Coconut. Passion fruit. Mango. The flavors of the tropics conjure images of sun-kissed beaches, lapping waves, and the airfare required to get there. That is, unless you visit a Bahama Buck's. At more than 30 locations throughout the Southwest, customers find relief from heat and hum-drum desserts with frosty treats including smoothies and sodas. Most of them come for the shop's signature treat—the shaved ice. After piling cups high with snow-like ice, employees drizzle the whole thing with one of dozens of flavors, which range from cherry and grape to birthday cake and bubblegum.

Bahama Buck's dedication to island living doesn't end with the treats. Each shop embraces the same relaxing tropical atmosphere: palm trees stand proudly next to tiki torches, bamboo trim lines the walls, and a smoke monster floats through the parking lot every day at noon.