Galesburg's Kastle Kreme - A 50-Year Community Icon

Join us on Galesburg's Morning News as we celebrate Kastle Kreme's 50th anniversary season, wrapping up on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Since John Sampson built the iconic 1595 W. Main Street structure in 1975 and Jerry Knowles made it a local hotspot in 1977, the beloved ice cream shop has been a multi-generational favorite. Owner Daren Davis, who took over with his family in 2015, shares the shop’s rich history, from its early days to its current status as a nostalgic community hub. Discover the secrets behind its longevity—quality at a value price and a simple, no-frills charm—plus insights into its seasonal operations, top sellers like the Brodie tenderloin, Dole Whip and vanilla cones, and plans for 2026. [caption id="attachment_686639" align="aligncenter" width="1056"] Daren Davis, Kastle Kreme. (WGIL)[/caption]