This article was originally published in Advancements Magazine Winter 2022 issue.

Carol Kuntz, co-founder of Andy’s Frozen Custard, recalls a time when life wasn’t easy.

She and her late husband, John Kuntz, opened their first store in 1986. At the time, few people knew what frozen custard was.

The Springfield-based chain named after their son Andy Kuntz, who is now the CEO, has since exploded in popularity. They have more than 120 locations in 15 states.

“We’re really just a little family,” Carol Kuntz said. “Our son Andy, his wife Dana and our grandchildren have all worked in the stores, and so many of our managers have been with us since the very beginning.”

Kuntz credits their success to her husband’s business acumen as well as support from their guests.

“Look what they’ve done for us, our community,” Kuntz said. It’s why her family gives back. “We wouldn’t be here without them.

They recently established the Kuntz Family Scholarship at Missouri State. It will support Bears in the hospitality leadership program as well as other College of Business students. Their endowed gift will provide scholarship support for up to two students every year. The Kuntz family also plans to connect with the recipients and other MSU students for internship opportunities.

They hope this scholarship will spark an increased interest in the hospitality industry, which can help build an understanding of people and how best to relate to others.

They said some of the most successful CEOs of the past 50 years — including Michael Dell of Dell Technologies, Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs and Jeff Bezos of Amazon — learned early skills in the hospitality and restaurant industry.

These skills can include customer service, communication, multitasking, conflict management, work ethic and more.

“We need so many people to help us run these businesses,” Kuntz said. “It really is a great industry.”

An MSU Tie

Andy’s has another new MSU tie: They recently opened a location near campus, on National Avenue and Elm Street. Visitors are greeted by the MSU Bear in front of the modern glass building. There is also a plaque commemorating the building that once stood at that location — the National Art Shop.

“We’re history people, and we think it’s so important to honor what came before us,” Carol Kuntz said. “We’re so excited to be so close to campus and to be part of the neighborhood.”