Tom Carvel, born Athanasios Karvelas, was the mastermind behind Carvel Ice Cream — one of the most iconic ice cream brands in the U.S., boasting over 500 stores and a strong online presence today. His journey perfectly captures the classic immigrant success story: a tale of persistence, hard work, and business savvy.

Athanasios Karvelas was born on July 14, 1906, in Athens, Greece. When he was just four years old, in 1910, his family left Greece in search of better opportunities and settled in Connecticut, USA — following the path of many Greek immigrants of that era.

By the time he was 23, Tom had tried his hand at many jobs, from drummer in a band to car test driver. But his real breakthrough came when he decided to become an ice cream seller. Borrowing just $15 from his girlfriend—and future wife—Agnes Stewart, Tom started selling ice cream out of his old, worn-down truck.

Then, on a memorable day in 1934, everything changed thanks to what seemed like bad luck. On a hot day, his truck got a flat tire near a pottery shop. To save his melting ice cream, Tom asked the shop owner if he could sell the ice cream there and use their electricity to keep it cold. The owner agreed, and to Tom’s surprise, the melting ice cream flew off the shelves, selling out in just two days. He realized that having a fixed location was far more profitable and manageable than roaming with a truck.

Two years later, Tom bought the pottery shop and became the country’s first soft-serve ice cream vendor. By 1939, he had invented and patented a machine to make the ice cream — what we now call “soft-serve.” His machines were revolutionary: ultra-low temperature with no air pump, allowing the creation of that creamy, smooth texture we all love.

Tom also introduced one of the earliest “buy one, get one free” promotions, which boosted sales dramatically. His business grew fast, and he began selling his machines to other ice cream shops across the country. Even more impressively, he taught independent shop owners how to run the business using his methods—and let them sell ice cream under his name. This made Tom Carvel one of the pioneers of what we now call “franchising.” By 1951, Carvel stores had multiplied tenfold.

But Tom’s innovation didn’t stop at ice cream. He was also a marketing genius. With his thick accent and distinctive voice, Tom starred in many of his own ads, becoming a cult figure and frequently appearing on TV talk shows, including the legendary David Letterman show. His quirky personality made him unforgettable to Americans everywhere.

Tom Carvel passed away on October 21, 1990, at the age of 84. Though married, he had no children, and after his death, his family was involved in intense legal battles over his estate. Nevertheless, Tom left behind an immense legacy: a thriving brand with over 400 stores worldwide and a shining example of the “American Dream.”

From a young Greek immigrant with just $15 to the father of soft-serve ice cream, Tom Carvel’s story is a delicious slice of American history — and proof that with determination, you can create something truly sweet.