Ted Drewes Jr., owner of iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, dies at age of 96

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Ted Drewes Jr., the owner of the beloved St. Louis frozen custard stand, Ted Drewes, died at 96.

Drewes Jr. died on Monday, Aug. 26.

His family sent the following statement to KMOX:

"A native of St. Louis, Ted loved the city that he called home his entire life. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering love for his faith, family, and city. Ted’s legacy will live on through the memories shared over cones and cups, a symbol of warmth and tradition that will continue to bring joy to generations to come. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for the public to join."

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has became a staple in St. Louis for both local residents and visitors to the area.

The business started in Florida in 1929 by Ted Drewes Sr. then it made it's way to St. Louis the next year, with the opening of a now-closed store on Natural Bridge Road.

By 1941, it would open multiple locations, including it's signature stand on Chippewa Street and another stand on Sound Grand Boulevard.

Under Drewes Jr. leadership, the frozen custard business thrived, with the Chippewa location expanding their operations to accommodate growing demand in 1985.

Drewes Jr. often appeared in ads for the company and would usually says the phrase "It really is good guys, ----- and gals!"

The company recently celebrated it's 95th anniversary of business in April.

Travis Dillon, the co- owner of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and Drewes Jr. son-in-law, told KMOX back in April that the success that Ted Drewes has achieved for nearly a century comes down to the store's belief in quality and service that helps keep them be consistently excellent.

"We have a sign inside that says 'our business is service'" said Dillon back in April. "Ted Sr. and Ted Jr. were both were very big into pay attention to details and get to the window before the customer get there and get them what they like as soon as possible."

Alongside the frozen custard stand, the company also sells Christmas trees during the holiday season at it's store on Chippewa Street, beginning after Thanksgiving and running until Christmas Eve.

Management says plans for service in honor Drewes Jr. will be announced at a later date.