Fluffy’s Sno-Balls Forced to Exit Long Beach Due to Repeated Break-Ins
The shop, which opened in 2021, often employed local students and helped those experiencing homelessness.
As this year's summer continues to produce record temperatures, you might be craving some tasty relief in the form of a snow cone from Fluffy's Sno-Balls.
I had such a craving two weeks ago. I grabbed my Fluffy’s Sno-Balls mug, which grants a discount on each visit and headed over to 1208 Long Beach Blvd. While the sign was still painted on the store’s parking lot, Fluffy's Sno-Balls was gone, and a “for lease” sign hung in the window.
This was a shock, especially for a business so beloved by residents and recognized with numerous awards from the City of Long Beach.
A call to the shop's owner, Kevyn Lee-Wellington, revealed that they had closed the doors in Long Beach back in late February.
Lee-Wellington opened the Long Beach and Los Angeles locations simultaneously in June 2021, with high hopes for both. The Long Beach shop was particularly special, often hosting holiday giveaways for families, providing water and necessities for people experiencing homelessness, and employing local students.
Despite strong community support, a series of break-ins and threats of violence, primarily from individuals Lee-Wellington believes were unhoused and suffering from mental health issues, resulted in the decision not to renew the lease and to leave the Long Beach location in February.
However, the Los Angeles location at 2105 W. Century Blvd. is thriving, serving about 300 customers daily. The larger space has allowed Wellington to expand the menu and even offer beignets on Sundays.
Although the Long Beach location has closed, Lee-Wellington's commitment to Long Beach remains unwavering. He continues to employ Long Beach students, often picking them up and bringing them to work in Los Angeles. "They're doing amazing," he says proudly. "They've all just received a pay increase and are about to receive another one."
Fluffy's Sno-Balls is not just a hit with local residents; the shop has also gained significant attention, securing a five-year contract with one of the world's largest sports organizations. While Lee-Wellington cannot reveal the name publicly for contractual reasons, this achievement marks a significant milestone for the business. Additionally, Fluffy's Sno-Balls will soon make a television appearance, further boosting its profile.
Despite the success of the Los Angeles location, Lee-Wellington remains hopeful about returning to Long Beach. "Right now, we're looking at the Bixby Knolls or Belmont Shores area," he says. He plans to wait out the winter before finalizing a lease but is optimistic about serving the Long Beach community again soon.
In the meantime, the Los Angeles location is just a 30-minute drive away, and Fluffy's Sno-Balls offers catering. For more information, visit Fluffy's Sno-Balls online or follow them on Instagram.
