Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash 2026. 1
Episode 1 - Finding the Perfect Ice in Chicago
When people see a cup of premium shave ice, they usually see the flavors, the colors, and the finished product. What they don’t see is everything that happens behind the scenes to make that cup possible.
For Koi Ice, our journey to Summer Smash 2026 in Chicago started long before the gates opened and the music began. It started with a challenge that almost every premium shave ice company faces when traveling out of state.
Where do you find the right ice?
Unlike traditional snow cones, premium shave ice requires crystal-clear, dense ice blocks that shave into a soft, snow-like texture. Not just any ice works. It has to be food-safe, consistent, and cut to the exact specifications needed for our machines.
As we prepared for one of the largest music festivals in the country, we were under a serious time crunch. Summer Smash came together quickly, and there simply wasn’t enough time to produce our own ice inventory while simultaneously handling travel logistics, equipment shipping, staffing, permits, and festival preparation. The success of the entire event depended on finding a reliable ice supplier in Chicago.
The Search Begins
We spent days calling ice companies throughout the Chicagoland area. Many companies sold bagged ice. Some sold blocks. Others offered sculpture ice. But very few could provide the type of clear, food-grade ice blocks we needed in the dimensions required for premium shave ice production. Every call seemed to lead to another dead end. Then we found Nadeau Ice.
Meeting Max and Nadeau Ice
When we connected with Max Barajas, owner of Nadeau Ice, things immediately felt different. Instead of simply selling us ice, Max took the time to understand what we were trying to accomplish. He listened to our needs, reviewed our machine specifications, and worked with us to determine the best block dimensions so we could efficiently cut the ice ourselves and maximize production during Summer Smash weekend.
For an event expecting tens of thousands of attendees, having the correct ice dimensions wasn’t just a convenience; it was essential. Without it, our operation would have slowed down significantly.
America’s Oldest Ice Sculpture Studio
What made the experience even more memorable was getting an inside look at the facility itself. Nadeau Ice isn’t just another ice supplier. The company has been creating ice products and sculptures for more than 45 years and proudly refers to itself as America’s oldest ice sculpture studio. Throughout the decades, they’ve supplied events, corporations, sports teams, weddings, and major productions throughout the Midwest.
Walking through the shop felt like stepping into a hidden part of Chicago that most people never get to see. Massive crystal-clear ice blocks lined the production floor. Sculptures were being carved. Specialized equipment filled the workspace. Every corner of the facility reflected decades of craftsmanship and expertise.
The Shave Ice Connection
One of the coolest surprises during our visit was discovering that Max also operates a shave ice business. That immediately created common ground between our teams. He understood the importance of ice quality, texture, and consistency because he works with shave ice himself. The conversation quickly shifted from supplier and customer to two businesses sharing knowledge about the industry.
That relationship made all the difference. Instead of simply purchasing ice, we gained a partner who understood exactly what we needed to make Summer Smash successful.
Making Summer Smash Possible
For large festivals, every detail matters. The right equipment matters. The right staff matters. The right inventory matters. But none of it works without the right foundation. For Koi Ice at Summer Smash 2026, that foundation was ice.
Nadeau Ice helped solve one of our biggest logistical challenges and allowed us to focus on what we do best: creating premium shave ice experiences for thousands of festival attendees. As we loaded up our order and prepared for the weekend ahead, we knew we had found more than just an ice supplier. We found a company built on craftsmanship, hospitality, and a genuine willingness to help another small business succeed.
And for that, we’re incredibly grateful.
Up Next
In Episode 2, we’ll take you behind the scenes of setting up Koi Ice at Summer Smash 2026, from unloading equipment and building the booth to preparing for one of the busiest weekends in company history.