The article explores the beginnings of drive-thru daiquiri shops in Louisiana, primarily focusing on Ervin's pioneering efforts in overcoming legal obstacles. Faced with local laws against open containers, Ervin introduced a simple yet ingenious solution—a sealed container using freezer tape—which enabled him to continue his business. Despite challenges, the concept flourished, leading to numerous drive-thru daiquiri restaurants across Louisiana. Though Ervin's original shop closed in the late 1980s, he remains involved in the industry as a food technologist and owner of a drive-thru location in New Orleans suburbs.
Amid some media fanfare, Ervin announced he had invented a sealed container: A piece of non-resealable freezer tape that covered the hole in the plastic lid where the straw went in.
Ervin's original drive-thru daiquiri shop closed in the late 1980s, a victim of the oil bust in an oil-dependent city, and the site is now a strip mall.
The concept-and legal precedents-have lived on. Dozens of drive-thru daiquiri stands are still found throughout the region.
In college, I encountered a group of girls holding Styrofoam cups filled with frozen alcoholic drinks. I was amazed—the ice crystals were perfect.
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