An Institution Since 1962 Is No More: Aunt Stelle's Sno-Cones Is Closed For Good

When Aunt Stelle's Sno-Cones didn't open for the season last summer, Oak Cliff was despondent. The neighborhood snow cone shop's annual opening, on the last weekend of every April, had long been considered the unofficial start to summer ever since Aunt Stelle's first opened in 1962. Last summer, opening day...

By Beth Rankin

April 18, 2018

After 56 years, Aunt Stelle's Sno-Cones in Oak Cliff is calling it quits. Observer file photo

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When Aunt Stelle's Sno-Cones didn't open for the season last summer, Oak Cliff was despondent. The neighborhood snow cone shop's annual opening, on the last weekend of every April, had long been considered the unofficial start to summer ever since Aunt Stelle's first opened in 1962. Last summer, opening day never came.

"As you know, today was supposed to be opening day for the shop," owners posted on Facebook in April 2017. "However, through many tears, discussions, prayers and sleepless nights, we have decided to close for the 2017 season. Too many difficult events during our 'off season' has led us to this decision. We ask that y'all respect our privacy in this matter. Love, Lee (Freda), Ed & Mark."

Fans of the frozen treat stand held out hope that Aunt Stelle's would reopen this year, once again serving Pink Lady snow cones to a neighborhood of people who grew up eating them every summer. But yesterday, owners announced that after 56 years, the snow cone stand is closed for good.

"We all knew this day would come," owners posted on Facebook yesterday. "Thanks for the memories. May God bless you all. You will remain in our hearts forever. Lee (Freda), Ed & Mark."

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Beth Rankin is an Ohio native and Cicerone-certified beer server who specializes in social media, food and drink, travel and news reporting. Her belief system revolves around the significance of Topo Chico, the refusal to eat crawfish out of season and the importance of local and regional foodways.

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