The Snow Chasers’
Dulice Sazon

Date & Location

August 2023 - December 2023
Orlando, Florida

Course
Small Project Studio
Themed Experience MS
University of Central Florida

Professor
Patrick Brennan (former Design Director for Tokyo Disneyland)

Keywords
Themed Experience Design, Dining Experience

Design challenge meets a story-driven solution

This course was the first themed design course in the program, and students were asked to redesign a real food truck, theming cultural and functional. The food truck I picked, Dulice Sazon, was an actual food truck located in Kissimmee, Florida that specializes in Cuban-style ice desserts.

The original Dulice Sazon.

Big Idea

“A Scoop of 1910 Havana — Cuba’s Sweetest Legacy Arrives Your Town.”

Story

“In 1910s Havana, three young men scooped ice cream daily under a tropical sun—but they'd never touched snow. One day, a postcard arrived from Colorado, depicting skiers gliding gracefully over fresh powder. Inspired and restless, the trio took their ice cream truck and set off across America, determined to chase their snowy dream. Now, every scoop sold at their shop supports these brave "time travelers," bringing them closer to their first snowfall. To honor their journey, the truck became The Snow Chasers’ Dulice Sazon.”

Design

Carrosserie + Handwriting

Food & Beverage

Process 1

At this stage, I analyzed the guest journey to uncover design opportunities that could elevate their experience. By mapping out key touchpoints along the timeline, I identified both the mediums and moments where the redesigned food truck could make a greater impact.
My focus then shifted to developing a core concept and schematic plan for the guest experience. Centered around the idea of delivering the finest ice cream experience from Havana, the design strategy is built on two pillars: bringing the flavor of Havana and providing the best of its golden era charm.

Process 2

To showcase the truck’s mobility, I built the concept around a road trip, using simple design cues to suggest the truck had just arrived—and would soon be on the move.
The story follows three young men from a 1920s Havana ice cream shop who had never seen snow. After receiving a postcard of Colorado ski fields, they set off across the U.S. in their ice cream truck to chase their dream of snow. Each scoop guests buy supports their journey. Based on this narrative, I renamed the truck The Snow Chasers’ Dulice Sazon.
I created three design concepts, each incorporating road trip elements to reflect the story and enhance the truck’s traveling identity.