Columbia Says Goodbye to Pelican’s SnoBalls on North Main Street

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Closed Pelican's SnoBalls shop on North Main Street in Columbia

News Summary

Pelican’s SnoBalls has announced the permanent closure of its North Main Street location in Columbia, a seasonal favorite for snow cone lovers. The franchise, known for its 100+ flavors of New Orleans-style shaved ice, made this bittersweet announcement on January 17, 2025. Owner Matt Marcom expressed gratitude to the local community while confirming that other Pelican’s locations in Columbia will remain open. As warm weather approaches, fans of the shop will miss their beloved treats at this popular spot.

Columbia Bids Farewell to Pelican’s SnoBalls on North Main Street

Here’s some bittersweet news for snow cone lovers in the bustling city of Columbia. Pelican’s SnoBalls has officially announced its permanent closure at the North Main Street location, which has been a seasonal favorite for many. The franchise made the announcement on January 17, 2025, on their Facebook page, leaving fans with a tinge of nostalgia as the chilly days of spring and summer approach.

A Sweet, Yet Tough Decision

Pelican’s SnoBalls, known for serving up mouthwatering, New Orleans-style shaved ice in an impressive array of over 100 delicious flavors, has seen countless happy faces through its distinctive windows. The decision to close the store, located at 2404 Main St., comes as a significant shift for franchisee Matt Marcom and his family. After moving the North Main location to this address in 2022, the community had quickly embraced it as part of their warm-weather tradition.

The North Main location usually catered to Columbia’s residents during the warmer months, and its absence this year will undoubtedly leave a gap in the seasonal treats lineup. Fans of the shop have loved the wide selection of flavors, which range from the classic grape and orange to quirky options like dill pickle and strawberry cheesecake. Just imagine enjoying a scoop of your favorite flavor while mingling with friends on a sunny day!

Grateful For The Community

In his announcement, Marcom expressed sincere gratitude to the NoMa community and local business associations for their support. While it’s a sad moment for the North Main SnoBalls location, Marcom hinted at the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces during the upcoming 2025 cookie crawl.

Even though the North Main shop is closing, the Marcom family isn’t leaving the shaved ice scene behind. They continue to operate other Pelican’s SnoBalls locations in the Columbia area, including spots on Rosewood Drive, Decker Boulevard, and West Columbia. These locations are expected to reopen for the 2025 season, bringing joy back to the community with their refreshing treats.

A Growing Franchise

For those unfamiliar, Pelican’s SnoBalls has become something of a phenomenon, boasting over 200 locations across 14 states—and it has made quite an impression in South Carolina, where multiple spots dot the landscape. Aside from the well-established Rosewood location, other Pelican’s offerings can be found throughout Columbia, Irmo, and Lexington, ensuring everyone gets a taste of those delightful sno-balls.

Endings and New Beginnings

As Columbia waves goodbye to its North Main location, it’s an opportunity to remember the sweet times shared over delicious shaved ice. While the current news might be a little disheartening for fans, the Marcom family is committed to continuing to serve the community through their other locations, just in time for the summer fun to roll back around.

So, whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or have a taste for the extraordinary, don’t worry—there are still several Pelican’s SnoBalls outposts waiting to serve you soon. This closure may mark the end of one chapter, but there’s plenty of excitement on the horizon for Columbia’s sno-ball enthusiasts!