Long before they ever imagined owning a shaved ice stand, Kirstin and Scott Munis were just two young coworkers grabbing sno cones after shifts at Sears.
They met in 1990, and in between work schedules and early dates, stopping for sno cones became a small but memorable tradition. Decades later, that shared pastime has turned into a business of their own. The Munises are the new owners of Sno Daze Tropical Sno in Palos Heights, where they are now serving the same kind of treats that once marked the beginning of their relationship.
The couple purchased the shop at 12230 S. Harlem Ave. on Oct. 31, 2025, and officially reopened it in mid-November.
“We absolutely love the community,” Scott said. “This is home for us.”
Sno Daze Tropical Sno Palos Heights first opened in June 2021 and has roots dating back to 2013, when the concept began in the Bridgeview community. Known for its stuffed Hawaiian shave ice, a layered treat filled with ice cream, the shop had already built a following before the Munises stepped in.
The new owners live in Homer Glen and are lifelong southwest suburban residents, with Kirstin from Burbank and Scott from Bridgeview. When Kirstin came across a Facebook post announcing the business was for sale, the idea immediately felt personal.
“When we saw this location was for sale, we jumped on it immediately,” she said.
Before reopening, the couple trained extensively with the previous owners, Danielle and Eddie Rhineheart, learning everything from recipes to day-to-day operations. They said the hands-on guidance helped ease the transition and gave them confidence as first-time business owners.
“This is a whole new adventure, and it’s huge for us,” Scott said. “We are so grateful for all of the support and guidance Danielle and Eddie provided.”
The couple also thanked their family and friends for the immense support they provided to get ready for opening day.
Aside from Sno Daze, Kirstin also works in information technology for Huron Consulting Group and Scott is employed by the Village of Oak Lawn’s Public Works Department, and they are parents to two daughters, Alyssa and Katelyn.
Sno Daze is currently open Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 8 p.m. The Munises said hours will expand to include weekdays once warmer weather arrives.
“We are really looking forward to the spring and summertime,” Scott said.
Even in winter, the stand has become a neighborhood stop. Kirstin said she has already seen kids riding their bikes up for sno cones, a scene that reassures the couple they made the right decision.
Inside, customers can choose from 41 regular shave ice flavors, along with sugar-free and natural, dye-free options. Boba can be added to shaved ice, and hot chocolate is available during colder months. The menu also includes gourmet milkshakes, smoothies, edible cookie dough, and 20 flavors of Ashby’s Premium Ice Cream with countless delicous topping choices.
A newer addition is loaded sodas, which the Munises describe as a must-try. Sometimes called dirty sodas, the non-alcoholic drinks begin with a base soda like Coke, Dr Pepper or Sprite and are customized with flavored syrups, creams, fresh lime or fruit purées, with popular additions such as coconut cream or vanilla.
The shop is open year-round with indoor dining and is available to rent for private parties. Sno Daze can also travel to block parties, birthday parties, festivals and other events. Private party inquiries can be made by emailing snodazetropicalsno@gmail.com.
Since taking over, the Munises said the community response has been warm and encouraging.
“Everyone who has come in has been so nice and welcoming,” Kirstin said. “We’re really feeling the love.”
