File - Paradise Cups

Paradise Cups...a love story.
At Paradise Cups our core values are paramount, woven through every aspect
of our team and company.
Perserverance
Aloha Spirit
Resilience
Adventurous
Determination
Inspiration
Strength
Empowerment
Here's how it all started...20 years ago..did you see our first value?
In 1996 Lulu started a small concession business in Northern California. Lulu
provided quality ice treats to local street carnivals and BMX tracks. Her cool
and delicious concoctions were a huge hit during the steamy summer months.
While visiting the Big Island of Hawaii Lulu discovered a local treat known as
Hawaiian Shave Ice (No D on shave)! The smooth texture of hand formed shave
ice and the many unique Hawaiian flavors are served in giant portions at local
parlors across the Hawaiian Islands.
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After researching her new favorite treat, Lulu learned that shave ice was
brought to Hawaii in the 1800's by Japanese pineapple and sugar cane field
workers. She soon made Hawaii her permanent home. She met her soon to be
husband Tiny in 2004 and introduced him to Hawaiian Shave Ice. Together
they would take long romantic strolls to their favorite shave ice shop to try new
flavors.
Lulu shared her passion to one day own a shave ice shop where she could create
new and unique flavors while educating newbie’s on her favorite dessert. Tiny
was born in the Caribbean and was raised in Florida he had traveled the world
as a professional sea captain and sport fisherman before making Kona, Hawai’i
his home. He was blown away by his first taste of Hawaiian Shave Ice. The
thought of Lulu having her own shave ice shop meant he would have an
unlimited supply of Hawaiian Shave Ice. What's not to like?
Soon after Lulu and Tiny were married the newlyweds were confronted with
the fact that due to a birth defect, Lulu's kidney's were failing and she would
have to be placed on dialysis and would eventually need a kidney transplant.
The couple made the difficult decision to leave Hawai’i and move closer to
family in Florida and to begin a transplant protocol. After arriving in Florida
Lulu longed for her favorite treat of Hawaiian Shave Ice. She searched high and
low for anything resembling the soft, fluffy treat she enjoyed back home in
Hawai’i. While not having any luck finding true Hawaiian Shave Ice and
battling kidney disease Lulu decided that she would share her Aloha spirit and
bring Hawaiian Shave Ice to Florida.
Tiny had resumed a busy fishing career and supported her idea. In 2005
Paradise Cups (formerly Paradise Shave Ice) was officially born. Lulu made it
her mission to research and create a product that represented Hawai’i with all
the delicious flavors of the place she called home. She quickly purchased a 10x10
tent and a top of the line ice shaver and started formulating new and unique
flavors. Tiny design the company logo and learned how to shave ice the
Hawaiian way. Their first event was a county fair and although chilly weather
was prevalent, the launch was a huge success!
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In the years following Lulu's health declined and she was forced to start dialysis.
Never losing sight of her dream, Paradise Cups grew from a tent to refurbished
fiberglass concession trailer and catered local birthday parties and fundraisers
on a part time basis. In her years on dialysis, Lulu volunteered and learned new
trades. The 9 hour a day dialysis regime was taking a toll on Lulu. She wanted
nothing more than to be healthy enough to sell her unique treats.
After being listed for almost three years at the Shands kidney transplant
program Lulu and Tiny were offered a the chance to join some close friends on
a trip back to Kona, Hawai’i in July 2012. Many arrangements had to be made to
ship the supplies for Lulu's dialysis treatments to Hawai’i ahead of time. The
couple knew they it was a risk traveling far from Lulu's transplant center, but
could not pass up the opportunity to return home to Kona.
While enjoying their holiday in Hawai’i, the life changing call came! Lulu's
transplant center had a kidney ready and waiting for its new caretaker and
against all odds, and with a lot of help from a very special Hawaiian Airlines
manager. The couple raced halfway across the Pacific Ocean and coast to coast
of the United States to receive the special Gift of Life. After 18 hours of travel
and 5 hours of surgery the transplant was a huge success. Lulu now holds the
record for the farthest anyone has traveled to successfully receive a kidney
transplant.
Her dream of Paradise Cups burned even brighter now that her health was
restored. First they operated their Shave Ice trailer on a regular schedule and
also co-branding with a local beachside hot dog restaurant. Paradise Cups was
rapidly gaining loyal followers and the attention of the media for their delicious
and refreshing treats. Featured on "The List" TV show and TC Palm.
In summer of 2013 Lulu and Tiny decided to purchase a Shave Ice truck and go
fully mobile to reach customers all over South Florida. Tiny retired from a 25
year career at sea to focus on Paradise Cups on a full time basis. As the Flavorist
for the company Lulu created new and unique flavors and Tiny did the ice
engineering to ensure soft and fluffy snow. Already veterans of the South
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Florida Food Truck Scene loyal Paradise Cups customers were always surprised
by their unique flavor and texture combinations that Paradise Cups created in
light fluffy snow.
Paradise Cups at first glance was often categorized as "Snow Cones" however
the taste and texture was far from the snow cones eaten by kids. Tiny and Lulu
realized that by experimenting with flavors that have never been paired with
finely shaved snow that they had created a new category known as "Ice Based
Desserts" and included gluten free, fat free, dairy free and sugar free options.
Their Snow Cream creations are light and refreshing alternatives to ice cream,
frozen yogurt and gelato, without giving up the decadence of a indulgent
dessert.
In 2014 a second Paradise Cups truck was added to help keep up with customer
demand. In 2015 Paradise Cups opened it’s flagship store inside of SunLife
Stadium in Section 154. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2016!!
When you see us, please come by and try Paradise Cups to experience the
difference for your self. We still make every one with love and served with
Aloha from our family to yours.
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2013 First Store in Jupiter Florida
2014 Our second Paradise Cups food truck aka 'the little truck' aptly named Ono Yuki which
means delicious snow.
Rainbow Shave Ice Photo Courtesy @OfficialDolphinsPhotog Miami Dolphins
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Coconut Cream Pie Snow Cream
2013 Our first Paradise Cups food truck named Ka Makana Makamae in honor of
Lulu'skidney donor.
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Key Lime Pie Photo Courtesy Palm Beach Post & Miami Dolphins
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Bob Marley Shave Ice
Birthday Cake Snow Cream
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S'Mores Snow Cream Photo Courtesy @PhotoPete Miami Dophins
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If you haven't been...make sure to visit a Burger Beast event. They are a blast!
Lulu's favorite event every year. She loves EDM (don't know what it is...Google it!)
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Better by the bundle.
2015 First season at Sun Life Stadium Section 154. Steep learning curve...we made it! Bring on
2016 season!!
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Ok...we all know it is not a snow cone...this is our Strawbeery Shortcake Snow Cream.
However, we are cutting @PBPeter a break..Thanks for the love!
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Before we had uniforms.
Key Lime Pie Photo Courtesy Palm Beach Post
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We came to a media day and next thing we know part of the O-line was walking at us. These
guys are huge! Happy to report we earned them as fans.
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Private flavor consultation by Lulu. She may look tiny...she thinks she's 7'8
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A stellar sampling of the shirts we see.
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We joined Food Truck Invasion in 2013 . Great locations and fun for the whole family. Visit a
Food Truck Invasion near you.
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Epic shirt.
Our team member Ling Ling. Say hi when you see her.
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#Truth
Sweet shirts!!
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Tiny and Momma Paradise.
The one and only Fab and the NFL photog eating more than they are shooting :-) We love
you Fab!!
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Get it? Got it. Good. Now please drop the "d"
Jon of the great IG page @OfficialDolphinsPhotog
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1996-2012 RIP 10x10 tent. We will not miss you. Thank you for the happy memories!
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