone…maybe…if it’s a good beat-box and gets everyone dancing…maybe.
What’s the story with the spray painted walls? Who painted them? There are a bunch of drawing inside the shack too, what can you tell us about those?
The spray painted walls have been there for as long as I can remember, even though we got the paint renewed recently. It’s just the style of the shack, I guess. The artist was one of the previous owner’s sons, named Peter Lammerts. He had a buddy help too. I can’t recall the buddy’s name.
Any other plans we can keep our eyes peeled for this season?
One fun thing we would like to do before we open, is set up a sound system with hidden speakers on the deck so that while people wait in line, we can have some sweet tunes playing. Also, hopefully in the future seasons to come, we can build a bigger deck so that on certain nights of the week we can have a karaoke night for anyone who would like to mess around for a little bit and perform for the waiting customers. The idea may flop completely, but I personally think the idea is great. It would bring more people by, and by that time, I’d hope we have two ice machines running keeping the line as short as possible, and keeping the customers as happy as we can manage. In due time, though. But, we like input and ideas, so if anyone has any promotional ideas, or anything you think would make JJ’s even cooler, let us know! We are always upgrading, and looking to further better our community as best as we snow cone providers are equipped to do. See ya’ll soon!
Thanks Anna
hey im 11 but i really want a job so is there anyway i could get a job here???? i will work really hard i promise
hey its emily i talked to you earlier this year about working there and i was wondering if i really work there this summer im 14 about to be 15! let me know(:
hey my name is bree! im 15 i would love to work, i would work really hard. if your interested let me know. :}
Hey would ya’ll ever consider making t-shirts for sale. I think it would be a great promotional tool and that way a walking advertisement for J.J’s. Just a thought, love your snow cones. When I was part of the Bryan High Softball Team 10 years ago we use to run to get snow cones and then walk back to campus with our snowy goodness as a treat sometimes.