Mama Shine’s Shaved Ice And More
Story and Photos By Angie Kay Dilmore
DANA BODIN
Dana Bodin and Michael Yates opened their snow cone stand on October 1. So far, business has been icy, in the very best way.
“The timing was right,” says Bodin. “I’ve lived in the neighborhood across the street for 23 years. I wanted to bring something to my local community. I had dreams of people from the neighborhood walking over on a beautiful day to get a snow cone.”
And that’s exactly what her customers are doing. The venue’s bee open only two months, and already Bodin and Yates know their regulars by name.
Mama Shine’s is unique in that, unlike other snow cone stands that close in the cooler months, Bodin and Yates will stay open for business every day year around. The “and More” in the name means good food as well as snow cones. They sell hot dogs, nachos, Frito pies, and sandwiches such as hot ham and cheese, roast beef club, barbecue chopped chicken, and mesquite grilled chicken with pepper jack.
“We’re surprised we’ve been selling nearly as much food as snow cones,” says Bodin.
62 FLAVORS
Bodin and Yates offer 62 flavors and flavor combinations of snow cones, including 10 sugar-free varieties. “Tiger’s Blood is one of the most popular,” says Bodin. “It’s a combination of watermelon, strawberry and coconut. Our coconut flavor is especially good.
“We researched several different syrup wholesalers, tasted samples and chose a company out of New Orleans that has been in business for over 70 years, so they know what they are doing. Our syrups are very flavorful.”
Unlike other snow cone businesses that use simple flavored sugar waters, Bodin makes true syrup by cooking the mixtures to a certain temperature, ensuring a higher quality snow cone.
SHAVED ICE VERSUS CRUSHED ICE
MICHAEL YATES
For Louisiana snow cones, shaved ice is far superior to crushed ice. The former holds onto the syrup, whereas with the latter, syrup simply pools in the bottom of the cup.
Bodin and Yates discovered a state-of-the-art ice shaver that incorporates a micro-plane that spins at high speed. The result is shaved ice that is soft, fine and dense — almost like real snow. “We looked a long time to find the right machine,” says Yates.
The couple quickly determined the most difficult part of making snow cones was pouring the syrups over the ice in such a way that the syrup doesn’t drip down the sides of the cup. Their trick? Wet clothes and lots of napkins.
FLAVOR OF THE MONTH
Mama Shine’s offers a Flavor of the Month. For November, try Pineapple Upside Down Cake, an original flavor created by Yates using wedding cake, pineapple, and cherry flavors.
“It is dee-licious,” says Bodin. “I put crème on top and that takes it to a whole new level.”
Their sweet crème is a mixture of condensed and evaporated milks.
Mama Shine’s provide patron punch cards. Buy nine snow cones and get a 16 oz. snow cone free.
WARM TREATS FOR COOL WEATHER
Bodin and Yates understand their snow cone sales may taper off in the winter months. But they have a plan for that. Instead of putting their 62 flavors atop shaved ice, they’ll pour them into steaming cups of hot chocolate.
They’ve done some experimenting and already have their personal favorites picked out. “Cookie dough hot chocolate is the best, so far,” says Bodin. “Cinnamon, strawberry, and raspberry are also really good,” adds Yates.
Mama Shine’s will also serve bowls of gumbo and red beans and rice to warm up those cooler days.
WHO IS MAMA SHINE?
MAMA SHINES
“Mama Shine was my grandmother,” says Bodin. “She passed away a year ago at age 101. She lived in Delcambre, La.
“My grandfather was a shrimper. They were known around town as Papa Shine and Mama Shine. I’m not sure how they got those names. Their last name was Schexnayder.
“Mama Shine lived a simple life in a small town. She never went on a vacation. I feel like she would be pleased to know I named this business after her.”
Bodin and Yates involved their whole family when they were preparing to open their fledgling business.
“After we decided on the name, I drew a rough sketch and sent it to Dana’s son in Los Angeles who is a graphic artist,” says Yates. “He sent the logo back and it was perfect. My mother has an embroidery machine and she sewed the logo on our shirts. My son helped me build the deck.”
It’s always a risk for businesspersons to try something original — like keeping a snow cone stand open year-round.
But Bodin and Yates expect all their hard work to pay off. “We’re doing something Lake Charles hasn’t done,” says Bodin. “We’ve been having a lot of fun; enjoying the people. And we’re confident the community will carry us through.”
Mama Shine’s Shaved Ice and More is located at 2514 Smith Rd. off Highway 14. They are open daily 11 am-7:00 pm. For more information, call 337-602-6296 or find Mama Shine’s on Facebook.
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