Lulu's Snocones: Triumphant Comeback After Hurricanes Laura and Delta
The excitement surrounding Lulu's Snocones' opening in August 2020 was palpable, with long lines that proved well worth the wait. Just three weeks later, Hurricane Laura temporarily halted owners Ashley and Jonathan's thriving venture. Loyal fans stayed connected through social media, where Ashley and her team shared their vibrant, compassionate recovery story. Despite the damage to their building, their momentum never faltered.
In the weeks following Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Lulu's actively supported displaced residents, vulnerable community members, and first responders through numerous relief efforts. Inspired by their humility and grace—despite losing their home and business—I reached out to Ashley for this follow-up story.
During the downtime, they revamped their menu, forged collaborations with local businesses, streamlined logistics, and enhanced the storefront's appearance. Lulu's Snocones is more than a stand—it's a welcoming experience that leaves you feeling like family and eager for your next visit.
Here's an exclusive Q&A with co-owner Ashley on the new and improved Lulu's:
Q: When did Lulu’s first open? How long were you closed before reopening after Laura and Delta?
A: Lulu’s first opened on August 1, 2020. We were open for three weeks before Hurricane Laura and reopened on March 12, 2021.
Q: What was it like returning to Lulu’s after the storms?
A: Driving back into the city felt surreal. I was nervous approaching Country Club Road but relieved to see our building still standing, despite roof damage on all sides. Inside, the kitchen ceiling had caved in, covering our hard work in debris. I was grateful for the structure but heartbroken by the destruction.
Q: What did you learn about your local supporters during this time?
A: They never stopped cheering us on! Despite being new, our supporters remained faithful, urging us to rebuild quickly.
Q: What recovery efforts did you coordinate to assist the community and employees?
A: First, we ensured our employees were safe and equipped to rebuild swiftly. Then, we arranged an 18-wheeler of ice for Southwest Louisiana to provide free snocones to those laboring in the heat. Our team jumped in without hesitation, as serving others helped heal our hearts amid the devastation.
Q: Did you use the time to make changes to Lulu’s—structure, menu, or marketing?
A: We added menu items, updated equipment, and hired more staff.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in rebuilding and reopening?
A: Working fast enough. We knew everyone was trying, but we wanted to reopen sooner so our employees could return to work. The pressure of others relying on us was immense—we didn't want to disappoint.
Q: Amid the pandemic and hurricanes, what lessons have you learned as a business owner, employer, and person?
A: Relationships are paramount. Helping others rebuild during our downtime was key. Keep moving forward—someone needs you. Though we couldn't operate, we supported others to get back on their feet.
Q: What’s the future vision for Lulu’s?
A: A place of joy and lasting memories, where people cherish time spent together enjoying our treats.
Lulu's Snocones is open Wednesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2735 Country Club Road in Lake Charles. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for new menu items and events.
