Tastee Freez Makes Everyone Smile

Diane Goerg took over the Palos Heights location four seasons ago. While she might be a relatively new local business owner, she isn't new to taking an active role in her community.

From the to the Business Economic Development Commission, Goerg rarely misses an opportunity to give back to the community. Tastee Freeze has provided her even more opportunities to get involved. Her ice cream can be found at Sundaes in the Park, where free ice cream is provided on Thursday nights during the summer.

In Palos for 17 years in total, Goerg said when she bought the ice cream shop three years ago there was a loyal customer base, but she hoped to expand its reputation.

Although technically a franchise, Goerg said she has been given close to free rein with menu items. The shop is staffed with family members, and she's behind the counter nearly everyday. There is a feeling of a small, family-run operation when you walk through the door, because it is.

Goerg said when she decided to purchase a store and end her life in the corporate grind, Tastee Freez quickly became a top choice.

“The location was perfect, it's only five minutes from my house and 30,000-plus cars drive down Harlem Avenue here everyday,” Goerg said. “It was just a perfect opportunity.”

Goerg said Tastee Freez is definitely a summer hangout, but this passed year they did not shutdown for the winter months. After the successful trial, Goerg says she will keep the store open year round.

Most know the nationwide eatery for its soft serve ice cream, and who could forget John Mellencamp's tribute to his favorite menu item with the lyric “suckin' on a chili dog outside the Tastee Freez?”

However in Palos Heights, the signature menu item is the homemade Sloppy Joe sandwich.

"It's a personal favorite and growing among our customers too," said Goerg, who recently unveiled a new menu with more options.

The Sloppy Joe is not the only original item that Goerg has whipped up. Many of her other dessert and appetizer creations can be found monthly on the Cable Channel Four show Sweets and Treats.

When it comes to staffing, both of Goerg's daughters work at the store and other help is made up of area residents, mostly high school and college students.

“I love working here,” said her daughter Nicole. “It's just a fun, happy place to work and it puts a smile on everyone's face – everyone likes ice cream.”

Nicole also said the ice cream shop is popular among local high school students, so her friends are all glad to have a connection.

Goerg said her favorite aspect of the store is that it keeps her connected to the “great and friendly group of people in Palos Heights, it's why I love working here.”

Goerg says that owning a local business has given additional avenues to pursue and add to the many local groups and organizations she helps out with.

Whether you want a frozen treat, some homestyle American fare or just want to check out a local hangout, Tastee Freez's door is open seven days a week and a friendly face is always behind the counter.

And just in case you're worried of your diet conscience getting in the way if you get a craving, all of Tastee Freez's ice cream is 97 percent fat free.