In 1988, Joe (Foo) and Roseann Bremser decided to start a frozen custard store and Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard was born. Roseann, who grew up in St. Louis, knew and loved frozen custard from Ted Drewe’s. They worked diligently to create a version of their custard that would be as delicious as what she had grown up with.That recipe remains intact today. They chose Brookside citing, among other things, the walkability and the childhood memories of Foo. “When we were kids, we would get on our bikes and ride to either Prairie Village or Brookside. The cool thing was that we never were told to go away. We hung out at the various establishments and were welcomed. That’s what I wanted - a place to linger, a neighborhood spot. I don’t think it dawned on me until some 30 years later when we seemed almost destined to put Foo’s in Brookside.” Foo’s began to develop a loyal following right from the start - friendly, loyal, real people.
In 1996, Foo’s sister, Betty, bought the store. “I couldn’t change the name. It was ensconced in the neighborhood. Plus, I like the name Foo’s.” The store remains in its original location. There are vestiges of the old Foo’s still on the menu at the store, but much has changed. Betty added many new ingredients including candies, cookie dough, and a chalk menu that allows her employees to take part in naming the concretes. “Each group of employees has had an impact on the menu”, Betty said. “When guests order the Mint Oreo or the Cookie Dough Crumble or the I Kid You Not, I think back on the employees who invented them. As a matter of fact, Cookie Dough Crumble just got married last Fall and we served Foo’s at her wedding!”
The 25th anniversary festivities include alumni nights on July 19th and 20th when former Foo’s employees will take over the store and relive their glory days; a concert featuring She’s A Keeper will take place in front of the store Sunday, July 21st; and Foo’s night at the K will be Monday, July 22nd. Various specials and giveaways will be available to Foo’s VIP guests who have signed up in the store throughout the month. A $.25 scoop night is planned for July 15 from 5-9 pm.