Believe it or not, we are more than a week into July and well into the summer, despite the low temperatures and pouring rain. Don't get too comfortable though, it's about to be 92 and sunny tomorrow. Nothing out of the ordinary, though, as any true Oklahoman knows. With temperatures reaching 100 degrees over the next week, you might be wondering the best ways to cool down. Well, you could float the Illinois River, take the kids to Big Splash, or visit one of the dozens of lakes within an hour drive of Tulsa. Or you could do what I do every day and get a snow cone! Over the course of the summer, I'll be visiting every snow cone stand I can find, in search of the best of the best! Keep up with this series to find out just who the best snow cone stand in Tulsa is!
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TNT isn't quite a "Tulsa" business, but I can't bear to drive by an unfamiliar snow cone stand without stopping to sample it, and if I sample it, you can bet your sweet cheeks I'm going to review it. I found this little stand on my way to Grand Lake on the Fourth of July, as I was driving through Langley, a small town of only 819 people. It's 57.2% female, so if the dating game isn't working in Tulsa, drive on up to Langley for some decent snow cones and some better odds (talking to you, Virgil). Friendly ribbing aside, for a small town with (I'm assuming here) only one snow cone stand, and thus no competition, TNT was a solidly enjoyable stop. It has a lot of room for improvement, but the potential is there.
TNT is located in a Reasor's parking lot. That alone, I found to be interesting. If you're a fan of Josh's here in Tulsa, then you're probably aware of the controversy they went through a year ago when Reasor's bought out Food Pyramid and tried to kick Josh's out due to a "no snow-cone stand policy." I'm curious as to why Reasor's in Langley permits not only a snow cone stand but also a fireworks stand. Then again, it could simply be that Reasor's possibly doesn't own the whole parking lot in Langley, so I digress. TNT Snocones is located right next door to (you guessed it) a TNT fireworks tent! What a brilliant idea! I'm assuming (yeah, I know what happens when you assume) that the same owner operates both of these businesses. If my assumption is correct, then that's some genius marketing right there. The kids want snow cones? Good luck getting them to be happy with just a snow cone without having to by them snakes and sparklers too. The kids ran out of firecrackers? And you really think they'll be able to keep quiet about the snow cone stand next door?
The stand itself was a little worn by time and could use some slight renovation for aesthetic purposes. The menu was poorly located and utterly lacking in creativity. I don't have much use for a stand that doesn't come up with their own combos. There were no games, no music, and the only seating consisted of lawnchairs under a tent that looked like they were only there for the firework stand workers. The ice, however, was soft. The flavors were good, and they didn't skimp on the syrup. The workers were friendly, though less than helpful. When I asked what their best snowcone was, they didn't have a clue and said they hadn't even tried very many.
This stand's strengths lay with their friendly staff and their ability to make a solid snow cone. They have a prime location, easily visible by anyone traveling Highways 82 or 28 to Grand Lake. It makes for an excellent stop near the end of a long road trip to refuel and cool down before hitting the lake. Their weaknesses are all easily fixable. They need to provide seating for their customers. A little music to set the atmosphere would be a huge help. And most important of all, they need their own identity. If they're going to identify themselves as "TNT Snocones," then they need to ditch the tropical look and monkey paint and try to actually fit their name. Maybe something related to mining, style it similar to the "Powderkeg" roller coaster at Silver Dollar City. Then create a menu of their own creations. Their flavors are considered ingredients to the more prominent chains.
The negatives I've mentioned, however, are not meant to take away from this business, but to contribute to it. I love to see any business succeed and grow. If you find yourself there, mention to them some of my ideas, or your own, and maybe they'll take them to heart. Businesses can't grow without customer feedback!
In Summary: While it's not worth any sort of special trip, TNT Snocones is a worthwhile stop on any drive through Langley. Soft and juicy snowcones that, while lacking in creativity, will satisfy any sweet tooth and leave you cool and refreshed.
So far I rank the three stands I've visited this summer as follows:
TNT isn't quite a "Tulsa" business, but I can't bear to drive by an unfamiliar snow cone stand without stopping to sample it, and if I sample it, you can bet your sweet cheeks I'm going to review it. I found this little stand on my way to Grand Lake on the Fourth of July, as I was driving through Langley, a small town of only 819 people. It's 57.2% female, so if the dating game isn't working in Tulsa, drive on up to Langley for some decent snow cones and some better odds (talking to you, Virgil). Friendly ribbing aside, for a small town with (I'm assuming here) only one snow cone stand, and thus no competition, TNT was a solidly enjoyable stop. It has a lot of room for improvement, but the potential is there.
TNT is located in a Reasor's parking lot. That alone, I found to be interesting. If you're a fan of Josh's here in Tulsa, then you're probably aware of the controversy they went through a year ago when Reasor's bought out Food Pyramid and tried to kick Josh's out due to a "no snow-cone stand policy." I'm curious as to why Reasor's in Langley permits not only a snow cone stand but also a fireworks stand. Then again, it could simply be that Reasor's possibly doesn't own the whole parking lot in Langley, so I digress. TNT Snocones is located right next door to (you guessed it) a TNT fireworks tent! What a brilliant idea! I'm assuming (yeah, I know what happens when you assume) that the same owner operates both of these businesses. If my assumption is correct, then that's some genius marketing right there. The kids want snow cones? Good luck getting them to be happy with just a snow cone without having to by them snakes and sparklers too. The kids ran out of firecrackers? And you really think they'll be able to keep quiet about the snow cone stand next door?
The stand itself was a little worn by time and could use some slight renovation for aesthetic purposes. The menu was poorly located and utterly lacking in creativity. I don't have much use for a stand that doesn't come up with their own combos. There were no games, no music, and the only seating consisted of lawnchairs under a tent that looked like they were only there for the firework stand workers. The ice, however, was soft. The flavors were good, and they didn't skimp on the syrup. The workers were friendly, though less than helpful. When I asked what their best snowcone was, they didn't have a clue and said they hadn't even tried very many.
This stand's strengths lay with their friendly staff and their ability to make a solid snow cone. They have a prime location, easily visible by anyone traveling Highways 82 or 28 to Grand Lake. It makes for an excellent stop near the end of a long road trip to refuel and cool down before hitting the lake. Their weaknesses are all easily fixable. They need to provide seating for their customers. A little music to set the atmosphere would be a huge help. And most important of all, they need their own identity. If they're going to identify themselves as "TNT Snocones," then they need to ditch the tropical look and monkey paint and try to actually fit their name. Maybe something related to mining, style it similar to the "Powderkeg" roller coaster at Silver Dollar City. Then create a menu of their own creations. Their flavors are considered ingredients to the more prominent chains.
The negatives I've mentioned, however, are not meant to take away from this business, but to contribute to it. I love to see any business succeed and grow. If you find yourself there, mention to them some of my ideas, or your own, and maybe they'll take them to heart. Businesses can't grow without customer feedback!
In Summary: While it's not worth any sort of special trip, TNT Snocones is a worthwhile stop on any drive through Langley. Soft and juicy snowcones that, while lacking in creativity, will satisfy any sweet tooth and leave you cool and refreshed.
- Small, $2.00, Medium, $2.50, Large $3.00
- Located in the Reasor's parking lot in Langley.
- Monday--Saturday hours are Noon to 8.
- Sunday hours are Noon to 6.
- Holiday weekend hours are 11 to 8.
- They have no online presence that I've been able to find. No facebook, website, instagram, or twitter.
- 59 flavors, no creations.
- Toppings are $0.50 and include cream, sour spray, nerds, and sour patch kids.
- According to city-data.com, phone number is 918-348-0251
So far I rank the three stands I've visited this summer as follows:
- Sam Frances Co.
- Tropical Summer Sno
- TNT Snocones