Snow Cone Shack Weathers Ups and Downs of Recession

As temperatures rise this summer, the price of a snow cone will remain steady for another year at Molly O’s Shack off of New Town Blvd.

Owners Molly and Steve Schad, of New Town, wanted to make sure everyone who has recently lost a job or is struggling in the economic recession can afford a treat now and again. Molly O's sells shaved ice Tropical Sno cones in flavors that range from cinnamon to cotton candy.

“It’s still under $10 for a family of four,” Molly said.

The family-owned business opened in summer 2010 as a way for the Schad’s to supplement their income. Steve Schad wanted to go into teaching and they anticipated a reduction in income. 

Their former neighbors in Manchester owned a Tropical Sno stand and encouraged them to consider opening one in St. Charles.

Molly sees the Shack also a potential future business opportunity for their children, Harry, 11 and Grace, 10. Harry has a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Molly said when the kids are older, the Shack will offer them a guaranteed summer job.

“I’m hoping he surprises us and reaches his potential but here’s a back up my kids will have,” she said. “We’ve built in future plans for them.”

When Steve lost his job in March 2011, the Shack went from an extra supplement to a way for them to make ends meet.

They chose to get creative with marketing the Shack. Instead of closing down from November to March, the couple kept the shack open through the winter and sold Chili.

Although it didn’t make a lot of money, the Chili Shack helped pay the rent on the business.

 “It allowed us to make ends meet,” she said. “We have plans to open it back up.”

Molly said the recession has been tough on small business owners. “I don’t know how the restaurant industry does it, to hire people and keep your items quality without compromise.”

One key to their success is the proximity to the soccer fields at and SCCYSA.

They’re also planning to offer a special deal for people who ride up on bikes, in hopes of attracting bored kids this summer who might otherwise be getting into trouble. 

Flexibility has been a real benefit to owning their own business, says Molly. With no corporation setting quotas, they can just enjoy a good day when business is high.

“We just want to be really good at what we do and have a good time doing it,” she said. 

Molly O's Shack is located on the parking lot between Pizza Hut and Rookies Bar and Grill off of New Town Blvd. Through April 30, the Shack is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Starting May 1, the Shack is open Monday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.