Former crack rifleman and speed roller skater Ted Drewes Jr.’s net worth surged after selling frozen custard and Christmas trees.
Sadly, Ted Drewes Jr, the high-spirited businessman, took his last breath on August 26, 2025, at age 96.
Highlights
- Ted Drewes Jr had an estimated net worth of around $5 million.
- He also made earnings by selling Christmas trees for over 50 years.
- Ted Drewes’s company is located on Chippewa Street and South Grand Boulevard.
His family members confirmed his passing to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
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.”
However, the exact reason behind his passing has yet to be disclosed.
Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard for over 80 years, and it has become a popular treat for residents and an attraction for visitors.
He helped the business grow by expanding the size of the Chippewa location. By 1985, the company had twelve service windows.
Ted Drewes Jr. Made Millions From His Frozen Custard Company
At his passing, Ted Drewes Jr. had an estimated net worth of around $5 million, primarily earned from his Frozen Custard business.
Ted Drewes Sr. started the business in 1929, and it moved to St. Louis the following year, opening a now-closed store on Natural Bridge Road.
Beloved frozen custard magnate Ted Drewes Jr. dies at 96. I really hope the business keeps going. St Louis Best Frozen Custard. I met Him one time at a Location. A long time ago. pic.twitter.com/cbPVuanhRL
— La La The Clown (@LaLaTheClownTV) August 29, 2024
Currently, the company has two locations: one on Chippewa Street and the other on South Grand Boulevard.
Moreover, Ted also made earnings by selling Christmas trees for over 50 years. In 1962, he purchased land in Nova Scotia, Canada, to grow his trees and shipped them back to St. Louis.
According to the source, Ted Drewes’ Custard business is estimated to have generated $9.7 million in annual revenues and employed approximately 70 people.
Recently, Ted Drews marked its 95th anniversary in April 2024.
Ted Drewes Jr’s Contributions Played A Pivotal Role In The Company’s Growth
Ted Drewes Jr, born in 1928, is responsible for many innovations that have made Ted Drewes beloved by generations of Louisiana.
Under his leadership, the business grew, with the Chippewa location expanding its operations in 1985 to accommodate growing demand.
He often appeared in ads for the company and usually said the phrase,
“It really is good guys, —– and gals!”
Ted Drewes Jr
However, the Chippewa store closed briefly after a minor electrical fire in 2013. The South Grand location now operates only seasonally during the summer months.
Visit Ted Drewes off Chippewa today at Noon as @TeamFredbird will give out a limited # of tix on a 1st come/served basis #FredbirdFriday pic.twitter.com/KY0pW2yzsd
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 28, 2017
In 2013, Ted said he had declined numerous requests to franchise nationally.
Moreover, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Grand location closed temporarily in the summer of 2020 and reopened in 2023.
In addition, Ted Drewes was also named Best Ice Cream Shop in the World by SoolNua, an Irish marketing film that published a world ice cream index every year.
In 2024, Ted’s business was featured in History Channel’s The Food That Built America.
During the episode “Ice Cream Revolution,” it is stated that the concept of the Blizzard from Dairy Queen was copied from the Ted Drewes concrete.
Additional Information
- Ted Drewes Jr was married to his wife Dottie, who also contributes to the Frozen Custard business.
- He had three sisters: Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) Hoyer, Mrs. Fred (Marjorie) Ausicker, and Mrs. William (Joan) Gray.
- His father, Ted Drewes Sr, attended Yeatman High School, where he was a basketball star. He once scored 32 points in a game when 32 was considered a good team total.
