Cash Mob team brings new customers to Oak Ridge businesses

A store that sells shaved ice on North Illinois Avenue got a business boost Wednesday when an Oak Ridge “cash mob” stopped by to buy cold, fruit-flavored drinks.

The cash mob shopped at Atomic Shaved Ice as part of a weekly mission to promote Oak Ridge companies.

“It puts the focus on local businesses to show that they’re here and to remind people to shop the ‘moms and pops,'” organizer Kay Williamson said.

Now in its eighth week, the Oak Ridge cash mob picks a different business to patronize each week.

Last week, it was Atomic Shaved Ice’s turn. This week, it’s Pete’s Fashion in Grove Center.

“It helps the local businesses,” said Ralph Lockhart of Claxton.

Williamson said the businesses have also included Karen’s Jewelers, Razzleberry’s, J&M Butcher Shop, Oak Ridge Florist, Eddie Hair Tire, and The Oak Ridger and Oak Ridge Observer.

“It’s growing,” she said.

Customers can shop at the featured businesses any time during the week.

The idea started with a cash mob at Downtown Hardware earlier this year. Williamson said cash mob team organizers wanted to continue the program weekly and offer it all week long.

Atomic Shaved Ice, at the intersection of North Illinois Avenue and Outer Drive, has been open since July 2011 serving drinks made of chopped ice, sugar, and flavorings. They can also make snow cream, which includes milk.

The store grew out of a high school business plan developed by family member Kory Jones, who is fond of shaved ice. His father, Vern, is from Oklahoma, and the family always stops for shaved ice treats when they visit the Sooner State.

Atomic Shaved Ice is open from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more information on the new cash mob location each week, check the What’s Happening Now-n- Around Oak Ridge Facebook page between 7 and 8 p.m. each Wednesday.