Tastee Freez kicks off its 60th anniversary this month, which also is fittingly National Ice Cream Month. One of the longest-lived franchise operations in the United States, Tastee Freez is available in the majority of Wienerschnitzel and Hamburger Stand locations as well as Tastee Freez signature restaurants located in 18 states.
 
"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," said Tim Mulks, general manager of Tastee Freez, in a news release. "We look forward to many more years of providing guests with delicious new desserts as well as our old-fashioned favorites."

As part of the celebration, Tastee Freez is introducing two new ice cream treats: Celebration Sundaes. The two flavors are Chocolate Oreo Blast and Strawberry Cheesecake. The chain also is featuring a new food item, Garlic Fries.

Tastee Freez history

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 delicious 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 the 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.

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 54 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 co-branding efforts proved successful, and in June 2003, Galardi Group, based in Irvine, Calif., acquired the Tastee Freez brand. Galardi Group remains dedicated to strengthening the Tastee-Freez brand and maintaining its heritage.

To promote franchise growth, Tastee Freez is offering a special franchise incentive for agreements with approved restaurant sites by April 2011. More information is available from the company.

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. Wienerschnitzel recently introduced a new Freezee flavor, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

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.