Reynolds said between 40,000 and 50,000 exited the premises each year.
"Whanganui is the biggest hot dog seller in the country, always has been.
"Even when there were 30-odd (Wendy's) stores around the country, we were doing more than anyone else."
Unsurprisingly, they are still a large part of the new set-up.
Freshly baked cookies from Mrs Higgins have replaced the slushy machine, and ice cream now comes from New Zealand Natural.
"My mindset is 'same, but different'," Reynolds said.
"It's the same stuff but we are doing it better, and with better quality products."
Generations of kids had grown up being regulars, some of whom had even ended up working for her, Reynolds said.
"A lot of the time it's their first job. You watch them grow, and suddenly they're in their 30s and buying houses. It's like 'Oh my God'.
"This is such a great little business, and it's in a great little spot.
"You've got to have the soft serve menus at kid's height too, so when they walk past they say 'mum, mum, I want an ice cream."
Regardless of the name she was trading under, Reynolds said she always wanted the shop to be an enjoyable place to work.
There is currently a staff of 10, of all different ages.
"It should be fun, because it's a fun product."
Reynolds said the response from the public had been positive so far.
"This is completely locally owned, employing local people.
"Getting rid of the Shake Shed name and seeing this come to fruition has been amazing."