National Ice Cream Day, observed on the third Sunday of July each year, provides an opportunity for ice cream brands and retailers to offer promotional deals, discounts, and free items to consumers. In 2019, this holiday fell on July 21. Various national chains and local establishments announced specials for this date, ranging from buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers to complimentary items with certain conditions. These promotions often require specific actions, such as signing up for rewards programs, downloading mobile applications, or making a purchase. Availability typically varies by location, and many offers are subject to supply limitations or time restrictions. Consumers interested in these deals should verify details with individual stores, as participation and terms can differ. The following sections detail specific promotions reported for National Ice Cream Day in 2019, organized by participating brands.
National Ice Cream Day 2019 Deal Details by Brand
Carvel
Carvel, a national chain specializing in soft-serve ice cream, offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) promotion on July 21, 2019. Customers who purchased one cup or cone of soft ice cream at participating shops nationwide received a second cup or cone free of charge. This deal was valid during regular business hours at all participating locations. No purchase threshold or additional requirements were mentioned for this offer.
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery provided a BOGO offer on "Creations" (custom ice cream mixes) for members of its rewards program. New members who signed up for the rewards program via the brand's website by July 18, 2019, received the BOGO deal. Existing rewards members also received the offer, which was added to their accounts on July 21. To redeem, participants provided their phone number at the register and requested the BOGO offer. The promotion was valid through July 28, 2019. Additionally, Cold Stone offered a $10 bonus eCard for every $30 in gift cards purchased during this period.
Cumberland Farms
Cumberland Farms promoted a discount on ice cream pints for National Ice Cream Day. On July 21, 2019, customers could text the word "SCOOPS" to 64827 to receive a $1 discount valid for any pint of Cumberland Farms' Ultimate Scoops ice cream. This offer was available at participating locations.
Dippin' Dots
Dippin' Dots, known for its bead-shaped ice cream, offered free mini cups of ice cream on July 21, 2019. This giveaway occurred during a two-hour window at participating locations, including shopping centers and standalone stores. Customers were advised to check with their local store to confirm the specific two-hour time slot for the free offer.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen (DQ) offered a promotion for customers using the DQ mobile app. With the app coupon, customers could buy one Cupfection (a soft-serve sundae) at regular price and receive a second Cupfection for $0.99. This deal was valid on July 21, 2019, at participating locations. The offer was limited to one per person per visit.
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins had multiple promotions for National Ice Cream Day. On July 21, 2019, customers could purchase two pre-packed quarts of any ice cream for $7.99. Additionally, customers who downloaded the Baskin-Robbins app could redeem a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream. For orders placed through DoorDash on July 21 with a minimum purchase of $10, customers could add a free scoop to their cart and use the code "FREESCOOP" at checkout. Using the code "STRANGERTHINGS" also waived the delivery fee for these orders.
McDonald's
McDonald's offered a $1 vanilla cone deal at participating locations on July 21, 2019. This promotion was available through the McDonald's app.
Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements offered a free sample of their new Frozen Strawberry-Lemonade on July 8, 2019, in advance of National Ice Cream Day. Customers could visit participating locations to receive this freebie without making a purchase.
Potbelly
Potbelly provided a free large hand-dipped milkshake with the purchase of any entrée on July 21, 2019. Customers needed to mention National Ice Cream Day at the counter to receive this offer.
CREAM
CREAM (Cookies and Everything Amazing) offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) scoop promotion at participating locations. This deal was valid on July 21 and July 22, 2019.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies offered a free scoop of ice cream with any purchase on July 21, 2019.
Yogurtland
Yogurtland offered a BOGO promotion on treats, including new dairy-free Key Lime Pie and Cookies & Créme Light Ice Cream with Oreo wafers. This offer was valid on July 21, 2019, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at participating locations.
Humphry Slocombe
Humphry Slocombe, in partnership with Square, offered free scoops of a new sundae-inspired flavor featuring a strawberry and roasted banana base, topped with salted dark chocolate cookie crumbles. This promotion was for National Ice Cream Day.
Halo Top
Halo Top Creamery celebrated National Ice Cream Day with its Halo Top Pops. Specific deal details were not provided in the source material.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Bruster's Real Ice Cream locations in Apex and Durham offered a contest to win a year of free ice cream, valid through July 31, 2019. No purchase was necessary to enter; details were available on their Facebook page.
Andia's Homemade Ice Cream
Andia's Homemade Ice Cream in Cary offered a 10% friends and family discount to everyone on July 21, 2019. This discount excluded to-go items such as quarts, cookie 6-packs, cakes, and pies.
Briggs Hardware
Briggs Hardware in Raleigh offered $1.00 scoops of strawberry cheesecake ice cream on July 20, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while supplies lasted. As the store was closed on Sunday, this deal was available on Saturday.
Greer Station
Greer Station in Greer, South Carolina, announced that Abbotts Frozen Custard and Stomping Grounds Greer would offer free ice cream in a limited edition CenterG hard hat bowl to the first 300 customers on July 21, 2019.
General Considerations for National Ice Cream Day Deals
When participating in National Ice Cream Day promotions, consumers should be aware of several factors. Offers are typically valid only at participating locations, and availability may vary by region. Many deals require customers to have a restaurant's mobile app, be signed up for email newsletters, or join a rewards program to receive the offer. Some promotions are limited to specific time windows or while supplies last. It is recommended to confirm deal details with the nearest location before visiting. Additionally, some offers may require a purchase to qualify for a free item or discount. Terms and conditions for individual promotions were not fully detailed in all sources, so direct verification with the brand is advised.
Conclusion
National Ice Cream Day 2019 featured a variety of promotions from national chains and local businesses across the United States. Deals included buy-one-get-one offers, discounted pints, free scoops with purchase, and complimentary items during specific time windows. Participation in these promotions often required downloading a mobile app, signing up for a rewards program, or making a qualifying purchase. Consumers should check with individual locations for offer availability, hours, and specific terms. The information provided is based on reports from July 2019 and may not reflect current promotions.