Tastee-Freez kicks off its 60th anniversary in July 2010, which is fittingly also National Ice Cream Month. One of the longest-lived franchise operations in the U.S., Tastee-Freez is available in the majority of Wienerschnitzel and Hamburger Stand locations, as well as Tastee-Freez signature restaurants located in 18 states across the country.
“For 60 years, Tastee-Freez has been providing frozen treats that bring back fond memories of cool, creamy soft-serve and an era gone by,” says Tim Mulks, general manager of Tastee-Freez. “We look forward to many more years of providing guests with delicious new desserts as well as our old-fashioned favorites.”
In 1950, Leo Moranz, an inventor, and Harry Axene, an entrepreneur, came together to create what would later become one of America’s favorite establishments for soft-serve treats and high-quality quick-service food. The two men formed a partnership to market a revolutionary new soft-serve pump and freezer which far exceeded the technology of any existing equipment, allowing for faster service and a higher quality, great-tasting product. Within five years after the first freezer was sold, walk-up stands bearing the Tastee-Freez name opened across the country to sell cones and sundaes to an eager public. Moranz and Axene allowed stands to use the Tastee-Freez name in exchange for rent paid on the ice cream pump needed to operate each freezer.
Since franchising first gained popularity in the early 1950s, the foodservice industry has seen many chains come and go. Tastee-Freez has strived to meet the ever-changing needs of its franchisees and their customers, and has increased its menu offerings over the years to include a wide variety of options. The majority of Tastee-Freez locations have evolved to become full quick-service operations, offering a variety of lunch and dinner options in addition to the famous soft-serve treats. The signature restaurants are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
In 1999, Tastee-Freez partnered with Galardi Group Inc.’s Wienerschnitzel and Hamburger Stand locations, selling many of the popular desserts in selected locations. The cobranding efforts proved successful, and in June 2003, Galardi Group Inc., based in Irvine, California, acquired the Tastee-Freez brand. Galardi Group Inc. remains dedicated to strengthening the Tastee-Freez brand and maintaining its heritage.
Menu offerings in all Wienerschnitzel, Hamburger Stand, and Tastee-Freez LLC locations include Old Fashioned Sundaes available in hot fudge, chocolate, strawberry, and caramel; Shakes and Floats, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry; Oreo, Butterfinger, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and M&M Freezees; and the traditional vanilla soft-serve cone, which can be dipped in the signature Tastee-Freez chocolate. Tastee-Freez LLC locations also offer a wide variety of food. Menu options vary, with many locations serving regional favorites, but typical offerings include signature hamburgers and hot dogs, a variety of sandwiches, fries, and onion rings.
