SunSno: Gourmet Shaved Ice in Gulfport

The summer heat in Florida can be brutal, especially in August. But swing by Gulfport and you'll be sure to get the "freeze" you need.

Owners of a new downtown business, SunSno, hope their gourmet shaved ice will cool you off.

The menu includes everything from cotton candy, tropical breeze, wedding cake and more. Of course, they offer traditional flavors like cherry, strawberry and grape. But, they're reached beyond the classics and created fun popular options like Silver Fox and Fuzzy Monkey. Currently there are more than two dozen flavors to choose from. 

The mother and son duo - Kris and Dede Atkinson - decided to open up a gourmet shaved ice shop in Gulfport for two main reasons. They love shaved ice and they love Gulfport.

"We fell in love with this town," Kris said. "We didn't want to end up in Treasure Island and just serve tourists, we want to be part of the community and get to know our customers," Kris said.

Kris and his wife moved to the area just two weeks ago - about the time they opened up shop - from Tulsa, OK. Although he's a new Florida resident, Kris says he and his family have been visiting the Tampa Bay area for more than a decade. He and his wife got married at John's Pass and his family found Gulfport on accident during their travels.

"It's kind of hidden, but we love it. What I like is that everything is so local," he added.

Kris' parents Dede and Jim have lived in Winter Haven for three years and started SunSno about a year ago. Their shaved ice was a hit at local markets and events. So, when Dede decided to expand, Kris decided it was time to move to Florida.

Kris is a graphic artist by trade and worked with many small businesses in Oklahoma. He hopes his background in marketing and working with local owners will help him sculpt and expand SunSno. After all, it's all about the product - and he loves what he sells.

"Shaved ice is something I've always loved. This is the one thing that kids and adults both get excited about," he said.

Stop by SunSno and try shaved ice for just $2, $3 and $4 at 2819 Beach Blvd S. They'll be open during Geckofest from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Be sure to "like" SunSno on Facebook too!