The Tastee Freez, formerly known as the Tasty Freeze, opened its doors May 1 for the season to welcome hungry and loyal customers.

Chris Bacon, whose father Royden Bacon made the establishment a popular hangout after he bought the place in 1962, is dedicated to keeping nostalgia alive.

“I’m returning to my childhood days. That’s what we want to do. That’s the way people remember it.”

Along with wife, Marti, the Bacons re-opened the ice cream shop July 2014 after it had been closed over a year. They renovated the building and grounds with the goal of restoring the Tastee Freez to its former luster.

Julie Thomas, owner of J. Thomas Interiors and an interior designer, is a local investor and partner of the Bacons. She grew up three blocks away from the establishment and was a regular customer. When she learned the Bacons were interested in revamping the place to how it operated during its heyday, she wanted to throw her hat in the ring.

“This was my happy place,” she said.

The staff serves up classic hot and cold treats, including foot long hot dogs, regular hot dogs, chili dogs with or without cheese, ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits and more. Some favorite foods have returned to the menu such as parfaits, BBQ beef sandwiches and the Boston Shake a sundae of your choice served on top any flavor of shake.

“We’re kind of an icon just like Zeno’s and Maid-Rite. We’re literally serving the same ice cream and foot long Oscar Mayer all-beef hot dogs,” Chris Bacon said.

The Tastee Freez is located at 1803 S. Center St. in Marshalltown, open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., staying open until 10 p.m. during the summer. The owners are planning to have their sign changed to reflect the new spelling of the establishment.

A “car cruise” featuring old-time automobiles parked on the grounds will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday May 16.