“While Logan Square’s beloved ice cream and hot dog stand is gone for good, Logan Square neighbors were alarmed last week to see its sign removed by construction crews.
“The sign, which is treated almost like a neighborhood landmark, came down for two days so crews could fix it up, a worker at the site said Wednesday. The Freeze’s now-closed location at 2815 W. Armitage Ave. is set to become the latest Small Cheval outpost. The burger spot plans to incorporate soft serve and other Freeze favorites into its menu.
“Marty Sandberg, architect with Via Chicago Architects + Diseñadore who is designing the new restaurant, said the sign got fresh red paint, a new metal enclosure and new LED lights. It is back up and not going anywhere, he and other workers at the site confirmed.
“Hogsalt, the hospitality company that operates Small Cheval, is adding its own sign this week next to The Freeze sign, although a few feet lower so ice cream marquee still has room to breathe. Hogsalt has been working to revamp The Freeze into Small Cheval since last year, with work ramping up in recent months. An opening is expected in the coming weeks, a worker said Wednesday.
“Longtime owner of The Freeze, Tony Zarcone, sold the business in 2023. It’s been closed since. Zarcone, a former firefighter, grew up nearby and bought The Freeze — then known as Tastee-Freez — when it hit the market in the late ’80s. He operated the 73-year-old business for 30 years until 2023, when he decided it was time to hang up his hat and move to Florida, he previously told Block Club.” (Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 6/26/25)
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
- The Freeze Sign Returns After Brief Removal Ahead Of Logan Square’s Small Cheval Opening; The sign’s temporary disappearance alarmed some neighbors, but it was quickly reinstalled. The burger spot will open in the coming weeks, workers said, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 6/26/25
- The Freeze Will Reopen As A Small Cheval — With Soft Serve, Architectural renderings — now deleted from the company’s website — show The Freeze renovated into a Small Cheval that is open year-round and has bathrooms, an expanded kitchen and patio, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 5/24/24
- The Freeze Is Sold, And Longtime Owner Is Uncertain Beloved Spot Will Serve Ice Cream Again, The ice cream and hot dog shack’s owner packed up his soft serve machines and is leaving the city to be closer to family. He doesn’t know what the new owner has planned for the spot, Mack Liederman, Block Club Chicago, 12/4/23