National Ice Cream Day 2019 Complete Guide To Free Scoops Bogo Deals And Sweet Promotions

National Ice Cream Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday of July, became official in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and established the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day. In 2019, this sweet celebration fell on July 21, with businesses across the nation offering freebies, discounts, and special promotions to mark the occasion. From free scoops at popular chains to exclusive deals at local shops, ice cream enthusiasts had numerous opportunities to indulge in their favorite frozen treats without emptying their wallets. This comprehensive guide details the available promotions, eligibility requirements, and participation guidelines for National Ice Cream Day 2019 freebies and deals.

The History and Significance of National Ice Cream Day

The tradition of celebrating ice cream dates back to 1984 when President Ronald Reagan recognized the cultural and economic importance of ice cream in American society. Reagan's proclamation noted that the ice cream industry generated $3.5 billion in annual sales at that time, highlighting its significant economic impact. The establishment of National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day aimed to celebrate this beloved treat and encourage Americans to enjoy ice cream in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Ice cream holds a special place in American history, with notable historical figures such as Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson all known to have enjoyed the frozen delicacy. The first recorded serving of ice cream at an official event occurred in 1813 when First Lady Dolley Madison served it at the Inaugural Ball. Throughout the years, various innovations have shaped the ice cream industry, including Augustus Jackson's creation of multiple ice cream recipes and a superior manufacturing technique in 1832, and Nancy Johnson's patent for a small-scale hand-cranked ice cream freezer in 1843. The iconic image of ice cream trucks cruising neighborhood streets began in 1920 when Harry Burt put the first ice cream trucks on the streets.

Major Chain Restaurant Ice Cream Deals

Several national and regional restaurant chains participated in National Ice Cream Day 2019 by offering special promotions and freebies. These deals provided consumers with opportunities to enjoy their favorite frozen treats at reduced costs or no cost at all.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins offered an attractive incentive for new app users. Individuals downloading the Baskin-Robbins app for the first time received a free regular-sized scoop of ice cream simply for joining the app. This promotion allowed customers to immediately enjoy one of Baskin-Robbins' 31 classic or seasonal flavors without any purchase requirement, making it one of the most straightforward free offers available on National Ice Cream Day.

Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery required slightly more participation but still offered a valuable deal. Customers who signed up for the Cold Stone Creamery Rewards program by Saturday before National Ice Cream Day received a buy-one,-get-one-free coupon for ice cream creations. This promotion encouraged new customer acquisition while rewarding existing members with an opportunity to share their favorite frozen treats with friends or family.

Carvel

Carvel participated in the celebration with a classic buy-one-get-one-free offer on soft-serve cups or cones. This straightforward promotion allowed customers to enjoy their favorite Carvel treats either solo or with a companion, making it an appealing option for families and couples looking to indulge together.

Dippin' Dots

Dippin' Dots offered free mini cups of their signature "ice cream of the future" at participating locations. However, the promotion came with a time constraint, as each location only served the offer for two hours on National Ice Cream Day. This limited-time deal created urgency and encouraged customers to check with their local Dippin' Dots location to determine specific operating hours for the promotion.

Potbelly

Potbelly combined ice cream with their menu offerings by providing a free large hand-dipped milkshake with the purchase of any entrée. Customers needed to mention "National Ice Cream Day" when ordering to receive this special offer. This promotion encouraged customers to try Potbelly's food offerings while enjoying a complementary dessert.

CREAM

CREAM, known for its customizable ice cream creations, offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on scoops at participating locations. This promotion allowed customers to experiment with different flavor combinations or share a treat with a friend, making it an appealing option for ice cream lovers looking to maximize their National Ice Cream Day experience.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies, famous for their late-night treats, offered a free scoop of ice cream with any purchase. The promotion described as a "bank error in your favor" by the source, provided customers with an opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat alongside their freshly baked cookies.

Yogurtland

Yogurtland participated in National Ice Cream Day with a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on treats, including their new dairy-free Key Lime Pie flavor and the Cookies & Créme Light Ice Cream with Oreo wafers. The promotion was available from 1-6pm, giving customers a five-hour window to take advantage of the deal. This BOGO offer was particularly appealing as it included both traditional and dairy-free options, accommodating various dietary preferences.

Humphry Slocombe

Humphry Slocombe, a specialty ice cream shop, collaborated with Square to offer free scoops of a new sundae-inspired flavor with a strawberry and roasted banana base, topped with salted dark chocolate cookie crumbles. This exclusive flavor debut provided customers with an opportunity to try a unique creation that might not have been available otherwise.

Wendy's

While not exclusively an ice cream shop, Wendy's participated in the celebration by offering small Frostys for just fifty cents. This discounted price made the popular frozen dessert accessible to a wider audience, allowing customers to enjoy a sweet treat at a fraction of the regular cost.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets, the retro-style diner chain, offered a free milkshake with the purchase of any entree. This promotion encouraged customers to enjoy a complete dining experience while indulging in a classic milkshake, available in various flavors to suit different preferences.

LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse participated in National Ice Cream Day with a special price on their dessert offering, providing Steak & Bourbon ice cream for just $3.99. This promotion introduced customers to a unique dessert option that combined the flavors of their restaurant's signature dishes with a sweet frozen treat.

Free Offers at Specialty Shops and Cafes

In addition to the major chains, several specialty shops and cafes participated in National Ice Cream Day 2019 with unique free offers that added to the celebration's diversity.

Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements, known for their fruit arrangements, offered a taste of their new Frozen Strawberry-Lemonade at no cost to customers. While this offer was available starting July 8 rather than specifically on National Ice Cream Day, it provided an opportunity for customers to try a frozen treat alternative to traditional ice cream.

Nutella Café

Nutella Café created excitement at their Chicago and New York locations by offering free frozen Nutella pops to the first 50 customers each day. Subsequent customers still received a free scoop of gelato, ensuring that all visitors had an opportunity to enjoy a complimentary treat. This tiered promotion created buzz and encouraged early visits to secure the more exclusive frozen pop offering.

Uniqlo

The Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo surprised customers by offering free My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream at their locations. This unexpected partnership between a clothing retailer and a frozen treat brand provided customers with a unique opportunity to enjoy a small, bite-sized dessert while shopping.

Pet-Friendly Ice Cream Offers

Recognizing that pets enjoy frozen treats too, several businesses extended National Ice Cream Day celebrations to include four-legged family members.

Petsmart and PetsHotel

Petsmart and PetsHotel offered free doggie ice cream topped with biscuit treats on both July 20 and July 21, while supplies lasted. This promotion allowed pet owners to include their dogs in the National Ice Cream Day festivities, providing a special treat that was safe and enjoyable for canine consumption.

Local Ice Cream Shop Promotions

While national chains attracted significant attention, numerous local ice cream shops across the country participated in National Ice Cream Day with their own unique promotions. These local establishments often provided more personalized experiences and supported community businesses.

In Central New York specifically, several local ice cream shops offered specials on National Ice Cream Day: - Big Dip! - Plank Road Ice Cream - Bliss Ice Cream Stand - The Ice Cream Stand - Gannon's Ice Cream - Broadway Cafe and Arctic Island - Sno Top - Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe - Thee Diner & Ice Cream Stand - Vicky's Tasty Treats - JT's Creamery and Cafe

Each of these local shops likely offered their own unique promotions, ranging from free first scoops to special flavors created exclusively for National Ice Cream Day. Supporting these local businesses provided customers with an opportunity to discover new favorites while contributing to the local economy.

Pre-National Ice Cream Day Promotions

Some businesses began their celebrations before the actual National Ice Cream Day, extending the festivities throughout the weekend.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon offered two free Cinnabon BonBites at their stores on Saturday from noon to 6pm. Additionally, Pilot and Flying J rest stops with Cinnabon outlets provided the same deal on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. This early promotion allowed customers to begin their weekend celebration with a sweet treat that wasn't traditional ice cream but still fit the frozen dessert theme.

Important Considerations for Participants

When taking advantage of National Ice Cream Day promotions, several factors should be considered to ensure the best possible experience:

Participation Requirements

Many offers required specific actions or met conditions: - First-time app downloads (Baskin-Robbins) - Rewards program sign-ups (Cold Stone Creamery) - Purchase requirements (most BOGO offers) - Time-limited availability (Dippin' Dots, Yogurtland) - Location-specific participation (all offers)

Supply Limitations

Numerous promotions were available while supplies lasted, which meant that popular items could potentially sell out before the end of the promotional period. This was particularly relevant for offers with limited quantities, such as the Nutella Café frozen Nutella pops available only to the first 50 customers.

Geographic Restrictions

Not all promotions were available at all locations. Many chain restaurants offered deals only at participating stores, which varied by region. Local ice cream shop promotions were obviously restricted to their specific geographic areas.

Verification Requirements

Some offers required customers to mention specific phrases, such as "National Ice Cream Day" at Potbelly, to receive their free items. Customers needed to be aware of these requirements to ensure they received their promotional items without issues.

Tips for Maximizing National Ice Cream Day Benefits

To make the most of National Ice Cream Day promotions, consider the following strategies:

1. Plan Ahead: Research which businesses in your area are participating and their specific offer details before heading out.

2. Check Operating Hours: Some promotions had limited time windows, so verify when offers are available.

3. Consider Group Participation: BOGO offers work well for sharing with friends or family members.

4. Download Apps in Advance: If offers require app downloads, complete these before the promotion day to avoid technical issues.

5. Follow Social Media: Many businesses announce last-minute deals or changes through their social media channels.

6. Bring Pets: For pet-friendly locations, bring along four-legged family members to enjoy special treats.

Conclusion

National Ice Cream Day 2019 provided ice cream enthusiasts with numerous opportunities to enjoy their favorite frozen treats through free samples, BOGO deals, and special promotions. From major chains like Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery to local ice cream shops and even pet-friendly offerings, the celebration demonstrated ice cream's universal appeal. By understanding the specific requirements, limitations, and participation guidelines, consumers could maximize their benefits and enjoy a sweet celebration of this beloved American treat. As Ronald Reagan recognized in 1984, ice cream holds a special place in American culture and continues to bring joy to people of all ages, making National Ice Cream Day a cherished annual tradition.

Sources

1. National Ice Cream Day 2019: Where To Find Sweet Deals, Freebies
2. Sweet treat lovers, listen up! National Ice Cream Day Is July 20 – Here's Where You Can Get Tasty Freebies
3. Dig into freebies on National Ice Cream Day
4. National Ice Cream Day freebies & 'preview'
5. Get free ice cream, National Ice Cream Day deals at Dairy Queen, Burger King and more
6. National Ice Cream Month deals 2019: free ice cream
7. National Ice Cream Day free deals & freebies 2019