Frostee Freeze — a 60-year tradition

Breezin’ the Freeze has been a local tradition now for 60 years, and the Frostee Freeze is celebrating that milestone with a month full of activities.

Last weekend was ’50s weekend with people dressed in period clothing and even a visit from Elvis. This Saturday, Sept. 17, there will be a car show beginning at 2 p.m. The classes will be: Best in show, Best truck, Best antique ‘90 and older, Best modern ‘91 and newer. Entrants are asked to arrive by 1:30 p.m. Judging will start at 2:30 p.m. Trophies will be awarded.

The Frostee Freeze is well-known not just in Claiborne County or around the region, but far beyond as people coming through the area stop in for a meal and tell their friends about this unique food establishment. Former Claiborne residents come home to eat at the Frostee quite often as well.

Although it now has a dining room which has just undergone renovation, the Frostee Freeze is best known as an old-fashioned drive-in, where servers come out to your vehicle and take your order. The dining room was added in 1979, according to Beth Selvey, one of the current owners.

A family business, Jerry Sowder and his then-wife Martha Sowder — now Martha Sowder-Whitworth — bought the Frostee from Bill and Bobbi June Rutherford in 1978, said Selvey.

Selvey and her sister Cari-Anne Oakes, raised in the family business, bought the Frostee from Martha about four years ago, said Selvey, “so Mom could retire.”

“She is still the big boss,” Selvey added with a laugh.

With unique items such as a pizza burger, hand-dipped corn dogs and “real” frozen custard on a cone, the Frostee Freeze will most likely remain a iconic destination for many years to come.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

Photos courtesy of Beth Sowder Selvey The Frostee Freeze has been an iconic restaurant in Claiborne County for 60 years.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Frostee-1.jpgPhotos courtesy of Beth Sowder Selvey The Frostee Freeze has been an iconic restaurant in Claiborne County for 60 years.

Elvis stopped by to breeze the Freeze on Saturday. He’s pictured with Edith Wolfenbarger, left, who has been an employee at the Frostee Freeze for over 50 years, and Debbie Bridges, right.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Frostee-2-bw.jpgElvis stopped by to breeze the Freeze on Saturday. He’s pictured with Edith Wolfenbarger, left, who has been an employee at the Frostee Freeze for over 50 years, and Debbie Bridges, right.

Elvis stopped by to breeze the Freeze on Saturday. He’s pictured with Edith Wolfenbarger, left, who has been an employee at the Frostee Freeze for over 50 years, and Debbie Bridges, right.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Frostee-2.jpgElvis stopped by to breeze the Freeze on Saturday. He’s pictured with Edith Wolfenbarger, left, who has been an employee at the Frostee Freeze for over 50 years, and Debbie Bridges, right.

Numerous people came out to the Frostee Freeze in their 50s clothing on Saturday to celebrate.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Frostee-3-bw.jpgNumerous people came out to the Frostee Freeze in their 50s clothing on Saturday to celebrate.

Numerous people came out to the Frostee Freeze in their 50s clothing on Saturday to celebrate.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Frostee-3.jpgNumerous people came out to the Frostee Freeze in their 50s clothing on Saturday to celebrate.

Photos courtesy of Beth Sowder Selvey The Frostee Freeze has been an iconic restaurant in Claiborne County for 60 years.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Frostee-1-bw.jpgPhotos courtesy of Beth Sowder Selvey The Frostee Freeze has been an iconic restaurant in Claiborne County for 60 years.