First!
I've been doing some Shave Ice business lately and I like it so I want to make a trailer and expand my horizons a little with this.
The Health Dept requires that I store the trailer at a commissary and I have to keep the syrups there too. It seems odd. My trailer is a box with a sink. I sell Ice and sugar, not Sushi and Kobe beef. What the?
 
As I understand the HD requirements, I don't think anyone I see at local events has proper paperwork, I see vendors from other counties that don't have any of the things the HD says I need. Generally I'm finding going legit confusing because no one seems to be following regulations. I want to do it right.
 
I'm also toying with giving 10% of proceeds to water.org, as it's something I care about. Are there any pitfalls to that?
 
Lastly, I just put up a website, I still need pics, but any feedback would be appreciated.
w w W dot  dot com
Thanks

1st you ask "Can I wink at this requirement?".
 
Then you said "I want to do it right." Which is it? LOL
My best advice is do it right and you never have to worry. And once a HD finds out your trying to skirt the rules they'll be watching you like a hawk.
 
Now another subject Are you doing shaved ice or snow cones? I just bought this unit and in fact haven't even tried it yet. What brand are you using and what company are you getting your syrups from?

Echols Model 203 Big Max Ice Shaver

Shaves up to 1,500 lbs. of ice per hour. The Echols Ice Shaver has been in the food and concession industry for over 75 years. Just like Cretors, Echols creates products that combine innovative thinking and dependable designs that provide solutions to foodservice operators.
Constructed of heavy duty cast aluminum, this machine has the power to handle heavy work loads. Its strong construction ensures years of service. The Echols Shaver will accept any ice from cubes to chunks up to 41/2" in diameter. Optional leak-proof lighted display case, or stand is available. Comes complete with nylon ladle, ice scoop, ice pick and 6 ounce cup dispenser. Available in electric power only.


PLEASE NOTE: PRICES ARE USA VOLTAGE ONLY
Availability: In Stock $1,925.00   Each

hard to do it right and wink too... my h/d has a web site to E- mail questions to, where when I was starting out i visited quite often to get clarification to what I thought were specific to me.. they responded very promptly and I had written proof just in case later.

hard to do it right and wink too... my h/d has a web site to E- mail questions to, where when I was starting out i visited quite often to get clarification to what I thought were specific to me.. they responded very promptly and I had written proof just in case later.

Impressive machine! Don't stand too close! It looks powerful enough to suck you inside! And if food concessions aren't working out, not worries, open a ski resort and use it to make snow!
 
I'm making my own syrups from natural ingredients. So far I have strawberry, coconut, peach, and blueberry.
 

Wishing you good luck with the shaved ice business, we do Shaved Ice at warm weather events here in Georgia. Actually have a fundraiser to do this afternoon and the temperature is only going to be in the mid 60’s.  We have about 30 flavors plus do a couple of specialty cups using the ice and various toppings. Next year we are only going to target family events and sports venues with the ice. It’s a fun business.  

I'm interested in a shave ice machine, but don't have access to one to test something out.
 
Can it double as an ice cube substitute for drinks? In other words, instead of making a shave ice with syrup, what happens if you put some in a cup and mix it with soda. Is it like a slushy? An ICEE? Does it just melt too fast? What is the consistency?

Yes it'd be slushy. Won't work for making cubes for a drink.

I bought a Benchmark ice shaver sno cone machine.