New Orleans Dining: Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA
(504) 891-9788

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. No other Snoball stand attracts such a loyal and dedicated following. It’s my understanding that when the store is in full swing during the summer months, the line goes down the block.

Rachel and I had the privilege of being at Hansen’s on its opening day of the season in May 2005, only a few months before Hurricane Katrina hit the city. Honorable Judge Gerry Hansen, the son of Ernest Hansen, the inventor of the patented Sno Bliz machine, which makes shaved ice like no other machine in any other SnoBall store, was there to serve us Snoballs himself.

The Hansen’s Sno-Bliz storefront, open for business, first day of the season, at around 5:30PM, with nobody lined up in front of the store — an EXTREMELY rare occurance.

The Honorable Judge Gerry Hansen and Friends.

Hon. Judge Gerry Hansen demonstrating the unique physical qualities of Sno-Bliz Snow.

One of the two unique Sno-Bliz machines, which were invented and patented in the early 1930’s. The design was never licensed out, and it is my understanding that the blades have never been sharpened.

The Sno-Bliz flavor list. Sno-Bliz flavors are formulated by the Hansen family, and are a closely guarded secret.

A Sno-Bliz cup being filled. Hansen’s typically produces a new Sno-Bliz cup every year to commemorate its many years of continuous operations. The 2005 cup had not yet been produced, due to the severity of Mr. Ernest’s and Mrs. Mary’s current health situation at the time (Editors Note: Ernest and Mary passed away in 2006) . Hansen’s opened very late that year — typically, the store opens in March.

Nector Cream and Cream of Chocolate combo, one of Hon. Judge Gerry’s favorites. I have to say that this was the best Sno Ball I had all week — the Hansen’s special flavors really do make a difference.

Happy Customers