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Murray’s Shaved Ice at 3407 Watson Road has been a St. Louis
Hills neighborhood landmark for over half a century. It got its start when Joe Vaccaro and his bride Rose
honeymooned in New Orleans and discovered the city’s unique style of shaved ice. Inspired, they opened their original
stand, Vaccaro's, in 1953. Family members who worked at the stand include recently elected St. Louis 23rd Ward Alderman
Joe Vaccaro Jr. In the 1990’s, the Vaccaro family prepared to close their shaved
ice business and retire. In 1997, longtime customers Rich and Linda Murray purchased the stand, changing the name to Murray's
Shaved Ice. Since then, they have added many custom-blended flavors such as Orangarita, Summer Sunset, Chocolate Covered
Banana, Murray’s Rainbow, Cherry Bomb and a long list of others. Another addition to the business was the first Murray's
mobile unit, which was added in 2004. To meet growing demand, Murray's added a second mobile unit. They are very popular among parties,
picnics, receptions and day camps all over metro St. Louis during Spring and Summer. Up until 2007, the stand had been
in the original buiIding from 1953. The 54 year old building was becoming too much of a hassle, so the Murrays opened a new building on the
site. The
new stand features two serving windows and a second ice shaving machine to help speed up customer service. In 2009, Murray’s
introduced its biggest shaved ice treat ever this season: the 32 ounce Murray’s Monster! Many people who grew up in the St. Louis
Hills neighborhood return several times each summer, often with kids and grandkids, to enjoy the shaved ice of
their youth at Murray’s Shaved Ice. Stop by and make a new tradition today!
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