Hidden Gems: Meet Sam of Mr. Froze Margarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam.

Hi Sam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Sam Lounnarath, and the story of Mr. Froze Margarita is really a story about family, gratitude, and building something with heart. My wife Celene and I never set out to “be entrepreneurs.” We just wanted to create something meaningful — something fun, something full of life, and something we could be proud to share with our family and our community.

From the beginning, we were inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos — a celebration rooted in honoring loved ones, appreciating life, and cherishing moments together. That energy guided everything we built: the colors, the sugar-skull aesthetic, the flavors, the vibe you feel when you walk into a Mr. Froze location. We wanted the brand to feel alive… but also familiar, warm, and connected.

We didn’t come from a business background. We learned as we went — long nights, lots of mistakes, lots of growth. Through all of it, we stayed grounded in the same values: stay humble, work hard, treat people well, and never lose sight of what matters most — family and quality time. The biggest win for us isn’t just opening more locations; it’s being able to build something that lets us spend more time with our kids, create memories, and show them what dedication and teamwork look like.

Today, Mr. Froze Margarita has become a place where people come to celebrate, relax, and enjoy the moment. And that means everything to us. We’re grateful for every customer, every team member, and every opportunity we’ve been given. We don’t take any of it for granted.

At the end of the day, our journey isn’t about being the biggest — it’s about staying true to who we are, honoring the culture that inspires us, and building a brand that feels like family. We’re thankful for how far we’ve come, and even more thankful for the people who made it possible.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Building Mr. Froze Margarita has been one of the most rewarding things in our lives, but also one of the hardest. People see the colors, the flavors, the vibe — but they don’t see the grind behind it. They don’t see the nights we were exhausted, the moments of doubt, or the pressure of keeping everything together when things got tough.

In the beginning, every dollar mattered. Every mistake felt expensive. We were learning how to run a business while actually running it — no safety net, no perfect blueprint. From figuring out equipment issues and inventory to dealing with slow days or unexpected costs, it felt like we were constantly problem-solving with little room for error.

Balancing the business with family life was another real challenge. There were sacrifices — missed dinners, long hours, and moments where we felt overwhelmed trying to be present for our kids while keeping the business alive. That part was tough. But it also reminded us why we were doing this in the first place: to create a better life for our family and to build something our children could be proud of.

Growing the brand brought its own challenges — hiring the right people, keeping consistency across locations, managing demand, and maintaining our culture as we scaled. There were setbacks that tested our patience and moments that forced us to sit down, regroup, and adjust.

But through every challenge, we stayed humble, stayed thankful, and leaned on each other. Those struggles shaped us. They made us sharper, stronger, and more intentional. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every bump pushed us forward and taught us something we carry with us today.

We’ve been impressed with Mr. Froze Margarita , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mr. Froze Margarita didn’t start as a business idea — it started as a moment in our lives where we were trying to build something better for our family. My wife Celene and I were trying to figure out how to create stability, how to create something of our own, and how to build a life where we could be present for our kids while still growing as individuals. We didn’t have a roadmap. We didn’t come from a long line of entrepreneurs. We just had each other, a vision, and a belief that we could build something with heart.

The inspiration behind Mr. Froze came from a place of meaning. We were drawn to the spirit of Día de los Muertos — a celebration rooted in honoring the people who came before us, remembering the ones we’ve lost, and appreciating every moment of life. That symbolism hit home for us. It reminded us to stay grateful, to stay humble, and to stay connected to what truly matters: family, love, traditions, and togetherness.

Everything inside Mr. Froze carries that energy. The colors, the sugar-skull design, the flavors, the chamoy-and-tajin rim… it’s all meant to bring people joy the way those values brought joy into our lives. We wanted to create a space where people could come together — whether they’re celebrating, healing, catching up, or just needing a moment to breathe. We’ve seen customers walk in with their families after long days, bring friends to show them the “vibe,” or grab drinks before gatherings that matter to them. Seeing that has been one of the most emotional parts of this journey.

What sets Mr. Froze apart isn’t just the drinks — it’s the intention behind it. We built this brand through sacrifice, long nights, and moments of doubt… but also through love, teamwork, and believing in each other. There were times where balancing family and business felt impossible, where we questioned if we could keep pushing, but every step brought us closer to the life we wanted to create for our children.

What we’re most proud of isn’t the growth — it’s the connection. The fact that people feel something when they walk into our stores means everything to us. It means the years of work mattered. It means our story resonated. It means the community saw our heart before they ever tasted a drink.

At the end of the day, Mr. Froze Margarita is personal. It’s our family’s journey, our culture, our values, and our gratitude poured into one brand. We’re honored to share it with everyone who walks through our doors.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like most about our city is the people. The community here shows up, supports local businesses, and brings a positive energy that makes building something like Mr. Froze feel meaningful. The culture, diversity, and family-focused atmosphere make this a great place to grow a brand and raise a family.

What I like least is how fast-paced things can get. Life moves quick, and sometimes it feels like everyone is always rushing. That’s why creating spaces where people can slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with each other matters so much to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.MrFroze.com