Long before the Gigi-N-Pops Mobile Scoop Shop rolled into Knoxville, the ice cream truck was already an American tradition. The jingle of a truck rolling down the street meant summer, freedom, and a little taste of happiness right at your curb.

The Early Days

Ice cream vendors first appeared in U.S. cities in the early 1900s, often pushing carts filled with hand-packed blocks of ice and scoops of vanilla or chocolate. By the 1920s and 30s, motorized trucks began to appear, making it easier to cover more neighborhoods and keep ice cream colder for longer.

The Post-War Boom

After World War II, ice cream trucks became a fixture in suburban neighborhoods. Brightly painted trucks, catchy jingles, and endless popsicle varieties became a symbol of summer for a generation of children. The trucks weren’t just selling ice cream—they were delivering joy, nostalgia, and community.

Ice Cream Trucks Today

Today, the tradition continues with a modern twist. Trucks like Gigi-N-Pops bring not just scoops and sundaes, but also gourmet flavors, real fruit ice cream, and fun setups for events. What started as a neighborhood treat has grown into a way to celebrate birthdays, weddings, fundraisers, and more.

Our Place in the Story

We’re proud to carry on this tradition in Knoxville. Every time our truck pulls up to a block party or festival, we’re part of a history that goes back more than a century—one cone, one scoop, and one smile at a time.