When James Thomas first experienced the laid-back, flavorful culture of Southern daiquiri shops in places like New Orleans, Texas, and Florida, the idea of bringing that same vibrant energy to his hometown of Kansas City began to take shape. Fast forward a few years, and Thomas is now the proud owner of Brain Freeze Daiquiri—a fully mobile daiquiri and cocktail service ready to turn any gathering into a tropical celebration.
From Tent to Trailer
Getting started during the pandemic forced Thomas to be resourceful. In the early days, he worked from a tent structure, renting nearly all his equipment while he built up his capital and ironed out licensing. His first two flavored colada and strawberry were immediate hits. Today, he offers around 30 flavors, from classic favorites to fresh innovations like banana, green apple, Wildberry, White Peach, and even an Old Fashioned-inspired frozen cocktail. The variety ensures that every palate is covered, including guests who prefer beer, hard seltzers, or even non-alcoholic options.
Community at the Core
Thomas credits Kansas City’s supportive business community with helping him get off the ground. Organizations such as the Prospect Business Association (PBA) and Porter House KC provided guidance for licensing, networking, and grant opportunities—one of which enabled him to purchase his own daiquiri machines instead of renting. Beyond that, Thomas participated in the Saving Match Program, a joint initiative of EDCKC and KC Biz Care, where he saved $2,500 over four months and received ten hours of personalized technical assistance. Upon completing the program, he was awarded a $10,000 grant. This initiative not only boosted Brain Freeze Daiquiri financially, but also reinforced key principles like budgeting, saving, and credit score improvement.
“The support here is amazing,” Thomas explains. “People in Kansas City look out for each other. If you’re struggling or if you need a referral, folks go out of their way to help.”
A Mobile Experience for All
What sets Brain Freeze Daiquiri apart is its mobility. Whether it’s a small at-home celebration or a large corporate event, Thomas and his team pack up their machines and bring the party directly to you. From birthday bashes to divorce parties, house gatherings to festivals out in Lawrence, Topeka, or Columbia, Brain Freeze Daiquiri caters to every type of occasion.
But it’s not just about bringing the drinks—it’s about capturing an atmosphere. “We want people to feel like they’re somewhere tropical,” Thomas says. “Even if it’s cold out, one sip of a daiquiri can transport you straight to a warm, sunny beach.”
Big Dreams for the Future
As Kansas City grows and welcomes high-profile events—such as the upcoming World Cup—Thomas plans to expand Brain Freeze Daiquiri even further. One major goal is opening Kansas City’s very first drive-thru daiquiri shop, capitalizing on the city’s rise as a cultural hub in the Midwest. He also envisions launching new signature concoctions, quirky flavor mashups, and fun items like fishbowl drinks to keep the menu evolving. In 2026, Thomas plans to franchise Brain Freeze Daiquiri to other markets across the Midwest, further spreading the laid-back daiquiri culture he has cultivated.
Yet even as Brain Freeze Daiquiri expands, Thomas emphasizes that the business is designed to serve everyone. Every daiquiri starts as a virgin mix, allowing him to cater to kids’ parties, church events, or any gathering that may not call for alcohol. “Our whole goal,” he says, “is to create a memorable, tropical experience—one that’s inclusive, flexible, and, of course, delicious.”
Get Your Own Brain Freeze
Curious about trying a frosty daiquiri for your next special occasion?
Check out Brain Freeze Daiquiri at:
- Website: https://brainfreezedaq.com/
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (@BrainFreezeDaiquiri)
Whether you’re sipping a classic strawberry margarita or daring to try the surprise-me specialty drink, one thing is certain: Kansas City has never tasted this cool.