Each holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, families across Texas make their way to Moody Gardens in Galveston to marvel at Ice Land, an enchanting winter wonderland filled with brilliantly colored ice sculptures. What many visitors may not know is that the magical ice blocks that bring this attraction to life are crafted by a longtime Bryan Texas Utilities’ customer: Flying Penguin Ice. From their facilities in Bryan, this specialized ice manufacturer has been adding color—and holiday cheer—to Ice Land for more than a decade.
Flying Penguin Ice has been a trusted ice supplier in the Brazos Valley for nearly 50 years. The business began as a beer distributor, delivering kegs around the Bryan/College Station area. As the years went on, the beer business dwindled, but the ice business grew. Owner, Robert Heath, transitioned to solely focus on ice, and Flying Penguin Ice was born. Large coolers filled with bagged ice featuring the recognizable flying penguin artwork can be found at convenience and grocery stores around the Bryan/ College Station area. However, it’s the production of unique block ice that makes the local business stand out.