Tastee-Freez started in the early 1950s and quickly grew into a coast-to-coast franchise. The appeal was simple: fast service, affordable prices and food that hit the spot. Ice cream cones came in sizes for every budget, starting at just five cents. Sundaes could be topped with hot fudge, pineapple, or whatever flavor matched your mood. Kids were especially drawn to the extras, like baseball player figurines and clown-shaped shakers that sometimes came with a sundae. These little touches helped make it feel like more than just a quick snack stop.
The Lubbock, Texas, location featured in 1956 newspapers was a prime example of how Tastee-Freez served its community. It offered seven different sandwich options, plus fries, malts, floats and sodas. For families planning picnics or get-togethers, they even sold quarts of soft-serve and gallon jugs of root beer. Fast service was part of the draw, but it was the consistency that kept people coming back. As one newspaper article put it, “Everybody in the car can get just what she or he wants when the stop is at Tastee-Freez.”
The brand also got creative with its promotions. Coloring contests gave kids a reason to visit, and “special of the week” sundaes offered something new for regulars to try. One of the most popular limited-time treats was the Hawaiian Sundae, topped with fresh pineapple and coconut. Another summer favorite was the Dip Top cone, introduced as a featured item in June.
Though you won’t find as many Tastee-Freez stands today, the name still brings back a flood of warm-weather memories for folks who grew up in the 1950s and beyond. Whether it was grabbing a cone after a baseball game or swinging by with friends on a hot night, Tastee-Freez was part of everyday American life.
We’ve collected vintage ads, old photos and original articles that capture what made Tastee-Freez such a hit. Take a look back at the frozen treats, fun giveaways and fast meals that made it a favorite stop across the country.
Tastee Freez offers drinks, sandwiches, ice cream quickly (1956)
From the Lubbock Evening Journal (Lubbock, Texas) May 7, 1956
Many Lubbockites have discovered “just the place” for refreshing sandwiches, cold drinks and ice cream on spring days and nights. It’s Tastee Freez…
At this drive-in stand, thirsty and hungry Lubbockites find malts, shakes, sundaes, sodas, floats, sandwiches, root beer, orange drinks, sherbet and ice cream. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Tastee Freez is further enjoyable because of the extremely fast service it offers.
People in a hurry find Tastee Freez just the place to eat. The variety is wide — and good — at this cafe, too. For example, seven different kinds of big, delicious sandwiches are offered. French fries and a good, thick malt or shake top off the meal to excellence.
For persons planning a really fine picnic in the park, at the lake or in their own back yards, Tastee Freez is just the place to go.
The stand even provides quarts and pints of soft ice cream — and it sells Rochester Root Beer by the gallon.
Small fry, particularly, like the big cones which Tastee Freez offers in sizes from five cents to a quarter. The cones can be topped off, if the individual likes, with creamy chocolate.
Others enjoy the extra thick malts and shakes whipped out within seconds by this firm — and they like the price of only 25 cents which goes with this extra goodness.
Sundaes, sodas and ice cream floats are equally tasty and low-priced. The sundaes, moreover, come in a big variety to suit the wishes of each individual. Everybody in the car can get just what she or he wants when the stop is at Tastee Freez.
Mrs Bob Rainwater is the operator of Tastee Freez. During the past year, the goodness she packs into each sandwich, drink or ice cream cone has convinced scores of customers to come back again and again.
Banana Royale & “Swing Tassel” Clown Shaker
Stop at the sign of wholesome hospitality — Over 1600 stores, coast-to-coast and around the world
All-star sundaes with baseball player toy figures
Enter this exciting coloring contest! Try out your artistic skill. Paint color on these white plastic miniatures — charming, lifelike statuettes of famous American and National League all-star baseball players. You’ll enjoy doing it yourself, and you may win…
Tastee-Freez week of sundaes
Strawberry, peach, snowball, chocolate, raspberry, pineapple, hot fudge
Personality dolls plus hot fudge sundae & hot caramel sundae
The only place to get these Tastee-Freez treats
Wholesome hospitality coast-to-coast and ’round the world
Tastee-Freez
Dip Top cones: Featured June 15 to 21
Malts and shakes: Featured June 1 to 7
Hawaiian Sundae: Tastee-Freez, topped with golden chunks of fresh pineapple and pure, creamy coconut. Featured May 25 to May 31
Banana split: Featured June 8 to 14
Enjoy this new doubly-delicious treat made from pure, fresh milk and cream and “frozen on the spot” just for you!
Special of the month: Double-wall Thermo Tumblers – 29 cents
You can own a Tastee-Freez store… and enjoy a good income and permanent security…
2 Responses
Looking for 1960 tastee freez shrimp and crab burger recipe from sulfur Louisana.
Oh how I miss tastee freeze 😢