GRAND ISLAND – Dana Wright, a co-owner of Big Red Treats at 223 W. Third Street, said that one of the joys of owning the business is that “people don’t leave unhappy.”
Wright said he and his wife, Juliet, applied several times before their application was approved to have their business listed on 2025 Nebraska Tourism Passport program.
The Wrights purchased the business in January 2020, and the business was first located in northwest Grand Island. From there, they moved to a temporary location on Third Street, then opened at their current location in May 2022.
“It’s a family business,” Wright said.
“Always celebrate” is the business’s motto.
Dana Wright is excited about being included in the Passport program, because it will give the business more visibility at the statewide level.
“It’s fun to be part of Nebraska tourism,” he said.
The business serves four types of frozen treats including custard, gelato, frozen yogurt, and Italian ice. There are seven dispensers for the frozen items. Flavors are changed every two weeks. More than 70 toppings, ranging from different types of chocolate to fruit, are offered.
Homemade flavored popcorn and homemade fudge are also sold at the business.
Big Red Treats has two full-time employees and 13 part-time employees. It is open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Wright said they will be opening a second location in June 2025 at 3548 Innate Lane in the Prairie District north of Tabitha in southwest Grand Island. Passport participants will also be able to get a passport stamp at that location. The staff currently working at the Third Street location will work more hours to staff the southwest location.
The website for the business is bigredtreats.com. Gourmet popcorn and homemade fudge may be purchased on the website.
Examples of popcorn sold online are flavors like white cheddar, Caramel and Cheddar Mix, and Kettle Corn.
Flavors of homemade fudge include pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate caramel and peanuts, and more.
Big Red Treats is located at 223 W. Third St. (Courtesy)