National Frozen Custard Day 2025 Where To Find Free And Discounted Frozen Treats

National Frozen Custard Day, celebrated annually on August 8, offers consumers across the United States the opportunity to enjoy complimentary or discounted frozen custard treats at participating restaurants and establishments. This special day honors the rich history of frozen custard, a dessert distinct from traditional ice cream due to its egg content, which results in a creamier texture and richer flavor. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Thursday, and various restaurant chains and local establishments are expected to participate with special offers ranging from free scoops to significant discounts on frozen custard products.

Participating Restaurant Chains and Their Offers

Several national and regional restaurant chains traditionally participate in National Frozen Custard Day celebrations, offering customers various deals and promotions. These offers typically include free frozen custard with purchase, discounted prices, or buy-one-get-one-free deals.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has established itself as one of the most prominent participants in National Frozen Custard Day celebrations. In 2025, the chain extended its celebration beyond the single day, offering a weekend-long promotion for loyalty members from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10. The promotion included three distinct deals:

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

These offers were valid across all Freddy's locations and accessible through multiple channels, including dine-in, drive-thru, and the Freddy's app or website. However, the promotion came with certain restrictions: customers were limited to one offer per order when using the app or website, and the deals could not be combined with other promotions, discounts, coupons, or special offers. Additionally, third-party delivery services and catering orders were excluded from this promotion.

Good Times Restaurants

Good Times, a regional restaurant chain primarily operating in Colorado, participates in National Frozen Custard Day by offering a complimentary scoop of its frozen custard with any purchase. In 2025, the promotion included the chain's popular vanilla flavor as well as the Flavor of the Month, S'mores. The offer was available at all 30 Good Times locations throughout Colorado and could be redeemed either in-restaurant or through the Good Times website or mobile app. As with most promotional offers, there was a limit of one free scoop per person.

BurgerFi

While specific details about BurgerFi's 2025 National Frozen Custard Day promotions were not available in the source material, historical data from 2023 provides insight into the chain's typical approach to the holiday. During the 2023 celebration, BurgerFi offered guests a small frozen custard cup for $1, representing a 74.8% discount from the regular price of $3.97. This suggests that BurgerFi may participate in 2025 with similar discounted offers, though customers should verify current promotions as the date approaches.

Regional and Local Offers

Participation in National Frozen Custard Day extends beyond national chains to include regional and local establishments, particularly in areas where frozen custard has a strong cultural presence. For example, in St. Louis, several local establishments have traditionally offered special deals:

  • Freddy's: $1 single dishes, cones, and custard cookies all day
  • Andy's: 86 cent cones with choice of chocolate or vanilla
  • Fritz's Frozen Custard: up to four scoops on a cone for just $1.50

These regional offers highlight the local variations in how National Frozen Custard Day is celebrated, with some establishments emphasizing quantity while others focus on extreme affordability.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Regular Offers

While not specifically tied to National Frozen Custard Day, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard maintains a regular promotion that may interest frozen custard enthusiasts. The chain offers buy-one-get-one-free treats every Wednesday through October 15. This promotion is exclusively available to Rita's rewards members and must be redeemed through the Rita's mobile app. Customers interested in taking advantage of this regular offer should download the Rita's app and join their rewards program well in advance.

The History of Frozen Custard

Understanding the origins of frozen custard adds context to why this dessert has earned its own national holiday. Traditional American frozen custard was invented in 1919 on Coney Island, New York, by Archie and Elton Kohr, brothers who operated a boardwalk ice cream stand. The Kohr brothers discovered that adding eggs to ice cream resulted in a creamier taste, smoother texture, and better temperature retention. Their innovation proved popular, as they sold more than 18,000 cones in their first week.

The popularity of frozen custard spread significantly after a custard stand at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago introduced the treat to a wider audience. Following this exposure, frozen custard gained popularity across the country, particularly in the Midwest, with Milwaukee emerging as a notable hub of custard culture. More than a century after its invention, frozen custard remains a beloved American dessert with a dedicated following.

How to Find National Frozen Custard Day Deals in Your Area

For consumers interested in participating in National Frozen Custard Day celebrations, several strategies can help identify available offers:

  1. Check official restaurant websites and social media: Chains typically announce their promotions on their official websites and social media channels in the days leading up to the holiday.

  2. Sign up for loyalty programs: As evidenced by Freddy's and Rita's promotions, loyalty programs often provide access to exclusive deals and early information about special promotions.

  3. Download restaurant apps: Many restaurant chains, including Freddy's and Good Times, offer app-specific promotions and the ability to order ahead for quicker service.

  4. Local news and food blogs: Regional publications and local food blogs often cover area-specific promotions, as demonstrated by the coverage in St. Louis Magazine and Mile High on the Cheap.

  5. Follow deal-tracking websites and newsletters: Websites dedicated to tracking promotions and deals often compile information about National Frozen Custard Day offers from multiple sources.

Conclusion

National Frozen Custard Day on August 8 presents an excellent opportunity for consumers to enjoy this beloved frozen dessert at discounted prices or even for free. While specific offers may vary by year and location, chains like Freddy's, Good Times, and BurgerFi have established traditions of participation. Regional and local establishments frequently offer their own unique promotions, particularly in areas with strong frozen custard culture. By checking official sources, joining loyalty programs, and utilizing restaurant apps, consumers can maximize their chances of accessing the best deals. As the holiday approaches, verifying current promotions with individual restaurants remains essential, as offers and terms may change from year to year.

Sources

  1. The Krazy Coupon Lady - National Frozen Custard Day
  2. The Freebie Guy - Freddy's Food Deals
  3. Mile High on the Cheap - Good Times National Frozen Custard Day Deal
  4. WTOP Blog - Friday Freebies
  5. St. Louis Magazine - National Frozen Custard Day St. Louis Deals
  6. Good Morning America - Free Ice Cream Discounts