Couple scrambles to meet demand for shaved ice

HUMBOLDT — The initial demand for shaved ice has Jessa and Josh Works scrambling between two businesses. 
The couple opened Frostbite Shaved Ice on Memorial Day. Little did they know there would be a daily line waiting to sample the frozen treats inspired by sno cones the couple purchased in Portland, Ore. Jessa said they figured the new business would be popular, but the response has exceeded their expectations. The couple also manages their family’s business, The Frame Shop, located diagonally across the street. 
“We have not been able to keep our regular hours,” Josh said of the new business. “We have sold out of ice every day since we opened.”
Working out the kinks of owning a new business, the Workses have had to adjust their strategy for keeping up with the demand. Purchasing additional ice molds and adding another freezer, along with devising a method for staggering the production of ice, have come into play.
“We want to make sure we are at least open every day even if we aren’t able to stay open until the end of that day,” Josh said.
Hoping to set a Humboldt standard, it is important to both Josh and Jessa that they be open seven days a week. The business offers patrons 42 flavors, each topped with condensed sweet cream, and a rotating supply of sugar-free options. If first-time customers are uncertain of which flavor to try, Josh and Jessa have their favorites.
“Pistachio,” Jessa said. Josh opted for raspberry.
Inside the building, located on Humboldt’s downtown square, customers will find polar-themed walls, inspired by the couple’s trip to Iceland. Serving the flavorful iced-treats are Humboldt High School students, including the couple’s daughter, Cody.
“That was a big incentive for us to start a place here, too,” Josh said. “There are very few opportunities for high schoolers to have a summer job.”
The couple hopes to expand their teenage workforce, and once a routine has been established, allow the young workers to run things.
Frostbite Shaved Ice is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Long-term, the couple hopes to sell a concoction of ice cream and shaved ice.