In 1948, two first cousins, Jack Hemmer and Tom Mirgon, formed a partnership to create a restaurant business specializing in homemade ice cream products. With only four tables and counter seating for seven, they opened a small business on Linden Avenue in Zanesville , Ohio. Jack Hemmer Ice Cream soon outgrew its original location, and in October 1950 they moved their restaurant to its present location at 532 McIntire Ave. About Tom's Ice Cream Bowl In 1953, Tom bought Jack's interest in the business, leaving his own career with the Pure Oil Company, to own and operate the restaurant full-time. In 1957 it became known as Tom's Ice Cream Bowl.