Downtown Albany is what it s today thanks to many legacy businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of these families is inspiring. This is the first in a series of articles to share our legacy businesses with you.
No Dinx – 35 years 139 1st Ave. E – (541) 967-8494
Starting as a small screen printing business in 1989, No Dinx is a creative pillar in the community that has grown to be the second longest running screen printing business in the Albany/Corvallis area.
Since moving to their current location on 1st Ave in 1998, No Dinx’s creative reach has come to include custom apparel, vehicle wraps, logo branding, printing, and signage. Not only does No Dinx employ 30 staff members across 8 different departments, they also have an inhouse design team with 5 experienced graphic designers.
In recent years, No Dinx has expanded outside of their brick and mortar. This year marks one year since opening a second location, No Dinx Wraps (NDW), as a space dedicated solely to providing professional vehicle wrap installations
No Dinx’s co-owner Nina has also created and grown a PNW lifestyle brand called PNW by No Dinx as an extension to the shop’s passion for design, screen printing, and the PNW. To top it off, owners Corey and Nina have continued to grow their third brand, No Dinx Volleyball, into a nationwide volleyball lifestyle brand that sells online as well as at the many tournaments the brand sponsors on the West Coast.
Beyond being a creatively driven business, No Dinx is also deeply driven by their community. In 2024, No Dinx was able to give back over $40,000 to local schools, non-profits, and organizations.
“No Dinx started in our spare bedroom over 30 years ago with the concept of selling to athletic pro shops and volleyball clubs,” says co-owner Nina, “now we employ over 30 people, have two shops, and run four brands. We attribute so much of our growth to our supportive community. We will continue to give back how we can through our community partnerships and We Deliver Happy Outreach Program.”
Hasty Freez – 70 years 655 Lyon St. – (541) 926-2144
For more than 70 years, Hasty Freez has been an Albany landmark, offering old-school drive-thru food that has remained a community favorite. Since its founding in 1952, the restaurant has been a locally owned, family-run business spanning three generations.
Max Pope purchased Hasty Freez in 1969, expanding its loyal customer base with a focus on quality food and consistent service. His son, Tony Pope, took over in 1990, modernizing equipment and the menu while preserving the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere.
In 2019, Harrison Pope became the third-generation owner, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with the support of employees and loyal customers. While each generation has introduced changes, the core identity of Hasty Freez remains intact.
Longtime employees and returning customers have cemented its place in Albany’s evolving food scene, proving that legacy businesses aren’t just about history—they’re about endurance and community.
Hasty Freez continues to serve classic drive-thru favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, onion rings, and soft-serve ice cream. Local favorites include the Burger Box, Slushy Float, and Blackberry Sundae.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, it remains a go-to spot for those craving comfort food with a side of nostalgia.
Next month we’ll share two more notable Legacy businesses that have helped make Downtown Albany great!
PHOTO: Hasty Freez – Tony and Harrison Pope. Photo by Ashley Russell.
