Ted Drewes Frozen Custard at STL: Gate A15 Guide

Shop Overview

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard brings one of St. Louis’ most iconic sweet stops into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). The specialty is rich, dense frozen custard served in classic cones/cups and mixed desserts that travel well for the walk to your gate. If you want a “taste of St. Louis” without leaving the terminal, this is the easiest—and most reliably satisfying—pick in Concourse A.

Expect a streamlined airport version of the brand: a focused menu built around frozen custard and desserts, fast service, and a steady flow of travelers. It’s popular with first-time visitors looking for a local hallmark and with locals grabbing a familiar treat before boarding. When lines form, they typically move quickly because orders are simple and made to serve.

What to Buy

• Signature frozen custard: Start with a straightforward cup or cone if you’re short on time. The texture is thicker than standard ice cream, making it feel more indulgent even in a small size.
• Mixed custard desserts: If available, opt for a mix-in style dessert (the brand is famous for its mix-forward creations). These are great if you want something more filling than a plain scoop.
• Simple, travel-friendly picks: Choose a cup over a cone if you’re walking to a farther gate or juggling bags—less mess and easier to eat at the gate.
• Local specialty factor: Ted Drewes is the local name to know for frozen custard in St. Louis, so it’s a strong “regional only” purchase compared with standard chains you can find in most airports.

Price note: This is a dining venue, not duty-free. There are no duty-free savings here (duty-free at STL is handled by Duty Free Americas for eligible international travelers), so think of this as a quality local treat rather than a bargain stop.

Location & Hours

Where: Terminal 1, Concourse A (A Gates) at Gate A15.

How to get there: After clearing security for Terminal 1, follow signs to the A Gates and walk toward the mid-to-late A gate numbers. You’ll find Ted Drewes posted at A15, convenient if you’re boarding nearby or passing through Concourse A.

Security: After security (secure gate area).

Hours: Listed as Open on STL’s official shop directory, but airport dining hours can shift with flight schedules—confirm on terminal signage or flystl.com when you arrive.

Best times to go: For the shortest wait, aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon between flight banks. Peak demand usually hits during lunch-and-late-afternoon departure waves, especially when multiple A-gate flights are boarding.

Shopping Tips

• Plan for melt time: Custard softens quickly. If you’re not eating immediately, buy it closer to boarding rather than right after security.
• Keep it simple in a rush: If the line is long, order a standard cup/cone for the fastest turnaround.
• Duty-free reminder: Not applicable at this shop. If you’re looking for duty-free savings (alcohol, fragrance, etc.), check Duty Free Americas locations in the terminals and confirm eligibility for international travel.
• Payment: Most airport dining locations accept major credit/debit and mobile wallets; carry a card for the quickest checkout.
• Returns/refunds: As with most prepared-food airport venues, returns are typically limited—check with the cashier right away if an order needs correcting.