ST. LOUIS – Ted Drewes Jr., the enterprising businessman who took his father’s frozen custard business to new heights over several decades and cemented it in the St. Louis region, died earlier this week, his family confirmed to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The family said Drewes Jr. died on August 26 at the age of 96.

Drewes’ father, Ted Sr., opened his first frozen custard store in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1929. The following year, he opened the first store in St. Louis near the intersection of Natural Bridge Road and Goodfellow Avenue.

He opened a second location at 4224 South Grand Boulevard in 1931 and a third at 6726 Chippewa Street in 1941.

By 1958, the Florida and Natural Bridge stores were closed. The South Grand and Chippewa locations remained to this day, with the latter serving as the company headquarters.

Before specializing in pudding, Drewes Jr. was a young tennis prodigy, an excellent marksman and a champion speed skater. But when his father died, he devoted himself full-time to the family business, spending countless hours behind the counter at the legendary Chippewa store.

“This is the best vanilla pudding I’ve ever eaten,” said customer Roy Wieland.

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Ted Drewes Jr. didn’t just serve custard – he served memories to generations of St. Louis residents and tourists alike.

“It’s really unique, so I really like it. We really wanted to experience that on the trip and I really like it,” said Tharmini Ruehireswaran, a customer from the UK.

Eventually, the local store became a symbol of the city’s identity.

“There are just so many millions of people who have enjoyed his ice cream and his family’s business, and that’s a legacy that very few people can leave behind,” said customer Matt Brey.

Drewes Jr. is credited with expanding the Chippewa location to accommodate more customers, and he took over Christmas tree sales in the Chippewa parking lot after a business partner left in 1954.

The Drewes family released the following statement on the death of Ted Drewes Jr.:

“Ted was a native of St. Louis and loved the city he called home his entire life. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering love for his faith, his family and his city. Ted’s legacy will live on through the memories we share over ice cream cones and cups, a symbol of warmth and tradition that will continue to bring joy to future generations. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and the public will be welcome to attend.”

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