Bahama Buck’s is the tropical home of shaved ice. They are flavor focused and the company slogan is “Flavor your life”. With over 90 original flavors to choose from, not including any of their specialty flavors, they really do freshen up the flavor of your life.

Their locations are designed with pure relaxation in mind. Each store is an island inspired paradise and their staff are friendly and efficient, they aim to make your visit feel like a get away without going anywhere. This combination of fantastic flavor, great quality shaved ice and personable service has ensured that the brand has cemented it’s reputation as the place to go for shaved ice.

History

Bahama Buck’s is relatively new; the original location was opened in 1990 by Blake Buchanan. At this time, Buchanan was a student at Texas Tech University and was originally just intending to pay his way through university. He started with one ice shaver and a little help from his family and friends.

The store was a success and Buchanan shortly opened the first franchise in Lubbock, Texas. The philosophy behind Bahama Buck’s is simple: friendly, fun service in a tropical, creative environment with top quality products. The company has grown to 31 stores across: Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, with plans for expansion into another 61 locations.

Most of the stores are franchised, however, because they adhere to the policies of the franchising agreement, this has ensured that the ‘good vibes’ reputation and general feel of all the franchises has remained true to the original store. When you arrive at any of their locations you will feel like you have stepped on to your own private island retreat.

Buchanan is still highly involved with the brand as is his wife Kipi, his father Tom and his friend Eric Lee. Each new location is run with the same standards and enthusiasm that the original store was. They are consistently updating their menu while still holding firm with their original flavors. 

Review

All Bahama Buck’s are decorated in keeping with the original store, a tropical theme: brightly colored booths, comfortable seating, surf boards and road signs adorning the walls. You can’t help but relax into island life as soon as you arrive. All of their products are designed to bring flavor back into your life.

The brand specializes in shaved ice but they also offer: smoothies, fruit cups, coffee and their own brand specialty cola. What’s more is their shaved ice comes in a variety of flavor types: original, thin ice and super sour. Plus you also have your ‘sno add ons’. Now when it comes to flavor, you really are spoiled for choice: banana colada, mocha java, blueberry cheesecake, sugar cookie, tiger’s blood, Jamaican punch, pink lemon sour, pina colada and wedding cake are just a few of the imaginatively named, delightful flavors.

One particularly popular choice is the tutti frutti, a fantastic fusion of flavors. Each of their products comes in a range of sizes: baby, small, regular, large and avalanche. The enthusiastic staff encourage a family friendly atmosphere and at many locations you’ll be able to choose from an assortment of card and board games to play while you relax and eat.

Another great attribute about this restaurant is their low prices with a baby shaved iced coming in at $3 while an avalanche is only about $6. Their smoothies are priced from $4 to $6. On a hot day, well in fact any type of day, head to Bahama Buck’s for service with a smile, a relaxing atmosphere and a big cup of instant refreshment.