Harper’s Hut Shaved Ice is up for sale, may be in last season

A beloved Sand Springs shaved ice stand is entering its final days for the season, and may only have a year left in its lifespan. After five years of serving up snow cones at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard, William Nozak is transitioning away from the brick and mortar to focus on catering private events.

Harper’s Hut Shaved Ice and Java opened in the summer of 2014 and was instantly a smash hit. Nozak has always looked for fun and unique ways to make it less about shaved ice, and more about the experience. Hula hoops, footballs, frisbees, and corn hole were just a few of the activities provided. On weekends Nozak would break out a giant inflatable screen and show free movies, or hook up the Nintendo Wii and have dance battles. It wasn’t uncommon to see a hundred people at the Hut on a Friday or Saturday night. 

Now that piece of Sand Springs history is up for sale. 

The Hut’s success spurred rapid expansion as Nozak opened locations in Mannford, Berryhill, Tulsa, Sapulpa, and Glenpool. Now he is reeling it back in to focus on the most profitable aspect of the business. He says the stands are most successful when they’re owner-operated. Payrolling the whole operation just isn’t worth the time and effort now that he is relocating to South Tulsa and expecting his third child. 

In addition to catering private events five to seven days a week, Nozak also owns a successful consulting business in downtown Tulsa that builds websites and helps companies brand and market themselves. 

For $25,000 you can buy not only the physical Harper’s Hut stand at its current popular location, but you’ll also get three top of the line machines, a commercial refrigerator, bottles, concentrates, and speed racks. The building is equipped with both electricity and water. Additionally, the new owner will be allowed to continue using the Harper’s Hut branding for the first season to help soften the transition. After the first year, the owner will be required to change the name and image. Because Nozak will be continuing the business as a catering service, the sale will not include the website or social media accounts. 

The Berryhill stand at 3110 South 65th West Avenue is also up for sale. 

Anyone interested in purchasing the stands can reach Nozak at 918-671-6352, or by email at Harpers.hut@gmail.com. 

The Sand Springs location will have its last day of the season Wednesday, July 31st. If the building isn’t sold by next summer, Nozak isn’t sure if he’ll reopen it or not.