A cool new Holts Summit hangout opened July 1 and is serving up sweet treats for the community and its neighbors.
Summit Snow, at 175 W. Simon Blvd., offers shave ice with all-natural flavorings.
"We need something like this in Holts Summit. The community needs it; even the surrounding communities need an alternative for dye-free, no-high-fructose-corn-syrup desserts," said Jacob Neeley, a Holts Summit resident who opened Summit Snow with his cousin, Matthew Luadzers, who lives in Jefferson City.
The decision to opt for natural, dye-free products caters especially to the health-conscious, but it's better for everyone, they said.
"Just the flavoring of all-natural juices or concentrates - we felt that stood out better than their counterparts that have dyes and additives in them," Neeley said.
"We knew it wouldn't dazzle as much in the color - it certainly dazzles on your tongue a lot better than the counterparts," Luadzers added.
Fittingly, the naturally clear grape flavoring already is one of their most popular, along with other favorites including cherry, Tiger Blood (coconut, cherry and strawberry), and the surprisingly spicy Tropical Heat.
Summit Snow's 27 flavors can be combined for customized treats, too.
"We just didn't want to overwhelm people by putting 30 combinations on the board, but we can do anything," Neeley said.
Customers can order at the outdoor window, and outdoor seating is available. The business is open from 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 1-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Summit Snow hopes to remain open 10 months of the year, scaling back hours in late fall and winter and ceasing operation during January and February.
Neeley and Luadzers also emphasized the family-friendly nature of Summit Snow, where they hope their own children can gain their first work experiences.
"We've had a lot of support from the community and the surrounding community, and we really appreciate the support," Neeley said.