Texas Sno doing well despite COVID-19 with icy treats on hot days

By Joselyn Hofer | Editorial Intern
Posted 6/24/20

Texas Sno, a New Orleans style snowball truck stationed outside ErmaRose Winery, is booming with business despite COVID-19. The Texas Sno trailer, nicknamed Big Red, is owned by a family of four: …

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Texas Sno doing well despite COVID-19 with icy treats on hot days

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Texas Sno, a New Orleans style snowball truck stationed outside ErmaRose Winery, is booming with business despite COVID-19. The Texas Sno trailer, nicknamed Big Red, is owned by a family of four: Kelsie Dartayet, Travis Debenport, Kristen Debenport and Giles Debenport. The four purchased the business around October of 2019 from the previous owners, Heather Cook and Nathan Cook.

“To be honest, it started as a joke, purchasing the business,” said Dartayet.

But they stuck with it, Travis said, because they were ready for a change.

“I just got tired of what I was doing. So, I wanted to change it up and it was a good opportunity,” said Travis. 

Big Red is the only trailer in the Katy area that serves New Orleans style snowballs, Dartayet said, making it stand out from other businesses that sell snow cones. “There’s a big difference between snow cones and snowballs and it comes down to the consistency of the ice,” said Dartayet. “It’s different than snow cones because snow cones you actually have to bite in the ice and it’s crunchy. Ours will just melt on your tongue.” 

Another contributing factor to the increase in business for Texas Sno is the location. Being in a spacious area, surrounded by a variety of other businesses, such as ErmaRose Winery and Daddy Duncan’s BBQ, makes it a great family-oriented place to go to, Dartayet said.

Currently, Texas Sno is operating on all days of the week and practicing safe social distancing with tables six feet apart, employees wearing gloves and frequent sanitization. Dartayet is hoping for expansion sometime in the future but is still waiting on another trailer to join Big Red in serving a cold break from the worries of the day. 

“It’s a fun place to get away from the world,” Kristen said.  

Texas Sno, Big Red, New Orleans style snowballs, Dartayet