Lafayette Welcomes New Meltdown Snoballs Location

Lafayette Welcomes New Meltdown Snoballs Location

Meltdown Snoballs is set to open a new location at 1500 Johnston St., a site that was previously home to a Burger King which closed in early 2024. This new shop will be conveniently located within sight of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, making it an ideal spot for students and locals alike.

The upcoming Meltdown Snoballs outlet is a part of a Louisiana-based chain founded by Zein Clayton, who started his first location at just 16 years old in 2021. Clayton currently operates five existing locations in Baton Rouge, Brusly, and New Roads. The Lafayette branch will occupy a 2,800-square-foot space that is being renovated to include a dine-in area, outdoor seating, and a drive-thru, and it will be operational year-round.

Focus on Community Revitalization

Clayton’s vision for Meltdown Snoballs includes revitalizing abandoned buildings to create welcoming spaces for teenagers and college students. After a year-long search for the right location, he chose Lafayette for its vibrant food culture and community spirit, which he believes will contribute to the new shop’s success.

Students in the area have expressed excitement about the upcoming opening, especially given the region’s hot summers and their cravings for refreshing snowballs. The new location is expected to open in early November and will serve not just snowballs but also a variety of food items including hot sausage po’boy nachos, Frito pies, and chili dogs topped with house-made chili and cheese.

A Growing Business Vision

Clayton’s entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a hobby, which has since evolved into a full-time business venture. Meltdown Snoballs quickly garnered a reputation for offering some of the best snowballs in Louisiana, earning recognition shortly after its initial launch.

In the next five years, Clayton aims to expand Meltdown Snoballs’ reach, targeting additional locations in other states such as Texas and Florida. The strategic choice to open in a high-traffic area near the university is expected to attract a significant customer base.

Legacy and Community Impact

The local real estate agent Camille Hensarling played a crucial role in securing the lease for the new location before her passing. Her efforts help ensure a smooth transition of tenants at this site, which is likely to become a bustling draw for both students and the local community.

Paul Arceneaux from The Gleason Group noted the importance of tenant transitions for maintaining the vitality of high-traffic locations, emphasizing the potential for the new Meltdown Snoballs to thrive in its chosen location.

As Meltdown Snoballs prepares for its grand opening, the community’s anticipation continues to build, promising to bring not only delicious treats but also a fresh and inviting atmosphere for Lafayette residents and students.