BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Sno Shack is open again in Bakersfield under new ownership, continuing a tradition many in the community feared might come to an end.<\/p>\n
For new co-owner Kelly Pudiwitr, taking over the business is personal. Her first job as a teenager was at Sno Shack, and she says the experience helped shape who she became.<\/p>\n
“I learned work ethic, I learned how to balance a schedule, how to deal with money. And back then, there was no toast; we couldn’t just tap and pay. So we had to learn how to do all of those things. It was a great experience, and I wanted other teens to have that same chance today,” Pudiwitr said.<\/p>\n
Now, she and her husband have taken over the business with a goal of creating those same opportunities for the next generation.<\/p>\n
“The highlights have been watching these kids take ownership. I mean, they’re so excited to work,” Pudiwitr said.<\/p>\n
One of those employees is 17-year-old Madelyn Evans, who has been working at Sno Shack since May.<\/p>\n
“So you really wear all the hats. You do the cleaning, you do the customer service, you do the making of the snow cones. Not only do I really love this job because you get to talk with people while you make the cones, but I also know it will give me a lot of experience for whatever job I choose to pursue in the future,” Evans said.<\/p>\n
Pudiwitr also launched a new program called “Make a Difference Mondays,” which donates a portion of sales to local organizations.<\/p>\n
“Last week we did student ministries at St. John’s. We have more coming up for camps and soccer teams. So we’re really excited to help our community in just a small way,” Pudiwitr said.<\/p>\n
As Sno Shack enters its next chapter, Pudiwitr says she hopes to expand and hire even more local teens.<\/p>\n
“And so the more locations I have, the more kids I can employ, and that’s my hope is just to have more jobs for kids,” Pudiwitr said.<\/p>\n
The new owners say their goal is to continue serving the community while building on the legacy that has already been established.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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