On the corner of Slauson and Overhill, directly across from Simply Wholesome, sits an iconic lot with a trio of New Orleans inspired eateries. With a small cameo in Issa Rae’s “Insecure,” The Snoball Shop has been a staple in the Windsor Hills community since 2006.
Serving shaved ice with homemade simple syrup, hot funnel cakes, and fresh ice cream, the shop has gone through many phases but has remained consistent with their quality of products and customer service. Co-owner Jason Johnson checked in with the Los Angeles Sentinel during Black Business Month to discuss the shop’s origin story, their first event, and plans for the future.
Neighbors Brian Hebert and previous owner Lanny Ross saw the vision to bring NOLA to L.A. 17 years ago with authenticity at the forefront. Parking lot owner Carole Shaw has also been in business for over 50 years, and although she has seen many people come and go, The Snoball Shop has been one her most solid tenants for the past decade and a half.
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Employing young men and women in the community has also made a generational impact in the city. Owners Brian Hebert, Marlon Barbarim, Matthew Harris, Brandon Bonds, and Jason Johnson are focused on expanding the Snoball brand with new ideas for a marketing strategy, increasing their online presence, and a possible second location along with a shaved ice truck.
When asked about what community means to him, Jason Johnson shared, “Community means a lot, we’ve stayed open because of their support for all these years, and we want to do more.
“Last year, we hosted our very first event the Sweet Sixteen, and this year we had our biggest event in partnership with clothing brand Intangeble last Saturday on August 6. When I was younger, I used to come in the shop and eventually started working here three years after they opened.”
Even when the weather doesn’t permit, the Snoball Shop stays open during the winter months and encourages customers to continue to enjoy their best-selling items like the hot funnel cakes and shaved ice flavors strawberry, pineapple, peach, mango, and polar punch.
While talking about some of challenges and highlights of having a summer forward menu, Johnson said, “During the winter, it slows down completely, but it’s about sacrifice. Over the years, me and some of the partners have made a lot of sacrifices for the shop and to keep a business open, it’s important to be grounded and focused.
“Loyalty is a big thing that comes to mind when I think of the shop. We pride ourselves on using fresh ingredients, how we work behind the scenes, and connecting with people when they come to see us. It sells itself!”
The Snoball Shop’s principals and business model have stood the test of time. With goals of expansion just on the horizon, their team has proven to be monumental in shaping the neighborhood it inhabits.
The shop is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will be present at this year’s Taste of Soul Family Festival.
Stay connected with The Snoball Shop on Instagram at The SnoBall Shop (@snoballshop).
