Known for its modern approach and signature Chinese takeout containers, Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls is preparing to add a new location in the heart of City Park. Owner Neesa Peterson confirmed to What Now New Orleans that the company’s fourth outpost will be opening soon in a trailer at 33 Dreyfous Dr., strategically positioned between City Putt Miniature Golf Course and Storyland.
For Peterson, a New Orleans native who founded the business in 2011 while living in New York City, the move comes after years of carefully navigating the unique real estate challenges that come with owning a sno-ball business. Unlike year-round spots, sno-ball stands have an offseason that can last three to four months.
“It’s really hard to find the perfect venue for a sno-ball shop because you have to keep the overhead below a certain amount,” Peterson said. “You kind of need the right landlord and the right space to do it in, or have the flexibility to not have to pay rent in the wintertime.”
The City Park pop-up location offers that necessary flexibility, allowing the brand to serve high volumes of families and park-goers during the sweltering summer months without the burden of permanent roots. However, the physical footprint of the new stand is smaller than current locations, requiring some creative adjustments.
“It’ll be definitely scaled down just because of the space that I’m working with,” Peterson noted. “I don’t want to pare things down too much because I feel like the whole point of a sno-ball stand is having so many fun options.”
The new location will maintain Imperial Woodpecker’s focus on natural flavors. While traditional syrups like nectar cream remain beloved classics, Peterson has found a niche by offering lighter options meant to make her sno-balls more of an “everyday” treat.
“Sometimes, I make myself a little lemon basil sno-ball, with very light syrup,” Peterson mused. “it’s just the perfect thing to kind of take me on my way.”
As she prepares to open the City Park location, Peterson is eager to bring her product to a different part of New Orleans.
“There’s just this really powerful love of sno-balls around the city, and just to be able to offer it to a different neighborhood is just going to be so much fun,” Peterson said.
