History of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard & Christmas Trees

A Legacy of Quality for Over 95 Years

For over 95 years and four generations, Ted Drewes has been a beloved name in St. Louis, setting the standard for frozen custard and Christmas trees. What started as a small business has grown into a cherished tradition, bringing families together for decades. Whether it’s a thick, creamy concrete or a perfectly chosen Christmas tree, Ted Drewes remains a symbol of quality, dedication, and community.

The Beginning: A Champion’s Vision

The story of Ted Drewes begins with Ted Drewes Sr., a tennis champion who dominated the Muny Tennis Championships from 1925 to 1936 and claimed the National Public Parks Singles title four times in the 1920s. During the winters, he traveled to Florida with his family to continue playing, and in 1929, he opened his first frozen custard shop there. The following year, he expanded to St. Louis, opening a store on Natural Bridge Road, followed by the South Grand location in 1931. By 1941, the family established a second South Side stand, now the iconic Chippewa location on Historic Route 66. By 1958, only the two South Side stores remained, cementing the Drewes family’s focus on perfecting their frozen custard.

Growing with St. Louis: A Business Built on Service

As the demand for frozen custard grew, Ted Drewes Jr. took the business to new heights. In 1985, he expanded the Chippewa stand from just five serving windows to twelve, a move that once seemed overwhelming but proved essential as crowds continued to grow. Under the motto "Our Business Is Service," Ted Jr. inspired four generations of family members and employees to focus on quality, hospitality, and the details that make the experience unforgettable.

A St. Louis Tradition

For decades, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been the perfect way to top off a day in St. Louis. Whether visitors have just explored the Gateway Arch, enjoyed a show at The Fox or Muny Theaters, spent the day at the St. Louis Zoo, or cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals, stopping by for a famous hot fudge sundae or the signature concrete has become a time-honored tradition. First introduced in 1959, the concrete is a thick, creamy malt or shake so rich it’s famously served upside down—a tradition that remains today.

Through 95 years of dedication, Ted Drewes continues to be a staple of St. Louis culture, delivering unmatched quality and service in both frozen custard and Christmas trees. Ted remains proud of his family’s legacy, always reminding St. Louisans of what makes it special: "It really is good, guys… and gals!

A Holiday Tradition as Sweet as Custard

For over 60 years, Ted Drewes Christmas Trees have been a cherished part of the St. Louis holiday season. In 1962, Ted Drewes Jr. expanded his commitment to quality beyond frozen custard by purchasing land in Nova Scotia, Canada, to grow and handpick the finest Canadian Balsam Firs. Each fall, Ted Jr. and his son-in-law, Travis, personally select the best trees, ensuring top quality year after year. Some trees receive the special honor of being labeled “Dottie Trees” in tribute to Ted Jr.'s wife, Dottie. To keep this tradition thriving, the farm is reseeded annually, providing sustainable holiday trees for generations to come.

The season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving, transforming the lot into a festive wonderland filled with Balsam Firs, Fraser Firs, Scotch Pines, and White Pines. Alongside trees, we offer fresh pine roping and handmade wreaths adorned with custom bows to complete your holiday décor. To make the experience even more special, we always have hot chocolate on hand for families to enjoy while they browse for the perfect tree.

Every tree is freshly cut on-site to stay lush throughout the season, and we provide tree food to help it last longer. Our friendly team is happy to carry your tree and secure it to your car for a safe journey home. Whether you're continuing a long-standing family tradition or starting a new one, we’re here to make the experience easy and memorable.

For St. Louis families, a Ted Drewes Christmas Tree is more than just a tree—it’s part of the holiday magic. From the moment you step onto the lot to the final touch of loading up your tree, we’re honored to be part of your celebration. And if you're in the holiday spirit, why not grab a frozen custard for the ride home? After all, nothing says Christmas quite like a Ted Drewes tree… and a concrete to go with it!