When customers step up to the counter at Tropical Sno North AZ, store owner Daja Lee asks them a simple question: “Do you want that Hawaiian style?” 

Guests think they know the answer: crunchy ice, neon syrup and flavor that lasts about 5 minutes. Lee quickly corrects them in the nicest way possible. 

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“Hawaiian style is ice cream at the bottom, shaved ice throughout and then vanilla, banana or coconut cream on top,” said Lee, who co-owns the business with her husband, Jordan. 

After a soft launch on July 6, Tropical Sno North AZ will celebrate its grand opening from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, with a buy-one-get-one-free offer. The events include an Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, a DJ, a photo booth, balloons, light bites and giveaways/raffles.

Regular pricing is $4 for children’s cups, $4.79 for a small and $5.99 for a large.

So far, she said, Tropical Sno North AZ has been a welcome addition to the community. 

“The most rewarding part is when people come into the store and they say, ‘Oh my God, we needed this’ or ‘Oh my gosh. I’m so happy. Anthem doesn’t have anything like this.’”

That’s especially true for a family who stopped by the store. Their daughter suffers from a severe dairy allergy, and her mother said it’s difficult to find safe treats.

“She said we are the only place nearby that has dairy-free treats,” Lee recalled. “When she wants to celebrate something or get a cool treat, there was nowhere to go until we opened. That makes it all worthwhile.” 

Tropical Sno operates under a dealership‑style franchise model, which means the Lees get the brand, the flavors and the support. However, they have the freedom to shape the store as they like. 

Besides the cool treats, Tropical Sno North AZ is known for its spill stoppers, small trays that catch drips. 

“The trays keep the ice from overflowing or leaking,” she said. “A lot of times, parents struggle with committing to something sweet or cool because they don’t want to deal with the mess afterward.”

At the grand opening, guests can try more than 50 “concoctions” and “can do up to three flavors that are already mashed together,” Lee said. However, the Lees will introduce special flavors at the grand opening. She just hinted at the new flavors.

The Lees moved to Anthem and the decision to open Tropical Sno North AZ was half impulsive, half inevitable. Lee works as a public accountant by trade, while Jordan, a financial advisor. They are overjoyed with Tropical Snow North AZ’s success.  

“This is our business baby together,” she said. “We are able to focus on the community. This is our way of giving back.”