After dedicating 28 years to delighting the Anchorage community with smiles and soft-serve delights, Rich Owens, the longtime proprietor of Jewel Lake’s Tastee-Freez, has decided to step away from the ice cream counter for good.

To honor Owens and his nearly three decades of unwavering support for the community, a heartfelt farewell event took place at Tastee-Freez on Saturday. The event featured complimentary cake and ice cream, offering everyone a chance to express their gratitude to Owens.

Rich Owens has been a staunch advocate for various local charities and community initiatives, including the Salvation Army, Operation Santa Claus, the Alaska National Guard, the American Cancer Society, and Catholic Social Services. On this special occasion, Anchorage Assembly member Anna Brawley was present to present Owens with the Anchorage Assembly’s prestigious Above and Beyond Community Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to these organizations and more.

During his tenure, Owens has overseen the employment of approximately 630 individuals, primarily teenagers, at the ice cream shop. Witnessing their achievements has brought him immense satisfaction and joy. Over the years, it has also gained over 1000 reviews on Google, with many of them being favorable.

As part of Saturday’s festivities, patrons and former Tastee-Freez employees were encouraged to reminisce and even capture a photograph with the local legend, who has no intentions of leaving Alaska.

In September 2022, Owens handed over his business to a new owner as he began preparing for a well-deserved retirement. Fortunately, the new proprietors are committed to continuing the operation of the restaurant, ensuring that the Tastee-Freez tradition lives on.