A Legacy of Quality for Over 95 Years
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, service, and community.
Historical Story
The story of Ted Drewes begins with Ted Drewes Sr., a tennis champion who dominated the Muny Tennis Championships from 1925 to 1936. He also won the National Public Parks Singles title four times during the 1920s. A native of St. Louis, Ted Sr. spent winters in Florida with his family to continue playing tennis. In the fall of 1929, he opened his first frozen custard stand in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The story of Ted Drewes begins with Ted Drewes Sr., a tennis champion who dominated the Muny Tennis Championships from 1925 to 1936. He also won the National Public Parks Singles title four times during the 1920s. A native of St. Louis, Ted Sr. spent winters in Florida with his family to continue playing tennis. In the fall of 1929, he opened his first frozen custard stand in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Frozen Custard in St. Louis
The St. Petersburg custard stand was such a success that Ted Sr. decided to bring the business back home to St. Louis. In the spring of 1930, he opened a brick-and-mortar store on Natural Bridge Road. The following year, he opened a second location on South Grand, which remains the oldest location still in operation today. Finally, in 1941, Ted Sr. opened the now-famous Chippewa location on Historic Route 66.
Frozen Custard and Christmas Trees
As one might imagine, frozen custard sales slow down during the winter months. In 1952, Ted Sr. began selling Christmas trees as a way to supplement the business’s income. A decade later, in 1962, Ted Jr. decided to cut out the middleman by purchasing land in Nova Scotia to grow his own trees. Each fall, Ted Jr. or his son-in-law, Travis, would travel to the tree farm to hand-select and harvest the finest Canadian Balsam Firs to bring back to St. Louis.
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, we continue this tradition by offering a wide selection of Pine and Fir trees for sale through Christmas Eve.
Home of the Original Concrete
First introduced in 1959, the Concrete is a thick, creamy malt or shake that it’s famously served upside down. Importantly, this is a tradition that continues to this day. The legendary move began when a teenage customer, Steve Gamber, kept requesting the thickest malt the shop could make. Ted Jr. decided to leave out the milk, scooped the hard custard, and served it to Steve. When presenting his creation, Ted turned the custard upside down and said, “There, how’s that—thick enough?”
Business Built on Service
As demand for frozen custard grew, Ted Drewes Jr. elevated the business to new heights. In 1985, he expanded the Chippewa stand from five serving windows to twelve. While the expansion initially felt overwhelming, it proved essential as crowds continued to grow. Guided by the motto “Our Business Is Service,” Ted Jr. has inspired generations to prioritize quality, hospitality, and customer care. These details are what make a visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard an unforgettable experience.
4th Generation Family Business
For nearly a century, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been the perfect way to cap off a day in St. Louis. Now in its fourth generation, the Drewes family continues to uphold their commitment to quality and customer service, ensuring that every visit feels special. Come see why Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is more than just a dessert—it’s a St. Louis tradition! A place where generations of families have gathered to create memories and share in the joy of Ted’s delicious frozen custard.
Visit Our Historical Museum
Located inside the Ted Drewes Gift Shop, our Historical Museum provides an in- depth look into the history of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
