Hawaiian Shaved Ice Business Ready To Make Waves With Del Ray Opening

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After a successful preview during the Bands & Brews event over the summer, a Hawaiian shaved ice business is planning to return to Del Ray.

Owner Jaafar Ouardi will bring Le Petit Ananas Shaved Ice, a Hawaiian shaved ice trailer, to 2307 Mt. Vernon Avenue next to Bagel Uprising. Ouardi told Patch the business aims to open in March or April 2024, depending on weather.

"Petit Ananas" which translates to "little pineapple," will bring a taste of the beach to the neighborhood.

"You may have had shaved ice while visiting a beach in your area or in Hawaii, because blending the sweet natural flavors over ice makes it ideal for a warm day as well as a pick-me-up on cool days," said Ouardi. "Because we value authenticity and quality, we source all of our flavors from Hawaii."

Ouardi, a Morocco native who moved to Virginia as a child, started Le Petit Ananas Shaved Ice in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His family became familiar with shaved ice when his wife was pregnant and craved shaved ice. The couple and their 3-year-old decided to try New Orleans-style shaved ice, and getting the cold treat turned into a regular tradition for the family.

During the pandemic, Ouardi told his wife over a cup of shaved ice about his dream of starting a business.

"Within a year, I had worked and researched and was able to purchase my first shaved ice trailer, complete with supplies," said Ouardi. "My kids and the in laws had no trouble tasting syrups and assisting me in menu planning!"

He ended up choosing a supplier from Hawaii to provide authentic Hawaiian-style shaved ice. The business started operating out of its trailer at a gas station in Belle Haven. Le Petit Ananas Shaved Ice later served up the cold treat at pools and most recently operated at Fort Belvoir.

Over the summer, Le Petit Ananas Shaved Ice was invited to participate in Bands and Brews, an event featuring food and drink specials and music at various Del Ray restaurants.

"That day, I realized how unique Del Ray is, and I decided then and there that I wanted to be a part of it. I adore the neighborhood and the community," said Ouardi.

Le Petit Ananas Shaved Ice offers the choice of flavors like Hawaiian Dream, Supreme Strawberry, Deluxe Pineapple, Cotton Candy, Passion Orange Guava and more. The flavors are made in Hawaii, are all gluten-free and consist of 100 percent cane sugar, purees and fruit juices. Customers can order one or two flavors on each shaved ice and add toppings like condensed milk, condensed coconut milk, and mochi. There are several sugar-free flavors as well.

The business is expected to open seasonally from March to November, with hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The trailer would require the removal of two of the four existing picnic tables outside Bagel Uprising. Alexandria City Council had approved the use of the temporary trailer near Bagel Uprising last weekend after recommendation by the Planning Commission.

On the reception of the Del Ray community to the new business, Ouardi said, "They are ecstatic to have me there and to be serving the community; they are an extremely supportive group."

For more information, visit lepetitananasshavedice.carrd.co.