The Freeze

"Construction is in full swing in Logan Square as crews reshape the Freeze, the neighborhood ice cream stand that closed in 2023 at 2815 W. Armitage Avenue. Hogsalt Hospitality purchased the space and took over the brand. Over the last few weeks, they’ve altered the ice cream section of the menus at Small Cheval, renaming the section “The Freeze.” The items have been tweaked as well. Earlier this summer, Sodikoff told Eater that Hogsalt planned to sell ice cream and milkshakes at the Logan Square location with new recipes but using the Freeze’s equipment. The way the space is laid out with a patio is similar to Small Cheval, Hogsalt’s burger chain with locations in Bucktown, Wrigleyville, Hyde Park, and coming to Lincoln Park. Crews have kept the Freeze’s sign and the building’s husk, but big changes are coming. It’s also clear that Hogsalt didn’t just buy the Freeze for the real estate, but for the 73-year-old ice cream stand’s name, too. The Freeze was initially part of the Tastee Freez chain. There’s no official word on when the revamped Freeze will open." - Ashok Selvam

"The American dream is alive and well, although it is seasonal. Open only during the summer, Tastee Freez is the neighborhood respite serving the coolest treats on the hottest days. This is not a contemporary spin on a classic with a pseudo-sexy geometric logo made of hexagons and an army of winking icons. Here we have the pater familias—dipped cones and frozen bananas, a mix-match of ultra-vernacular lettering, ample hopscotch space near the picnic tables, and both dairy- and ice-based treats with every topping, flavor or combination imaginable. But order quick—the line can be long, the youths impatient. If you're in the mood for blue raspberry-flavored esoteric delights, go off the menu and ask for a Snow Storm." - Firebelly Design

"Brendan Sodikoff confirms that he’s working on reviving the Freeze, the Logan Square ice cream stand that closed last year. His team is working on remodeling and restoring the stand at 2815 W. Armitage Avenue... The Freeze’s revival will include the ninth location of Small Cheval... The Freeze 2.0, which adds a second floor to the building, would also be open during the winter, unlike the original which was only open during the warmer months... Renderings show a space with the same retro aesthetic as Small Chevals... It won’t be a carbon copy of the Freeze’s menu. Sodikoff says the offerings will be inspired by the original and use the same soft-serve machines." - Ashok Selvam

"Logan Square will soon say goodbye to The Freeze, the ice cream stand that’s stood for 73 years. The owners have sold the business, and old ownership hopes the new ownership will keep the ice cream stand. However, it’s challenging for affordable, working-class restaurants to take up valuable parcels that can be crammed with development." - Ashok Selvam

"The Freeze is an ice cream stand in Logan Square that’s been around since 1950, and nostalgia is its strongest flavor. This classic spot is known for its soft serve, and it comes in a variety of customizable forms—cones, shakes, malts, floats, slushies, sundaes, and the namesake Freezes. You’ll definitely need toppings like Oreo bits or hot fudge since the ice cream by itself is kind of bland and can leave a strange aftertaste. But that’s OK. The main reason you’re here is to capture that summery feeling of riding your bike until the street lights come on, and The Freeze does that perfectly." - Veda Kilaru