Page 49 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2025 - Online Magazine
P. 49
HONORING
SMALL BUSINESSES
Tropical Icy
A Piece of Our Family
by Helen Jones
ropical Icy, our Hawaiian One of my favorite memories was
shaved ice stand, is located when they threw me a birthday party
Tat 1701 East Broadway. My right outside the stand. It was simple
name is Helen Jones, and I co-own but so sweet. It meant everything to
this business with my sister, Everne me because it reminded me of the
Williams. We have been serving love and community that surrounds
snow-like shaved ice with homemade this place.
flavored syrups, cream, and several
toppings for over 30 years. But Over the years, we have gotten to
Tropical Icy is more than just a know so many amazing people who
shaved ice stand. It is a piece of our come through our window. You
family, and we treat everyone who would be surprised by the stories we
comes through that window like they hear. Conversations about family,
are part of it. struggles, joy, and everything in
between. Sometimes, we are so
The idea for Tropical Icy came to me caught up talking to our customers
not long after I had my sons. I was that the line backs up, and someone
running a shaved ice truck at the is still waiting to choose their size
time, and I started thinking about and flavor. But that is the beauty of
how I could use the experience to it. This place is not just about shaved
teach my sons the values of hard ice. It is about connection. Everne
work, consistency, and dedication.
I did not want to just talk about it. I When you are standing at the
wanted them to see it in action. That window, you do not just take an
is when I called my sister Everne order. You get to listen, laugh, and
and other family members. We sometimes cry with people. It is like
have always been very close. I knew being a part of their lives in small,
Everne would be the perfect partner. meaningful ways. We have had the
We found a location and set up shop honor of being invited to weddings,
in the East Lubbock community, a graduations, birthdays, baby showers,
place that has always meant so much and even funerals. We have seen kids
to us. grow up right in front of our eyes.
Little ones who came by for their
In the beginning, we both had full- first treat are now bringing their own
time jobs, and I (Helen) was raising children here.
my sons. It was not easy, but it was
worth it. We would come in after There have been so many full-circle
work and run the stand together, day moments that make this work feel
in and day out. During the summer special. I remember one young
holidays, we stayed open seven days girl who used to come with her
a week with our family helping out. grandfather every Saturday. Years
It became a team effort and a labor of later, she stopped by to introduce us
love. to her fiancé. It is moments like that Helen
that stay with you.
Lubbock Senior Link 49
