Chad Fortune noticed that children accompanying customers at his Snellville barbershop needed a comfortable, safe place to wait. And so — with equal parts necessity and whimsy — 31 Flavors of Horror Snack & Play was born in an adjacent storefront.
“I wanted a fun and unique place where the kids would enjoy hanging out,” the Walton Gas customer said.
He accomplished that goal by pairing a menu headlined by frozen treats with free, engaging entertainment in the form of a video arcade. Adding to the fun are brightly painted interior walls featuring kid-friendly “monster” murals — a nod to Fortune’s love of old-school horror films and animated movies.
“There’s nothing else like this around. It’s an authentic experience,” the business owner said.
Walton Gas customer 31 Flavors of Horror Snack & Play is popular for its creamy New York Italian ice available in fruit-rich flavors like mango, sour apple and blueberry.
Sweet treats
In just four years, the snack-and-play venue has become a popular local spot. It’s especially busy during the summer when customers arrive looking to escape the heat with a cool treat.
The shop is known for its New York-style Italian ice available in fruit flavors like mango, sour apple, strawberry and blueberry. Customers can also request creative combinations like the Superman, a blend of blueberry, cherry and lemon flavors to represent the famed superhero’s suit.
“The New York-style of Italian ice is more like ice cream without the dairy. It’s creamy rather than crushed ice,” Fortune said. He explains that the frozen dessert differs from shaved ice, snow cones or even Philadelphia-style Italian ice.
For those looking for the ultimate summertime cool-down, the 31 Flavors menu offers pairings of Italian ice and soft-serve ice cream.
“Every scoop brings pure happiness,” Fortune guarantees.
A bright interior with a playful monster theme welcomes customers who come for sweet treats and the free video and arcade games offered with purchase at 31 Flavors of Horror.
Stay and play
With snacks in hand, customers are invited to stay awhile to enjoy the video game bar — an entertainment amenity that sets 31 Flavors apart.
Fortune has equipped the entertainment area with wall-mounted screens and PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. From the popular online video game Fortnite to arcade classics like Pacman, gamers can find plenty of fun.
Though the store concept originated as a place for kids, Fortune says the venue is popular with adults, too.
“We see a lot of families but also adults who come in by themselves to get something to eat and play a game,” he said.
The store is also a popular location for birthday parties.
“We shut the place down for three hours for private parties, so friends and family can have it to themselves,” Fortune said.
About the name
Yes, Fortune gets a lot of questions about the store’s unusual name. And, no, it doesn’t have anything to do with how many flavors of Italian ice they serve.
“The number is in memory of my grandmother who raised me,” Fortune explained. She passed away on Halloween, October 31. It was a coincidence he couldn’t pass up.
When he opened his barbershop, Fortune named it Salon 31 and incorporated a horror theme to create a unique interior design. When the idea for the snack shop came along, he seized on another opportunity to honor his grandmother (who also enjoyed a good scary movie) by combining the memorable date with his love of all things spooky.
Getting there
Find 31 Flavors of Horror Snack & Play at 2226 Bethany Church Road, just off Highway 78 southwest of downtown Snellville. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.