By TR Robertson
If you have never stopped by one of Vista’s great treasures for a delicious shake, a tasty burger or any of their amazing selections of ice cream then you are missing one of the best old school culinary experiences this city offers. As of August, of this year, Pepper Tree Frosty has been open continuously for 70 years, including staying open for service during the COVID pandemic. Owned by the Villasenor Family since late 1959 and currently owned and operated by Danny Villasenor and his wife Linda, Pepper Tree Frosty has been offering the classic food of American walk-up “hamburger and ice cream joints” ever since it’s opening on August 14, 1953.
The history of Pepper Tree Frosty goes back to August 14, 1953, when the eatery now called Pepper Tree Frosty opened as Tastee Freez owned by Paul Henderson. Henderson would sell Tastee Freez in late 1957 or early 1958 to Joe Burns. In late 1959, with help from John Kosh, who worked for a local Vista bank, Chuy Villasenor and wife Velia, who had moved to Vista, were able to purchase the eatery and the property Tastee Freez sat on. Kosh is also known for helping establish the Vista Boys and Girls Club, an organization still being assisted in support still to this day by Pepper Tree Frosty. Chuy is Danny’s father. Danny, his older sister Chris and younger sisters Lydia and Vicki all worked at various times at Tastee Freez. As Danny said, “All hands were on deck to keep the business going.” Danny also said, “Moving to Vista, working at the eatery and getting involved in Vista provided the best upbringing for growing up a person could have had.” Danny’s grandfather, who had owned restaurants in the LA area, also moved to Vista and opened La Casa Ybarra, which would eventually be sold to the Lopez Family.
In the early 1960’s Chuy and Delia were able to get out of the Tastee Freez franchise and Delia was inspirational in changing the name to Pepper Tree Frosty. This was inspired by the fact that at one time Pepper Trees lined the creek that runs by the parking lot all the way to Vista High School. Most of these trees have been cut down but Danny said over the years he has replanted many of them lining a portion of his property. Chuy Villasenor passed away in 1984, but the family kept Pepper Tree Frosty. Danny would take over in 1987 or 1988. This has truly been a family affair in keeping Pepper Tree open as Danny’s wife Linda and sons Rich, Joe and Daniel have all worked selling and making the delicious burgers, shakes, ice cream and other items they sell. They are all Vista High School graduates. He also said that over the years various nieces, nephews and his sisters have also worked at the eatery. Danny said that he has had many young employees over the years, and it is fun to see many of them returning with their own children to enjoy the experience of eating at a classic “50’s style burger joint”. He also said many people that have moved away from Vista occasionally drop by and remind him that they use to eat at Pepper Tree when they were growing up or when they had visited Vista before.
The Villasenor family has remained active in the Vista community and in Vista service clubs. Danny said he has embraced the community and loves Vista. He is the former President of the Vista Boys & Girls Club Board and currently serves on the Board. Danny said his focus in the club is keeping kids involved and helping steer them in the right direction. He was recently honored in March at a dinner recognizing his service to the Vista Boys and Girls Club. The Vista Education Foundation awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the community. Danny has been a member of the Vista Chamber of Commerce since 2007.
Danny is the Grand Marshal for this year’s Viva Vista Christmas Parade. If you have ever worked at Pepper Tree, you are invited to come and walk with Danny’s family and show your support and love. more INFO email WOSVISTA@GMAIL.COM
Danny said Pepper Tree Frosty, for the most part, is the same as when it opened except for the addition of new equipment and in the late 80’s building the outdoor gazebo raised eating area which was added along with picnic tables. This addition would prove extremely beneficial during the COVID Pandemic as Pepper Tree Frosty remained open and was able to serve food at their walk-up and drive-up windows with many people choosing to eat outdoors at the gazebo. This was one of the first outdoor eating areas up and running during the pandemic. Next to the gazebo is a Wishing Well that the old Vista Lions Club used to use to collect coins for their various service projects. Danny was asked about any of the rumors circulating about him selling the property and he said he has been approached several times by individuals and other companies about selling the large piece of property, called Peppertree Corner, in the downtown area, but Danny said at this time he is not selling, has no desire to stop what he is doing and loves being part of the community.
The extensive Pepper Tree Frosty menu contains 16 burger selections ranging from regular and double burgers to chili burgers to mushroom burgers, Ortega, turkey or Angus burgers and more. They all come with all the trimmings and their sauce is Thousand Island sauce. Also offered are a selection of hot dogs and sandwiches like the pastrami or Philly cheese steak. You can add fries and onion rings to any selection. Pepper Tree also has dinners like shrimp, fish & chips, chicken nuggets or chicken strips. There is a great selection of Mexican food items on the menu.
What Pepper Tree Frosty is known for is the incredible selection of ice cream choices. A huge variety of flavors are available and can be turned into cones, cups, floats, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, hot fudge and shakes. They also have snow cones, slushies, and smoothies as well as Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. From all of the food choices offered, Danny was asked what his go to food choice would be and he said he likes a traditional Pepper Tree Cheeseburger and a Chocolate-Banana Shake.
On a variety of social media sites, you see comments like – “Legendary Ice Cream Selections”, “Best food ever”, “A throwback drive-in gem”, “An old school hamburger and ice cream joint”, “Great nostalgia and timeless”. On Trip Advisor, Google and Facebook their rating is 4.6-4.8 out of 5. People who eat here like and love the place.
Pepper Tree Frosty is located at 270 S. Santa Fe in Downtown Historic Vista. The next time you want to step back in time and enjoy some great food, and you will see why it is called “North County’s Oldie but Goodie”.
Happy 70th Anniversary Pepper Tree Frosty.
