In the summer of 1990 Blake Buchanan started the very first Bahama Buck’s in Lubbock, Texas. In 2005, the brand came to Arizona and opened in Tempe. Now the Tempe location is celebrating 20 years of “Sno.”
“We’re a family business that feels like family,” said Tyler Girtman, who owns the Tempe location with his wife, Ashley.
Bahama Bucks is a national chain with snow cones, dirty sodas and soft serve ice cream creations.
Once on the Arizona State University campus in the Memorial Union, the business later moved to 1006 E. Warner Road for more space to serve the rest of the Tempe community.
While the official Anniversary was in November, the Girtmans wanted a spring celebration for the warmer weather to pair with their tropical flavors.
To celebrate, Girtman and the crew will be hosting several deals on April 24 to celebrate the 20th anniversary with a chance to win Bahama Bucks for a whole year.
“In 20 years, I hope we’re still celebrating that same feeling when you walk in for a first date or a birthday. I hope we continue being a staple,” he said.
Guests can expect all of the Bahama Bucks favorites as well as deals on dirty sodas, Dr. Pepper releases and prizes.
Bahama Buck's is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
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Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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