Tropical Sno returns to Jerseyville
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By Carissa Sitki
Carissa Sitki/Jersey County Journal
Last week Jerseyville got a little dose of nostalgia with the return of Tropical Sno, which has not been in the area in nearly two decades. Pictured at last Friday’s ribbon cutting, from left to right: Jenny Coad-Wendle of the JCBA, manager Jan Chappell (mom), owner Josh Chappell, Steve Goetten, and JCBA Director Becky Wayne.
Last week Jerseyville received a little dose of nostalgia with the return of Tropical Sno which has not been in the area in nearly two decades.
Jerseyville native, Josh Chappell, who is currently a University of Oklahoma doctoral student, decided to bring the beloved snow cone franchise back to his hometown and a ribbon cutting was held last Friday afternoon at the new business which is located in front of CVS.
“We had one back when I was a kid,” said Chappell. “Over where the Walgreens is now. I always loved going there and opening one up kind of became a dream of mine.”
Greg Hamblen was the former Tropical Sno operator in Jerseyville and Chappell said he wanted to bring the brand back to the city because it is a product he believes in.
“It’s a great business and a great brand,” said Chappell. “You basically become a member and you’re licensed to sell the product which is very consistent.”
Chappell said that his Tropical Sno will have all of the syrup flavors people enjoy as well as a few specialty flavors from the past, such as Ninja Turtle, Spider Man, and Barbie.
Carissa Sitki/Jersey County Journal
This Tropical Sno flavor is called YOLO (You Only Live Once) and it’s for the brave or the indecisive snow cone eater. Don’t be alarmed if you order this and it’s blue or red or green— the employee selects the flavors so it’s different every time. This one happened to be mango and pineapple.
Chappell said that this is something he has wanted to do for a long time and when it started to become real he very briefly considered opening it in Oklahoma, but changed his mind quickly.
“I thought about doing it in Oklahoma very briefly, but I knew I had to do it here,” said Chappell. “Jerseyville is a small community and a lot of people here will remember Tropical Sno and appreciate that it’s back.”
I am so over the moon excited to have a Tropical Sno back in town,” said Jersey County Business Association Director Becky Wayne. “I’m excited when any new business comes to town, but it’s truly awesome to see someone who grew up here come back and open a business— especially one as loved as Tropical Sno.”
In the summer, Chappell just does research for his doctoral program which he can do remotely, so he said the seasonal nature of Tropical Sno made the business venture possible.
“I’m so happy to be here and to be selling this product that I love,” said Chappell.
Chappell’s Tropical Sno is contracted through CVS, so it will be parked in their lot throughout the summer. At this time, the Jerseyville Tropical Sno team consists of four employees, Alyson Muscarella, Kendal Lacy, Matthew Howell, and Taylor Woodring. Assisting Chappell with management is his mom, Jan Chappell.
“This was a dream of his since high school and I am just so very proud of him and glad to see him fulfill his dream,” said Jan. “I’m glad to help him out here in any way I can.”
Chappell said he appreciates the support from the community and that he plans to show support right back.
“We’re going to have to lean on this strong community,” said Chappell. “We would love to have the community come out and support us and our products.”
As of now, Jerseyville’s Tropical Sno will be open everyday from 1 to 8 p.m., but Chappell said hours may change depending on business.
Carissa Sitki/Jersey County Journal
Left: Jerseyville Tropical Sno employee, Kendal Lacy, serves up a snow cone following the new business’ ribbon cutting event last Friday afternoon.
