If ice cream is not a Fourth of July tradition for you, it should be. Knoxvillians will recognize this iconic sign that loomed overhead in our childhood. Originating in Chattanooga, Kay’s Ice Cream was founded in 1934 by Iowa native Frank Kollmansperger. By 1936, the company was expanding into Knoxville and other parts of East Tennessee.
The company name was coined from his last initial. Specializing in grilled hamburgers, fries, and fried bologna sandwiches, the star was ice cream. It’s where I first saw Superman ice cream and discovered peanut butter milkshakes.
At the height of operations,150 stores served up dips across the southeast. The last one in Knoxville closed in 2017, but a similar leftover style may be found in Soddy Daisy for a taste of nostalgia.
Come see us in the studio this week or the First Friday art walk from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street, where you can stop and see their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright-protected.
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