Whitey's Ice Cream

Whitey's Ice Cream is a beloved ice cream shop in Rock Island, IL, serving rich, handcrafted frozen treats since 1933. Founded in Moline by Chester “Whitey” Lindgren, the business has grown from a single storefront into a regional favorite with eight locations across Illinois and Iowa. The shop offers a wide variety of unique ice cream flavors, including Banana Graham, Black Cherry, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Birthday Cake, Cookies Galore, and seasonal specials like the Strawberry Shortcake Shake. Known for its homemade quality and signature mixes, such as real cookie dough, fudge brownies, and butter-roasted pecans, Whitey’s prides itself on delivering a nostalgic, high-quality experience. The Rock Island location continues the tradition of craftsmanship established by generations of family owners, with flavors made fresh daily and available for dine-in, takeout, or purchase in pre-packaged pints.

The history of Whitey’s Ice Cream is rooted in family and dedication. After its founding in 1933, the business was passed to Bob and Norma Tunberg in 1953, who ran the shop with care and consistency. Their sons, Jeff and Jon, grew up working alongside their father, learning the values of hard work and customer service. Today, Jeff and Jon serve as co-owners, honoring their father’s legacy with a leadership structure that keeps the original mission alive. The brand expanded steadily, opening stores in East Moline, Bettendorf, Davenport, Coralville, and Eldridge, while also entering the wholesale market in 1988. The company remains committed to quality, integrity, and community, with each location maintaining the same high standards set decades ago.

Located on 18th Avenue in Rock Island, Whitey’s Ice Cream is part of a long-standing tradition of local craftsmanship in the Quad Cities region. With a 4.70 rating and a growing reputation for flavor innovation and consistency, it stands as a cherished destination for ice cream lovers across the Midwest. The shop’s enduring legacy, rooted in family, quality, and community, makes it a defining sweet spot in Rock Island’s cultural landscape.