Tristan Fortner and his brother and sister Kyleigh and Hunter had been talking about Blanco needing a snow cone stand for a long time. It took them by surprise that they would be the ones to be Blanco’s newest and quite possibly youngest-owned business, Cardinal Cones.

Tristan, 18, a soon-to-be college freshman, needed money but with different camps and family vacations over the summer it proved difficult to commit to a boss. So it seemed the stars aligned when a pre-owned food cart showed up on a nearby online garage sale site.

Tristan, Hunter 11, and Kyleigh 13 pooled their money and bought the cart. Cardinal Cones named from Tristan’s new mascot at Incarnate Word University was born and the three became their own bosses.

“The first two weeks we’ve been in business has been really good,” Tristan said. “I’d say the biggest struggle would be learning time management and getting set up on time.”

The kids take shifts or sometimes works in pairs to get specialty snow cones out to the masses. Along with the traditional cherry, lime and cotton candy flavors, Cardinal Cones also offers some interesting combinations and even toppings including but not limited to gummy bears and fairy dust (pixie sticks).

A pickle snow cone with an optional topping of pickle pieces is available, a Mangonada with an optional topping of a chamoy sauce is another popular choice. But the most popular specialty cone loved by kids and adults alike is Cardinal Cones’ signature cone, the Blanco Blue, made with blue coconut and cream.

It is no secret that social media is a major contributor to businesses this day and age and it is also true that social media plays a big role in building a loyal fan base for mobile food vendors. That is why the young entrepreneurs decided to use every teenager’s best asset, social media, as one of their business gimmicks.

If you have a craving for an iced-cold treat on a hot summer’s day, you must check Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat to see where they’ll be set-up unless you happen to find them on your own.

This not only adds to the mystic but keeps them always moving, usually towards the crowds.

Cardinal Cones are also available for private events and parties and have already been hired for the Raise the Roof fundraiser at Twins Sister’s Dance Hall.

The sibling business partners intend to keep the Cardinal Cones available to Blanco during the warm months for years to come.