ST. LOUIS — Ted Drewes Jr., an icon for a beloved St. Louis frozen custard stand, has died at 96.
Drewes Jr. died on Monday, the company confirmed. A date for the memorial service has yet to be announced.
Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard for 95 years and has become a popular treat for residents and an attraction for out-of-towners.
It all started with Ted Drewes Sr., who was a "St. Louis attraction," according to the company's website. He won the Muny Tennis Championships each year from 1925 to 1936 and won the National Public Parks Singles title for four straight years.
Drewes Sr. opened the family's first stand in 1929 in Florida. They then opened a St. Louis location on Natural Bridge Road, followed by locations on South Grand Boulevard and Chippewa Street.
Drewes Sr. passed on the business to his son, Ted Drewes Jr. Four generations of Drewes have served generations of St. Louis families.
Ted Drewes Jr. helped the business grow by expanding the size of the Chippewa location. By 1985, the stand had twelve serving windows. He also is credited with expanding their Christmas tree business after buying land in Nova Scotia to bring back the best trees for St. Louis families.
"The legacy of coming here to get the Christmas trees and everything that they've always had to offer. It's always been so welcoming, kind of like St Louis," a customer said.
His legacy will live on in the cups and cones filled with love and their special frozen custard that brings people together year after year.
"Something sweet to make the community sweeter," Alyssa Leuschke said.
The company celebrated his 96th birthday in February.
"His dedication to keeping the St. Louis staple alive for generations is truly inspiring," a Facebook post said.