![]()
The oldest operating Tastee Freez, in Aledo, Illinois, re-opened for business on Friday.
Business is back to usual only this year, there’s one thing missing.
The family-run restaurant re-opened despite the recent loss of its owner.
“We talked it over this past winter and decided to keep it open and serve the community,” said Brent Bowlyou, the current owner.
This Tastee Freez in Aledo, Illinois is celebrating 66 years.
“An icon in the community,” Bowlyou said.
A community concerned about the future of this family-run restaurant when long-time owner, Lynnie Bowlyou, passed away last August.
“When he passed away last year it was really nice to see those former employees come to his funeral,” Bowlyou said. “It means a lot to us, seeing the community support our family and our business.”
The restaurant’s responsibilities were handed down to Brent, Lynnie Bowlyou’s son.
He quickly decided to renovate the inside of the restaurant and reopen for business in honor of his dad and the community who didn’t want to see something so special go.
“I think that’s why the community didn’t want to see the restaurant close is because they do like to come get their shakes and their tenderloins,” Bowlyou said. “That’s special and so we want to make tradition continue.”
This is the second Tastee Freez ever built.
Bowlyou plans to paint the outside when the weather warms up.
As for the future, he hopes it will stay in his hands for a while.
