ST. PETERSBURG — Andy’s Frozen Custard, a family-owned dessert chain from Missouri, opened a new location near Tyrone Mall in November, bringing its signature “concretes” to the Tampa Bay area.
Located at 2176 Tyrone Blvd. N., the 1,996-square-foot shop is a quick-service restaurant with a drive-thru and walk-up window. Most locations offer patio seating with heaters available during the winter months.
The store hosted a grand opening celebration April 9 that included discounted sundaes and a ribbon-cutting with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
Even though the chain operates 182 locations across 15 states, its mission isn’t just serving custard but becoming “part of the town.”
“We have a home office, but we really try to connect,” said Ann Burge, vice president of innovation and training. “We’re here to be part of the community and create a hangout.”
Burge said stores have become small hubs for families and high schoolers to gather and make memories.
“It’s that little pick-me-up in the afternoon when you’re tired, the celebration after winning a game, or something sweet because you didn’t do so great on that test,” Burge said.
The St. Petersburg store joins other Florida locations in Tampa, Clearwater, Lutz and Odessa as the company continues to expand.
Frozen custard has gained popularity over the years, and even though it may look like ice cream, the difference is in the texture and preparation.
Basic ingredients include cream, sugar, vanilla extract, butterfat and egg yolks. Less air is incorporated during churning, and it’s set at a slightly higher temperature, making it denser and creamier.
“The custard is made fresh every hour,” Burge said. “Our machines — you can’t go buy an Andy’s machine from some supplier. It is one that Andy himself worked on crafting.”
Menu items include vanilla and chocolate custard served in cones, sundaes, shakes, banana splits and concretes mixed with toppings such as fruits, nuts, cookie dough, melted chocolate chips and other candies.
Seasonal and specialty concretes include the Cookie Butter, Snowmonster, BootDaddy, Jitterbug, Choc-O-Rocko, Jackhammer, James Brownie Funky and Rico Suave.
A family business that’s more than just custard
Inspired by friends who owned a custard shop in Milwaukee, co-founders John and Carol Kuntz opened their first frozen custard store in 1986 in Springfield, Missouri, naming it after their son, Andy.
Andy Kuntz and his wife, Dana — his high school sweetheart — became involved in the family business as teenagers and remain active today. Andy is the CEO, and Springfield remains the company’s home base as it continues to expand.
“The four of them really just worked together to grow the business,” Burge said. “To think that John and Carol started this years ago, not knowing what it could be.”
The company celebrated its 40th anniversary in March with tours through some locations, a limited-time anniversary cake with frozen custard, discounted sundaes and prize giveaways.
Burge, who started working at the company as a teenager, said Andy’s is more than just custard — it’s the impact they have on others.
“The impact that’s been made in my life and other individuals’ lives is what it’s all about, whether it be that person that comes through the drive-thru and just lost their dog,” she said. “They’re living through those moments in life, but hopefully we’re a sweet part of that day.”
Impact on the community
Burge said community outreach is a consistent part of the company’s mission, and the efforts vary by location.
Each year, stores donate mini frozen custards to an elementary school, a tradition started by co-founder Carol Kuntz to give children the opportunity to try the treat.
Some locations host in-store fundraisers, donating a portion of proceeds to a school sports team or local organization. The company has partnered with youth athletic programs, worked with nonprofit groups serving underprivileged children, handed out custard at community events and hosted children’s reading events on store patios.
Burge said they will partner with organizations and events in the St. Pete area.
Since the Tyrone location opened, the store has collaborated with local groups and participated in events including the Run for All Children with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, the Pass the Joy event at Pepin Tampa with the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation, and the Hope for the Paw-liday Market, a CASA Pinellas fundraiser held at Green Bench Brewing Co. in December.
On Feb. 11, the store held a family night fundraiser to support the Great Explorations Children’s Museum.
For more information, visit eatandys.com.