Tom Carvel

American businessman and entrepreneur

Tom Carvel (born Athanasios Thomas Karvelas; July 14, 1906 – October 21, 1990) was a Greek-American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the Carvel brand of ice cream and soft serve. He is credited with inventing the concept of soft serve ice cream and establishing one of the first franchise systems in the United States.

Early Life

Tom Carvel was born Athanasios Thomas Karvelas in Athens, Greece, in 1906. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, settling in New York City. Carvel grew up in a working-class neighborhood and began working at a young age to help support his family.

Career

Beginnings

Carvel's career in the ice cream business began in 1929 when he borrowed $15 from his future wife, Agnes, to buy an ice cream truck. He started selling ice cream in Hartsdale, New York, but a flat tire on Memorial Day weekend in 1934 led to a serendipitous discovery. As the ice cream began to melt, Carvel sold it as soft serve, which proved to be very popular with customers.

Founding Carvel Ice Cream

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Carvel at the Everglades Club for the St. Mary's Hospital ball in Palm Beach

In 1936, Carvel opened his first ice cream store in Hartsdale, New York, using the profits from his truck sales. He developed a secret formula for his soft serve ice cream and patented a freezer that could produce it efficiently. This innovation allowed him to expand his business rapidly.

Franchising

Carvel is often credited with pioneering the concept of franchising in the food industry. By the 1940s, he began selling franchises to other entrepreneurs, providing them with the equipment, training, and support needed to operate their own Carvel stores. This model proved successful, and by the 1950s, Carvel had established a network of franchised stores across the United States.

Advertising and Marketing

Carvel was known for his distinctive advertising style, often appearing in his own television and radio commercials. His gravelly voice and straightforward approach became a hallmark of the brand. Carvel's marketing strategies included the creation of iconic ice cream cakes such as "Fudgie the Whale" and "Cookie Puss," which became popular for birthdays and special occasions.

Personal Life

Tom Carvel married Agnes Stewart in 1937, and the couple remained together until his death. They did not have any children. Carvel was known for his philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes throughout his life.

Death and Legacy

Tom Carvel passed away on October 21, 1990, at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through the Carvel brand, which continues to operate numerous locations across the United States. Carvel's innovations in the ice cream industry and his contributions to franchising have left a lasting impact on the business world.

Related Pages

• Carvel (restaurant)
• Soft serve
• Franchising