Quack Shack

Daresa Rhine opened Quack Shack in June 2025 with a mission that extended far beyond serving snow cones. As a full-time educator, the owner saw a need in the small rural community for meaningful first-job opportunities for local youth. Quack Shack was created as a place where young people could gain real-world work experience in an environment centered on mentorship, growth, and customer service. While launching the business came with significant challenges, including navigating legal requirements and logistical hurdles before opening the service window, the owner's commitment to meeting community needs never wavered. Today, Quack Shack has become known for its welcoming atmosphere, consistent service, and fun duck-themed experience that brings neighbors together.

A key part of Quack Shack's journey has been the support of the SBDC. The SBDC provided the guidance and framework needed to navigate state requirements, identify potential challenges, and understand the realities of entrepreneurship. More importantly, they helped transform a "quacky idea" into a viable business by encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset and providing the confidence to move forward. The rewards have been immense, from seeing children light up when they receive a colorful treat and themed rubber duck to watching teenage employees develop communication and customer service skills that will benefit them for years to come. With strong community support and a focus on creating positive experiences, Quack Shack continues to be a bright spot in the community and is already dreaming up new ways to bring joy to its customers.

1. When did you start your business?

June 2025

2. Why did you decide to start your business?

Our small rural community is full of heart but had limited options for our local youth to gain real-world experience. I wanted to create a space specifically for this age group so they could find their first job opportunity in an environment that values mentorship and growth as much as it does a great snow cone.

3. What is your favorite memory in the business?

Without a doubt, it’s the smiles. There is something magical about seeing a child’s face light up when they are handed a bright, tasty treat and their very own thematic rubber duck. Beyond that, it is incredibly rewarding to watch our teenage employees grow in confidence as they master the 'soft skills' of communication and customer service that will serve them for a lifetime

4. What is the most rewarding part of running a small business?

The biggest hurdle is definitely the clock! Balancing life as a full-time educator while managing a growing side business means my days are full. Juggling the logistics and being there for my team whenever they need support requires a lot of heart and even more coffee, but the impact on the community makes every minute worth it.

5. What is the hardest part of running a small business?

Our goal is to be the brightest part of someone’s day. When you visit the Quack Shack, you aren’t just getting a snow cone; you’re guaranteed service with a genuine smile and an experience designed to make your day better. Our 'duck theme' has become a local favorite, creating a fun, shared tradition that brings neighbors together and keeps them coming back for more!

6. How does the business get to positively impact your community?

The SBDC was the compass I needed to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. They provided a clear framework and guided me through the complex state requirements and legalities that can feel overwhelming to a new owner. More importantly, they helped me shift my mindset from just having a 'quacky idea' to thinking like a true entrepreneur.

7. Biggest challenge in the business?

The biggest challenge of this business was in the launch. There are so many legal and logistical processes you have to work through before you can even open the door, or in our case “window.”

8. What makes your business different from your competition?

Customer service is our number one focus, so we are constantly working on “the experience” for our customers. Also, we have consistent hours so our customers know what to expect and when.

9. Best tip for others in business?

Don’t get discouraged in the very beginning when you are working through the legalities. If you have a service or idea that will meet the needs of your community, stick to it, because the work is worth the wait.

10. What’s something you wish someone had told you or that you wish you had learned earlier?

When working with teenage employees, you have to be very explicit with your expectations and give them every step they need to meet those expectations. No assumptions!

11. How did the SBDC help you on your venture?

The SBDC provided the guidance/framework I needed when starting a small business. They helped me solve potential issues I might face, and helped me gain knowledge around state requirements. The SBDC also assisted me with shifting my mindset into an entrepreneur way of thinking that I wouldn’t have developed on my own.

12. What's something you're grateful for today?

I am profoundly grateful for a community that didn’t just welcome my 'quacky' business idea—they latched onto it and have supported the flock every step of the way. It’s their support that keeps us innovating and dreaming up new ways to bring joy to our town. Stay tuned—we have even more 'quack-tastic' surprises coming soon!