Pelican’s SnoBalls throws grand-opening party in Ocoee

West Orange Times & Observer
News

Pelican’s SnoBalls hosted its grand opening in Ocoee Thursday, April 14.

The celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony, music from Mix on Wheels’ Deejay Charles Miles, entertainment from strolling magician Eric Yuhasz, activities, games and more.

Pelican’s SnoBalls is a franchise business that serves New Orleans-style shaved ice. The organization has more than 100 flavors, including birthday cake, cherry margarita and Fruity Pebbles. The unique New Orleans treat is known for combining smooth, fluffy snow with bold flavors.

West Orange location owners Paul and Robin Bedford said they stumbled across the building and saw it being refurbished. After speaking to Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson, Paul Bedford said the couple loved the mayor’s vision for the future of Ocoee and for growing it to become a destination location.

Although the Bedfords have an entertainment background, they make up for what some assume is lack of experience in the food and beverage industry with their acute eye for detail and their passion for customer service.

Robin Bedford is a teacher at Ocoee Middle School, and the pair is excited to give back to the community and be part of Ocoee’s history.

During COVID, the two were forced to re-invent themselves when Paul Bedford was laid off from Disney. They were having the conversation of what that would look like in front of the Pelican’s location in Fort Myers when they got the idea.

After almost two years of hard work, the location is finally open, and the owners already have plans for the future.

With DG Doughnuts moved in next door, the Bedfords hope the two businesses could form a partnership to promote business with the doughnut shop being busy in the morning and Pelican’s at night.

In addition, Paul Bedford said several of the small businesses of downtown Ocoee plan to come together to support community events, such as the upcoming Cinco De Mayo block party May 6.

PELICAN'S SNOBALLS

ADDRESS: 29 W. McKey St., Ocoee

PHONE NUMBER: (407) 395-9020

WEBSITE: Click here.

author

Annabelle Sikes

News Editor Annabelle Sikes was born in Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology. Her past journalism experiences include serving as a web producer at the Orlando Sentinel, a reporter at The Community Paper, managing editor for NSM Today, digital manager at Centric Magazine and as an intern for the Orlando Weekly.