Fill ‘er up takes on a whole new meaning at the former location of a Golden Pantry gas and convenience store in Warrenville. On a hot summer day, when the humidity is so thick you can cut it with a knife, Frozen Delights can probably offer instant relief.
Owner, Anthony Simpkins serves 21 different flavors of a unique version of Italian shaved ice that’s straight outta Philly. He hails from the City of Brotherly Love, where the water ice confection is as popular as popsicles and ice cream cones and there’s one on every corner.
Simpkins was drawn back to Aiken County where much of his family settled. His Frozen Delights location at 2893 Augusta Road is unique to the CSRA, but he also continues to operate a truck from which he sells his treats at area events, including the Candlelight Music Series in Augusta.
“If you taste it, you’ll know the difference,” explained Simpkins. “It’s cool, smooth, and refreshing but also healthy because it’s non-dairy, fat-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and peanut free.”
When the permanent location became available, he seized the opportunity and opened it in June 2021. He’s since added a cart to his mobile delivery of frozen treats. Some of the customer favorites are strawberry lemonade and tropical rainbow.
Even as a one-man band, Simpkins doesn’t sit still. In addition to working events and operating from his store, he travels to the Philadelphia area frequently to get more products that are integral to Frozen Delights. For reference, that’s about a 1,200 miles trip from here to there and back again.
Why does Simpkins go the extra mile(s)?
“I love the reaction when people taste it but if truth be told, I do it for the kids because it makes them happy,” he said.
His dream is to open a couple of other locations around the CSRA, including in Aiken. Beyond that, the goal would be to franchise Frozen Delights.
To paraphrase a favorite quote from fans of Disney’s blockbuster film Frozen, “Winter’s a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I’ll be a happy iceman!”
The best way to keep up with Frozen Delights hours is to follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FROZENDELIGHTS1
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
