Gastonia Ice Cream Shop On Southern Living’s ‘Iconic’ List
I was born in Gastonia and grew up here. My parents divorced when I was four, so I was living in Charlotte with my mom til I was in middle school. I’d spend weekends in Gastonia with my dad. I remember him taking us to a few places, but going for ice cream was one of our favorite activities. We’d either go to Dairy Queen on Franklin Blvd, or Tony’s Ice Cream, a few blocks away on Franklin Blvd. Both were always amazing!
Growing up in Gastonia and going to middle and high school here, I can tell you that everyone knows Tony’s! The ice cream shop has been around for over 100 years, and since I’ve been alive, it’s been in the same building. Not only do locals love it, but folks from all over the place will make a stop at Tony’s if they hit town. It’s legendary.
Southern Living thinks so too as the ice cream shop is on the magazine’s ‘The South’s Most Iconic Old-School Ice Cream Shops’ list. The list is featuring restaurants and dessert parlors stretching from Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas. Most of them date back to the 1800’s and 1900’s. It’s family-owned, and has been since it started, which adds to its charm.
There’s Always A Line At Tony’s
No matter when I’ve been to Tony’s, there’s always a line. Always! According to Southern Living, the business started in 1915, with a pushcart. That pushcart business is now big business, and still in the original owner’s family. Tony’s ice cream is homemade, and they have 28 signature flavors. If you ask most folks in Gastonia what their favorite flavor is, they’ll probably say grape. People LOVE Tony’s grape ice cream.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of the grape. But the peach, black cherry, and pineapple are yummy! Of course, everyone has their own favorite. Most folks go for the milkshakes at Tony’s, but you can get sundaes and ice cream cones. My mom is a big fan of their banana split! She gets one every time she’s in town.
Tony’s gives lots of us here in Gastonia nostalgia. Growing up here, I have great memories of hitting Tony’s as a kid. Lots of locals do. Visiting the shop with our parents, grandparents, and friends is something many of us have done for many years. In addition to the amazing ice cream, Tony’s also has food. They open at 7 A.M and offer breakfast biscuits and sandwiches. They also have hot dogs, burgers, fries, and sandwiches. Living here most of my life, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never had their food! Shame on me!
If you’ve never been, here’s some hometown advice: get a straw and a spoon! A straw only will wear your cheeks out! Also, don’t ask for a lid. No one locally ever uses a lid!
No matter the season, people will line up for a Tony’s milkshake! If you’ve never given Tony’s a try, I highly recommend it! You won’t be disappointed with the tasty flavors. You can check out the menu here and grab the address and more details.
6 Must Try Ice Cream Shops in North Carolina For This Summer
