Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Anshel.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeff. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Starting with an idea on what would be unique to our area, Ginnie (Mathews) and I sat in a park in Kauai (my son lives there) and noticed many people eating “shave ice”. I was well-aware of this Hawaiian treat for many years but he told us of some friends who started a business out of a “food truck” in Oregon. We discussed the idea and when Ginnie mentioned doing it “old school” (organic flavors, no artificial dyes, compostable cups, etc.), then I suggested we sell out of an “old school” bus!
After searching on-line for a few weeks, I ran across a government auction site that had a 1982 short school bus on auction. I won the auction and had the bus shipped here to my mechanic. I found someone in Vista who builds custom cars and he took on the project. It took about 11 months to complete but the bus looks amazing (full food truck with permits), newly painted and decorated ala “Woodstock”. We were on our way.
Despite a cool spring and early summer, our concept took off and people were always taking pictures of the bus and asking about our services. We have a catering menu, have done birthday parties, a Halloween party and several street fairs and fundraisers. It’s a lot of work but the smile on people’s faces makes it all worthwhile.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Getting the bus to conform to “food truck” standards was a challenge but we kept plugging away and finally got it done. There are some other “competitors” but most of them are actually “snow cones” (crushed ice cubes) unlike the authentic “shave ice” from Hawaii.
Please tell us about your business.
We ONLY sell shave ice- keeping it simple. We are known for our natural flavors (no artificial dyes, no corn syrup) and eco-friendly supplies (corn starch spoons, bamboo paper straws, recycled napkins and compostable cups).
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My partner Ginnie Mathews- who has a long history of food service- manages the bus. She orders the syrups, works the windows and can drive anywhere we serve.
Pricing:
- Our basic cup (short board) is $5.00
- Our larger cup (long board) is $7.00
- The “Big Kahuna” includes pitaya and sno-cap, is $9.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 7040 Avenida Encinas, Ste. 740
Carlsbad, CA. 92011
(mailing address) - Website: www.oldschoolshaveice.com
- Phone: 949-370-1245
- Email: oldschoolshaveice@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/oldschoolshaveice
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldschoolshaveice
Image Credit:
Dave Boyland
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