Chill out with sweet treats at the new Shiver and Shake ice cream shop in Pueblo West

Shiver and Shake is a chill new ice cream and shaved ice business that has been so warmly received in Pueblo West it is nearing "top account" status as the biggest seller of Blue Bell Creameries ice cream in Colorado.

"We've had some really busy days over the past few weeks and at one point I was scared because it was hard to keep up with inventory," said Andrew Diaz, who along with his wife Lisa, opened the business April 30. "We were very pleasantly surprised ― we had no idea we would be that busy."

Located at 1002 N. Market Plaza, Unit F, in Pueblo West, Shiver and Shake is flanked by other foodie destinations like I Heart Mac & Cheese and Domino's Pizza.

"The community support has been a complete blessing. We've had seven years of community support for our food trucks, but this has far surpassed what we expected," Diaz explained.

Weekday traffic has slowed down just enough for the couple and their 15 employees to catch their breath, but weekends continue to be "crazy," he said.

Oreo Crazy?

Diaz said the "Oreo Crazy?" shake has beat out the top food truck contender, the "Cheesecake Crush." Oreo Crazy is Pueblo West customers' favorite and features a cookies and cream ice cream shake, crushed Oreos, an entire Hershey's Cookies and Cream candy bar and whipped cream.

Historically, 70% to 80% of the Shiver & Shake food truck's business has been shaved ice confections. After all, kids can't get enough of the "Sour Candy Man," which features finely shaved, powdery soft snow cultivated from a 10-pound block of ice, topped with red raspberry, blueberry and lemon flavoring, a "secret sour spray," plus Sour Patch Kids and Sour Airheads.

"We've actually flipped that and now 70-80% of our business is shakes," Diaz explained. "When the temperatures climb up around 95 degrees this summer, that might change again."

The secret to success

Diaz said the key to Shiver and Shake's success is multifaceted. It starts with a "very good product" and helps that the store is a clean, fun environment.

"The number one thing for our success is customer service. We train our staff to welcome customers and thank them for coming in. Once they are in the door we wow them with our product level, service and attention to detail," Diaz said.

Giving customers the feeling that "we appreciate you spending money with us when you have other choices" and making a connection with them is key, he explained.

Grand opening celebration is June 1

A grand opening for the business is set to run from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 1, following an 11:30 a.m. ribbon cutting with the Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce.

Special guests will make staggered appearances throughout the day, including a face painter, a MR. Magic balloon animal artist, and a disc jockey. The event will include a community raffle of gift cards and prize baskets.

Special events in the works this summer

Shiver and Shake's first "Neon Nights" event May 17 featured an evening of fun music, dimmed lights to show off the store's neon lights and giveaways of glowing necklaces and bracelets. Diaz said families enjoyed the event and more Neon Nights are on the horizon.

Diaz also wants to host a Daddy Daughter Date Night where fathers and their girls can get a meal, a dessert of their choice and spend some quality time together. A Disney Prince and Princess Day is in the works where customers can come dressed to impress, get photos with a Disney character and try a special dessert.

"We really want to be a bright spot for the community and build a place for the community to come together," Diaz said.

Hours at the shop are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 2-8 p.m. Sunday. Extended hours likely will be offered during the summer.

For up to date hours, menus and more, go to shiverandshakeco.com, the business's Facebook page or the Instagram page.

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Ice cream shop set to host grand opening June 1 in Pueblo West