About Pop’s

I grew up in Bakersfield, California, where it was sunny and hot for most of the year, with temperatures that would often reach triple digits. In order for us to stay cool during those extreme heat waves, we would search for something to keep us cool. As a kid, I will never forget a special lady, Lee, who we knew as the “Ice Cream Lady”. Just what we searched for to cool us down. Lee would play a very vital role in inspiring me down the line.

Since the young age of 14, I had been working in the restaurant industry. First, as front of the house staff, serving, waiting and bussing tables. However, the back of the house always was intriguing to me. I wanted to know what was going on in the kitchens. But, as like most young teens, I struggled to stay on track.

I would eventually decide to move to San Diego, just after my 21st birthday. I left Bakersfield with only a bag of clothes, an ASVAB book and all my thoughts of joining the military, in my head. I was lucky, as soon as I arrived in San Diego, I secured a full-time job right away and needless to say, never joined the military.

While in my new environment, I always yearned for more. I knew there was nothing holding me back. So, with that, I would eventually enroll into Culinary school. This was a huge step for me, I felt like with a college education, my vision and dreams of owning something of my own would come to fruition. I am proud to say, that I obtained an Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts and Bachelor of Science Degree in Culinary Management. Quite an undertaking to say the least, but steps in the right direction for my vision.

As my vision started to become clear in my head, I knew I always wanted to open a shaved ice business. This is wholeheartedly because of the strong impression that Lee, the “Ice Cream Lady” left on me during my childhood. I always thought that I would never have the opportunity to open such a business.

Until, one day, I was at a local coffee shop, enjoying the beautiful, sunny San Diego weather and something caught my eye. As I looked up, I saw it. I saw a 1965 Chevy P10 truck. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew it. I knew this was it. It was time to make my vision and dreams come true! At that time, the truck had seen better days. In the 60's it was used to deliver milk and eggs and had been sitting, unused for quite some time.

I would go on to refurbish the truck. It took approximately two years to complete. From building a new engine and rewiring electrical, to body work, adding a service counter, a freezer for storing ice and custom I even had the entire truck custom painted. There was a lot to be done, but knew we would have it complete in due time. Not only was the truck REALLY unique, but it is a perfect marketing tool and a great way to get out into the community.

I have always loved the art of creating a fluffy light snow from shaved ice. When I first moved to San Diego, the closest thing to shaved ice was Raspados, a Mexican style snow cone with fresh fruit. Raspados consistency is a little chunkier than I like, utilizing crushed ice. This is where I knew my shaved ice business would thrive. Combining the San Diego sunshine, with a soft, fluffy, light, refreshing shaved ice was just our community needed. My relentless drive, hard work and vision for my childhood dream to create Pop’s Shaved Ice Mobile Truck has finally come to fruition. Not to mention, our truck can take us just about anywhere.

Our vision to expand to a brick-and-mortar shop one day with multiple locations throughout San Diego county, might be the next big step. The future of Pop's Shaved Ice is endless.