Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl

Nothing is better on a hot day in Zanesville, Ohio than a trip to Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. Established in 1948 by cousins Jack Hemmer and Tom Mirgon, the shop is famous for its homemade ice cream.

Outfitted with only four tables and counter that seats seven, the shop has maintained its small business charm for over seventy years. In addition to ice cream, it serves daily roasted nuts and handcrafted, old-fashioned chocolates and candy.

Originally named Jack Hemmer Ice Cream, the shop outgrew its first location and moved to its present location at 532 McIntire Avenue in 1950. Three years later, Tom left his full-time job to run the shop, and bought Jack’s interest in the business. Within years, the shop became known as Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl.

For thirty years, Tom ran his business on high-quality food, generous portions of ice cream and top-notch customer service. When he retired in 1984, manager Bill Sullivan bought the shop and vowed never to change its iconic name.

Today, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl serves around 30 flavors of ice cream, including mainstays like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and butter pecan. USA Today has named it the top place in the country for ice cream, and the shop has even appeared on the Food Network.