Shaved ice shop moves to NewBo

CEDAR RAPIDS — If you’re looking for a little shaved ice to quench the last warm days of the year, you may be wondering where Pelican’s SnoBalls moved to.

The shaved ice shop has a new address in the NewBo district: 1390 Third St. SE — the building that was previously home to other boutiques, with a vintage gas pump out front.

Pelican’s, one of a very small number of Cedar Rapids shops specializing in shaved ice, opened there Aug. 25. They were previously open at 2702 Sixth St. SW, where they first came to Cedar Rapids in June 2023.

For those hoping for one last frozen treat, the last day of their open season will be Oct. 20. Until then, they are open Friday through Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m.

Pelican’s distinguishes its shaved ice from competitors. Unlike a “snow cone” of crunchy, chunky ice you might at some competitors, their cups are filled with soft, fluffy shaved ice.

Its menu offers more than 100 flavors including unique novelties like carrot cake, cantaloupe, mojito, tamarind, praline and wedding cake.

The chain, started in Louisiana in 2001, has 215 locations in 19 states. Its namesake, the pelican, is Louisiana’s state bird.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.