Attention 'Fandys': Knoxville has a new Andy’s Frozen Custard and more on the way

Halloween is still a few days away, but those living near Bearden Hill can receive an early treat – of the frozen variety.

The nationally popular chain Andy’s Frozen Custard recently opened its first Knoxville store at 6217 Kingston Pike at the former site of the now-razed Arnwines Home Furnishings.

Tom Gass and his wife, Noelle, are the local franchisees for the Missouri-based chain. Tom said they have been pleased with business since opening the doors Oct. 4.

“It’s going really well,” he said in a phone interview. “It’s fun to see the Andy’s phenomenon.”

The business has quite a national following, with fans of the business referred to as "Fandys." He believes this love has to do with the custard’s rich taste, friendly service and quality ingredients.

Fresh nuts are brought in weekly from Chicago, and the business also bakes its own pies, brownies and shortcakes on site. They use Sprecher craft cream soda and root beer for their floats and freezes.

More Andy’s Frozen Custard coming to Knoxville

Gass opened his first store in the area back in April 2022 at 852 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville. He quickly realized people in the Knoxville area had already enjoyed the treat in other parts of the country.

Some had come to Sevierville from Knoxville, but he wanted to serve those customers closer to home.

He has a contract to open six stores in the area over a six-year period. Construction just started on the third store at 513 N. Cedar Bluff Road near Knoxville Catholic High School.

The architecture of Andy’s Frozen Custard on Bearden Hill is designed to give a sentimental nod to mid-century Americana. It features a large glass front and walk-up windows, as well as a nostalgic sign featuring a frozen custard cone. Drive-thru service is also available.

The business also has a University of Tennessee at Knoxville theme, with a specially named treat, as well as orange and white hopscotch.

Meet Andy, the name behind the custard

Gass was working for the parent company of Dollywood in Atlanta when COVID-19 caused a reduction in workforce. He thought it might be a good time to change careers.

Gass moved to the tourist community of Branson, Missouri, in 1994, and his wife was from Springfield, Missouri, near where the custard chain started. Both became familiar with the custard brand and its popularity.

Through a mutual friend, Gass was able to get in touch with company head Andy Kuntz. The connection opened up franchising opportunities in Knoxville and Sevier County.

Andy is the son of John and Carol Kuntz, who started the business outside Springfield in 1986 and named it after their son.

The brand began franchising 10 years ago and has quickly grown. Gass said the Sevierville store was the company’s 97th, and the Knoxville store was the 143rd. They opened just about 18 months apart.

More from the menu at Andy’s Frozen Custard

Custard differs from ice cream because it includes egg products.

“We make fresh custard hourly, and the custard is really high quality,” Gass said. “The Kuntz family designed the machines, and with temperature and air infusion, it makes a dense and consistent product."

A glance at the menu shows an array of frozen custard options with multiple toppings that can be combined and blended in different ways. The menu includes sundaes, splits and shakes.

Many menu items have unique names, such as the Snowmonster Concrete and the Texas 2-Step. Vanilla and chocolate frozen custard also are available by themselves in a cone or cup.

The prices for the various treats range from about $3 to $7.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Andy’s Frozen Custard opens in Knoxville on Bearden Hill