Sno Shack has reopened in Bakersfield under Kelly Pudiwitr and her husband's ownership, preserving a local business many residents feared might close.
Pudiwitr, whose first job was at Sno Shack, said the takeover is aimed at giving teens the same early work experience she had in learning scheduling, money handling and customer service.
One employee, 17-year-old Madelyn Evans, said the job has her handling cleaning, customer service and making snow cones, giving her broad experience since starting in May.
The new owners also launched "Make a Difference Mondays," donating part of sales to local groups; last week's recipient was student ministries at St. John's, with camps and soccer teams next.
Pudiwitr said she hopes to add more locations over time so Sno Shack can hire more local teens while extending the business's community role.