Custard Chronicles: Frozen Custard Culture in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Did you know that Milwaukee has more custard stands per capita than anywhere else?
CBS 58's Alex Corradetti sat down with five of the biggest names in frozen custard to find out what our culture means to them and what legacy they want to leave for future generations.
That includes Willy Linscott of Gilles, Ron Schneider from Leon's, Jeff Feist from Kopp's, Jim Taylor from Oscars and Craig Culver of Culvers.
CBS 58 went around to all five establishments...talking to those who have been enjoying our frozen custard for decades. Memories and history all thanks to five of the most prominent families in Milwaukee's frozen custard scene.
We've talked to them about what to eat custard out of in our story on Cup vs. Cones and about the history of their families.
CBS 58's Alex Corradetti calls them The Five Families of Frozen Custard and the icons absolutely loved the nickname.
"Oh, that has an ominous sound," exclaimed Schneider.
All five agree, their business is a true labor of love.
"It's a ton of work, your heart has to be there," said Linscott.
"You look at some of those busy nights when the line is out the door and down the stairs and around the trees and going on and on and on and you take a lot of pride in that," exclaimed Feist.
"It's nice making people happy. Maybe they're having a bad day and now you've given them a little something that perks up the day," said Schneider.
That feeling is something all five families hope to continue in our communities.
"I love being at Oscar's because everyday week or month my job or day changes. Some days it's flipping burgers or teaching my son and nephew how to make custard right," said Taylor.
We spoke to both Jim's son and his nephew at Oscar's Custard. They both told CBS 58 that they are excited to keep the business going for many years to come and ultimately give it to their own children one day too.
Craig Culver said working at Culver's becomes more than just a job.
"We've had so many people that started with us at 14 or 15 years old. Today, well over 200 of those people have become owners of their own Culver's franchise," said Culver.
If you go to Gilles Frozen Custard, you'll see historic photos on their walls. They depict the rich history of the business and so much more. Willy Linscott pointed out a reenactment to CBS 58's Alex Corradetti that is near and dear to his heart.
"If you look behind you Alex, there's that newspaper article of my grandfather giving me a taste of custard as I am in my mom's arms. Then we reenacted that with me holding my daughter Avi as my mom fed her a taste of custard. It's really cool and special to me," said Linscott.
The Custard Kings say they hope to leave a lasting legacy for generations of families.
"To be able to bring in your kids and grandkids to experience what you experienced as a child, I think is the cool thing that we do that we want to have our legacy be that we continue in the community," said Feist.
"It's nice to know that we have made a difference, and we have helped something," said Schneider.
"Interview our kids in 20 years, you know how cool would that be? That would be something," said Taylor.
You can watch Alex on the CBS 58 Morning News each weekday morning from 4:30-8am!
Follow her on Twitter here and Instagram here.