Cream City Cookeville: The Iconic WestSide Landmark Celebrating Over a Century of Sweet Tradition

You cannot miss it.

How could you? It is adorned with a three-ton neon sign that illuminates the WestSide of Cookeville and has become an iconic local landmark. Around this magical place, the smell of coffee and homemade ice cream fills the air, enchanting everyone nearby.

Of course, I am describing the beloved Cream City.

Dating back to the 1890s, Cream City has been not only a landmark on what is now Cookeville’s WestSide, but also a sought-after destination for generations. The charming ice cream shop began as a milk and dairy plant called Consumer City. As the business evolved, the original owners rebranded it with a more fitting name: Cream City.

After a fire destroyed the original building, a new structure was constructed in the same location, preserving the legacy. The location was firmly solidified in 1950 when the now-famous neon sign was mounted, transforming the storefront into a glowing beacon for those in search of community and dessert.

At the time, Cream City quickly became one of the top tourist attractions between Nashville and Knoxville, sitting squarely along the primary route travelers used to cross the state.

So when Tennessee Tech alumni Chris and Karen Savage had the opportunity to purchase Cream City in 2013, they understood the responsibility that came with protecting such a treasured legacy.

With a background in civil engineering, Chris immediately streamlined inventory and equipment management for the family business. Karen leaned into her marketing expertise, building strong relationships with local schools, Tennessee Tech, and community organizations. Through intentional partnerships and event involvement, she positioned Cream City exactly where its audience already gathered.

“Karen really tried to connect Cream City to the community early on when we took over,” Chris shared.

With the goal of promoting “ice cream for all ages,” the Savages broadened Cream City’s reach beyond children to include a loyal base of senior citizens and Tennessee Tech students.

While ice cream may draw people in, Cream City has also become a favorite coffee stop. Staying true to their commitment to local partnerships, the Savages collaborated with Vertical Coffee Co. to create the exclusive “Cream City” coffee blend, now available by the bag inside the shop.

True to its roots as a family business, the Savages had three built-in employees when they took ownership: their teenage children. Although Courtney, Chloe Grace, and Caleb have since pursued their own careers, they and Caleb’s wife, Lexie, still pick up shifts from time to time. You may even spot the manager-in-training, their 20-month-old grandson Chief, making an appearance behind the counter.

Under the Savages’ stewardship, careful attention has also been given to preserving the irreplaceable neon sign.

“When we first bought the business, we were paying the electric bill on the sign,” Karen explained. The cost of keeping it illuminated proved daunting. When the City of Cookeville approached them about assuming responsibility for both electricity and maintenance, the Savages were grateful.

“Since so many people come to see the sign, the city wanted to make sure it would stay lit at all times.”

Today, CityScape oversees every aspect of the sign’s upkeep as part of its WestSide revitalization efforts.

During COVID, the Savages were forced to reimagine how they would serve customers in a socially distant world.

“We always thought a walk-up window would be difficult to pull off,” Chris said. “But during quarantine, we were kind of forced to move forward and make it happen.”

Despite their initial hesitation, the walk-up window has become one of their most efficient service methods, especially during busy summer evenings.

From Tennessee Fudge to Stellar Coffee to Mexican Chocolate, Cream City offers a wide variety of handcrafted flavors that keep patrons coming back. The Savages have developed a close relationship with their Nashville-based supplier and ice cream maker, making weekly trips every Friday to stock their van with fresh selections.

To celebrate ten years of ownership, the Savages reintroduced their 2013 “throwback flavors,” including Dulce de Leche, Dark Chocolate Fudge, Candy Jar, Cotton Candy, and Daiquiri Ice. These nostalgic favorites are available for a limited time, giving longtime customers a sweet taste of the past.

The Savage legacy is now woven into Cream City’s story, and the couple looks forward to continuing to grow alongside the community. From father-daughter date night traditions to students studying for exams, to retirees satisfying a sweet craving, Cream City remains a gathering place where memories are made.

One cone at a time.

-written by Chelsea Dartez, photos by Abby Weeden