Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is a Zanesville institution. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Whenever people visit our town of Zanesville, Ohio, for the first time and ask where to visit, we always recommend several places. One of those that’s near the top of that list is Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl.

Tom’s is not just a locally-owned business, it’s an institution in Zanesville. Founded in 1948 by two first cousins, Jack Hemmer and Tom Mirgon, the restaurant started with four tables and counter seating for seven at a tiny location on Linden Avenue.

The restaurant soon outgrew that and moved in 1950 to where it now resides at 532 McIntyre Avenue, nearly in the shadows of the I-70 freeway traffic that rumbles above.

In 1953, Mirgon bought out his cousin’s share of the partnership and in 1957, the business became known as Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. Bill Sullivan, a former employee, purchased Tom’s in 1984.

Another former employee, Joe Baker, took over ownership in 2019. Baker started as a dishwasher in 1977 and estimates he has produced nearly half of all the ice cream made at Tom’s over the years.

He runs the business just the way it always has been, with efficient service, good food, generous portions and an atmosphere that will make you smile.  

Tom’s interior is the real deal, largely unchanged since the 1950s. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

The first thing people notice about the inside of Tom’s is that it looks like it’s been frozen in time from the early 1950s, which is pretty much the case. The décor has not changed much since the restaurant was built.

A jukebox plays hits from the past in the corner. A line of stools faces the diner-style counter where white-garbed employees fill orders. The aroma of nuts emanates from the front of the store (along with Heggy’s chocolates), tempting customers waiting to pay for their orders.

The second thing people notice is that the ice cream portions are huge — two scoops of ice cream is probably close to a half-pint. The gargantuan servings of ice cream tower over the bowl, and toppings like hot fudge, caramel or marshmallow sauce, cashews and peanuts spill over into the saucer.

These huge single scoops are the smallest serving sizes at Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

Tom’s has a variety of standard flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Maple Nut and adds seasonal flavors like Red Raspberry Grand and Cherry Cordial. They always have at least two or three no sugar added flavors as well.

The menu is also full of a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, sides and dinner entrees, as well as a breakfast menu.

During the warm weather season, a patio seating area is available for customers to enjoy their food and favorite ice cream flavors outside.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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