National Frozen Custard Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Samples And Discounted Treats

National Frozen Custard Day, celebrated annually on August 8, has become a highly anticipated occasion for frozen custard enthusiasts across the United States. This unofficial holiday offers consumers the opportunity to enjoy special deals, discounted treats, and sometimes even free samples from various frozen custard chains and local shops. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Thursday, and many establishments are preparing extended promotions and unique offers to mark the occasion. This comprehensive guide examines all the known deals, participating locations, and special promotions available for National Frozen Custard Day 2025, based on information directly from the participating businesses.

What Is Frozen Custard?

Frozen custard is a frozen dessert similar to ice cream but distinguished by its richer texture and creamier consistency. The key difference lies in its ingredients and preparation process. While traditional ice cream is made with cream, sugar, and flavorings, frozen custard contains egg yolks in addition to these components. The addition of egg yolks creates a smoother, denser product by eliminating ice crystals and reducing the amount of air incorporated during the churning process.

According to the National Day Calendar, frozen custard was invented in 1919 by Archie and Elton Kohr, ice cream vendors from Coney Island, New York. They discovered that incorporating egg yolks into their ice cream mixture resulted in a superior texture that also maintained its cold temperature longer than traditional ice cream. This innovation led to what we now know as frozen custard, which has since become a beloved treat enjoyed by many Americans.

The origin of National Frozen Custard Day itself remains unknown, as it is considered an unofficial holiday. Despite its unclear beginnings, the day has gained significant popularity among frozen custard establishments, which use it as an opportunity to attract new customers and reward loyal patrons with special promotions and discounts.

National Frozen Custard Day Overview

National Frozen Custard Day is a one-day event held every year on August 8. During this celebration, participating frozen custard chains and local shops typically offer various promotions, including free samples, buy-one-get-one-free deals, discounted items, and special limited-time offers. The range of available promotions can vary significantly from year to year and between different establishments.

Historically, common types of offers during National Frozen Custard Day have included: - Free frozen custard cups or single servings - Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deals - Items priced at $1 or $0.99 - Free shakes or other frozen beverages with purchase - Percentage discounts on menu items

Participating chains have included Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, BurgerFi, Ritter's Frozen Custard, Andy's Frozen Custard, and Whit's Frozen Custard, among others. Local and regional frozen custard shops also frequently participate in the celebration, offering their own unique deals and promotions.

2025 National Frozen Custard Day Deals

For 2025, several major frozen custard chains have announced special promotions to celebrate National Frozen Custard Day. These offers provide consumers with various ways to enjoy discounted or complimentary frozen custard treats.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy's is celebrating National Frozen Custard Day 2025 by extending the celebration through the entire weekend, offering customers three consecutive days of deals. The promotion runs from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10, 2025. Freddy's has implemented a tiered pricing structure for their frost and shake beverages:

  • Any mini frost or shake for $1
  • Any regular frost or shake for $2
  • Any large frost or shake for $3

These offers are valid for all Freddy's guests, with a limit of one per order when placing an order through the app or website. The promotion is applicable for dine-in, drive-thru, and app/web orders at participating locations. However, it excludes third-party delivery services and catering orders. Additionally, the offer cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons, or promotions.

Freddy's emphasizes that their premium frozen custard is churned fresh on-site multiple times throughout the day, resulting in a product that is denser, richer, and creamier than traditional ice cream. With over 550 locations across the United States and Canada, Freddy's has established itself as a leading fast-casual franchise concept in the frozen custard industry.

BurgerFi

BurgerFi is participating in National Frozen Custard Day 2025 by offering customers a free shake with any combo meal purchase. This promotion allows customers to swap out the standard beverage included in their combo meal for a shake at no additional cost. The offer provides an opportunity for customers to enjoy a premium frozen treat while still taking advantage of a complete meal deal.

In previous years, BurgerFi has offered different types of promotions for National Frozen Custard Day. In 2023, for example, the chain offered small frozen custard cups for $1 each, representing a 74.8% discount from the regular price of $3.97. While the 2025 promotion differs from previous years, it still provides customers with a valuable opportunity to enjoy a complimentary frozen custard product with their purchase.

Ritter's Frozen Custard

Ritter's Frozen Custard is participating in National Frozen Custard Day 2025 with a special $0.99 offer. On Friday, August 8, customers can purchase a small dish or cake cone of frozen custard for just 99 cents. This represents a significant discount from the regular price and provides an affordable way for customers to enjoy Ritter's premium frozen custard.

Ritter's Frozen Custard operates 16 locations across multiple states, including Indianapolis, Indiana; Dayton, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and various locations throughout Michigan. The chain is known for its ultra-premium frozen custard concoctions, which are freshly prepared in-house daily. Popular flavors at Ritter's include Strawberry, Cookies-N-Crème, Turtle Somethin', Fresh Banana, and Caramel Snickers Swirl.

Other Participating Chains

Additional frozen custard chains have been mentioned as participating in National Frozen Custard Day 2025, though specific details about their promotions were not provided in the source material. These include:

  • Andy's Frozen Custard
  • Whit's Frozen Custard

Customers interested in these establishments are encouraged to contact their local locations directly or check their official websites and social media channels for specific promotions and details.

Frozen Custard Week Deals (Ritter's)

In addition to their National Frozen Custard Day promotion, Ritter's Frozen Custard is celebrating Frozen Custard Week from August 4-8, 2025. This five-day event features a different special offer each day, providing customers with multiple opportunities to enjoy discounted Ritter's products throughout the week.

The daily promotions during Frozen Custard Week 2025 include:

  • Monday, August 4: Buy any Signature Sundae and receive a free Kids Sundae
  • Tuesday, August 5: Enjoy 20% off any quart or pint of frozen custard
  • Wednesday, August 6: Upgrade a cone, dish, or sundae to a free plain waffle cone or bowl
  • Thursday, August 7: Buy any size Glacier and get the second for 50% off
  • Friday, August 8 (National Frozen Custard Day): Celebrate with a small dish or cake cone for just $0.99

According to Stew Stolz, Chief Operating Officer at Ritter's Frozen Custard, "Frozen Custard Week is our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests and inviting new families to discover the joy of an elevated ice cream experience with frozen custard." This week-long celebration demonstrates Ritter's commitment to providing value to customers while showcasing the quality and variety of their frozen custard offerings.

The range of promotions during Frozen Custard Week caters to different customer preferences and occasions, from family deals to quantity discounts and complimentary upgrades. This variety ensures that there are opportunities for various types of customers to enjoy Ritter's frozen custard at a reduced price.

Regular Year-Round Freebies and Special Offers

Beyond National Frozen Custard Day and special promotional weeks, some frozen custard establishments offer year-round special deals on specific holidays and occasions. Zesty's Custard, for example, provides complimentary frozen custard on several holidays throughout the year:

  • Mother's Day: Mothers receive a free single serving of frozen custard with another purchase
  • Father's Day: Fathers receive a free single serving of frozen custard with another purchase
  • Birthday: Customers who show their ID on their birthday receive a free single serving of frozen custard
  • Veteran's Day: Veterans of the armed forces receive a free single serving of frozen custard as a thank you for their service
  • Halloween: Kids dressed in costumes receive a free single serving of frozen custard with another purchase

These regular promotions provide customers with additional opportunities to enjoy complimentary frozen custard throughout the year. They also demonstrate how frozen custard shops use special occasions to attract customers and build loyalty within their communities.

The birthday promotion, in particular, offers a valuable incentive for customers to visit the establishment on their special day, potentially turning a one-time celebration into an opportunity to build a long-term customer relationship. Similarly, the veteran's day promotion acknowledges and appreciates military service, helping to foster goodwill within the community.

Participating Locations

The availability of National Frozen Custard Day promotions varies by location, with many chains operating across multiple states. Here are some of the key participating establishments and their service areas:

Ritter's Frozen Custard

Ritter's Frozen Custard operates 16 locations across five regions: - Indianapolis, Indiana - Dayton, Ohio - Houston, Texas - Orlando, Florida - Various locations throughout Michigan

Customers in these areas can take advantage of both Frozen Custard Week promotions and the special National Frozen Custard Day offer at any of these locations.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

With over 550 locations across the United States and Canada, Freddy's has one of the most extensive networks of any participating frozen custard chain. The company's widespread presence makes it convenient for many customers to access their National Frozen Custard Day promotions.

BurgerFi

While the source materials do not specify the exact locations of BurgerFi restaurants, the chain operates numerous establishments nationwide. Customers interested in BurgerFi's National Frozen Custard Day promotion are encouraged to use the restaurant locator on their official website or mobile app to find the nearest participating location.

Tedd Drewes Frozen Custard

Tedd Drewes Frozen Custard operates two locations in St. Louis, Missouri: - Chippewa Location: 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109, phone 314.481.2652 - S. Grand Location: 4224 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63111, phone 314.352.7376

Both locations are open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Customers in the St. Louis area can visit either location to enjoy Tedd Drewes' frozen custard offerings, though specific National Frozen Custard Day promotions were not mentioned in the source materials.

Local and Regional Shops

In addition to these larger chains, numerous local and regional frozen custard shops typically participate in National Frozen Custard Day. These establishments often offer unique promotions and deals that reflect their individual brand identities and customer preferences. Customers are encouraged to check with local frozen custard shops in their area to inquire about specific promotions and offers.

Tips for Maximizing Your Frozen Custard Day Experience

To make the most of National Frozen Custard Day promotions, consider the following tips:

  1. Check Local Locations: Before heading out, verify which locations in your area are participating in the promotions. This is especially important for chains with multiple locations, as participation may vary.

  2. Download Restaurant Apps: Many chains, including Freddy's, offer exclusive deals through their mobile apps. Downloading these apps in advance can provide access to additional promotions and make the ordering process more efficient.

  3. Understand Offer Limitations: Pay attention to any restrictions or limitations on promotions, such as one offer per customer, minimum purchase requirements, or exclusion of certain menu items. This will help avoid disappointment or confusion when placing an order.

  4. Take Advantage of Extended Promotions: Some establishments, like Freddy's in 2025, extend their National Frozen Custard Day celebrations over multiple days. Planning visits during these extended periods can provide more flexibility and opportunities to enjoy the deals.

  5. Consider Combo Deals: Some promotions, like BurgerFi's free shake with a combo meal, offer better value when combined with other menu items. Planning meals around these promotions can maximize savings.

  6. Follow Social Media: Many frozen custard shops announce their National Frozen Custard Day promotions on social media platforms. Following these accounts can provide real-time updates and additional information about special offers.

  7. Arrive Early: Popular locations may experience higher than usual traffic on National Frozen Custard Day. Arriving early can help reduce wait times and ensure availability of promoted items.

  8. Check for Holiday Promotions: Beyond National Frozen Custard Day, some shops offer year-round special deals on holidays like Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthdays. Being aware of these promotions can provide additional opportunities to enjoy complimentary or discounted frozen custard throughout the year.

Conclusion

National Frozen Custard Day 2025 promises to be an exciting celebration for frozen custard enthusiasts, with numerous establishments offering special promotions and deals. From Freddy's extended weekend celebration with tiered pricing to BurgerFi's complimentary shake with a combo meal and Ritter's $0.99 small dish or cake cone, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy discounted frozen custard treats.

The addition of Ritter's Frozen Custard Week, running from August 4-8, provides even more reasons to celebrate frozen custard with five consecutive days of special offers. Combined with year-round promotions at establishments like Zesty's Custard, which offer free treats on various holidays, frozen custard lovers have numerous opportunities to enjoy their favorite dessert at a reduced price or no cost at all.

As with any promotional event, customers should verify specific details with their local establishments, as participation and offer terms may vary. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these promotions, consumers can enjoy the rich, creamy texture of premium frozen custard while saving money in the process.

Whether you're a dedicated frozen custard aficionado or simply looking to try something new, National Frozen Custard Day 2025 offers an excellent opportunity to explore different frozen custard establishments and discover new flavors and treats. With multiple chains participating and a variety of promotions available, there's never been a better time to celebrate this unique and delicious frozen dessert.

Sources

  1. Krazy Coupon Lady - National Frozen Custard Day
  2. Restaurant News - Ritter's Frozen Custard Week
  3. Zesty's Custard - Holiday Promotions
  4. Herald Tribune - Florida BurgerFi and other frozen custard deals
  5. PRNewswire - Freddy's National Frozen Custard Day
  6. Tedd Drewes - Location Information