National Frozen Custard Day is an annual observance held every year on August 8, dedicated to celebrating the creamy dessert that distinguishes itself from traditional ice cream through a higher egg yolk content. This 1-day event typically features participating chains and local shops offering free or discounted frozen custard to mark the occasion. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Thursday, with several major chains and regional restaurants preparing promotions that range from completely free items to significant discounts.
While National Frozen Custard Day is often confused with National Ice Cream Day or National Frozen Yogurt Day, it stands as its own distinct holiday. The tradition traces back to 1919 when brothers Archie and Elton Kohr invented the treat on Coney Island, New York, adding eggs to ice cream to create a creamier taste and smoother texture. By 1933, after a custard stand appeared at the World's Fair in Chicago, the treat spread across the country, maintaining particular popularity in the Midwest.
For consumers looking to participate in 2025, offers generally require visiting participating locations on August 8, though some brands extend their celebrations over multiple days. Availability varies by region, with some deals exclusive to loyalty program members or requiring app-based redemption.
Major Chain Offers for 2025
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has announced a multi-day celebration for National Frozen Custard Day in 2025. The promotion extends from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10, providing three days of discounted treats for loyalty members and guests. The offers include: - Any mini frost or shake for $1 - Any regular frost or shake for $2 - Any large frost or shake for $3
These promotions are valid for all Freddy's guests and have a limit of one per order when placed through the app or website. The deals apply to dine-in, drive-thru, and app/web orders at participating locations, though they exclude third-party delivery services and catering. The offers cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons, or promotions, and are valid only during the specified dates in 2025.
Good Times, a regional fast-food chain with 30 locations in Colorado, is offering a scoop of its creamy, all-natural frozen custard for free with any purchase on August 8, 2025. This giveaway is available in-restaurant or through the Good Times website or app. The promotion includes the chain's popular vanilla flavor as well as the Flavor of the Month, S'mores. The deal has a limit of one per person and requires a minimum purchase to qualify.
BurgerFi, which participated in previous years, offered a small frozen custard cup for $1 in 2023, representing a 74.8% discount from the regular price of $3.97. While specific 2025 details for BurgerFi were not explicitly confirmed in the available documentation, the brand has historically been mentioned as a participant in National Frozen Custard Day celebrations.
Regional and Local Deals
St. Louis area consumers have access to several local custard shops offering specials on August 8. These deals vary by location and may include: - Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: $1 single dishes, cones, and custard cookies all day - Andy's: 86-cent cones with chocolate or vanilla options - Fritz's Frozen Custard: Up to four scoops on a cone for $1.50
These St. Louis-specific promotions represent local participation in the national holiday and may not be available at all locations of these chains in other regions.
Redemption Methods and Requirements
Most National Frozen Custard Day offers require consumers to visit participating locations in person on August 8, 2025. However, some promotions offer digital redemption options:
App-Based Orders: Freddy's allows offer redemption through their mobile app and website, enabling customers to order ahead for pickup or dine-in. Good Times also honors their promotion through their website or app.
Loyalty Program Membership: While Freddy's extends their offers to all guests, some promotions may require loyalty program membership for full access. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, mentioned in related coverage, offers buy-one-get-one-free treats every Wednesday through October 15, exclusively through their app for rewards members.
Purchase Requirements: Several deals require a minimum purchase to qualify. Good Times requires any purchase to receive a free scoop of frozen custard, while other promotions like Freddy's $1, $2, $3 deals do not specify a purchase requirement.
Limits and Restrictions: Most offers limit one free or discounted item per person or per order. Third-party delivery services are typically excluded from app-based promotions. Offers generally cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
Historical Context and Trends
Based on 2023 data, National Frozen Custard Day offers ranged from completely free items to buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free deals. The Krazy Coupon Lady tracked two specific offers in 2023, demonstrating the consistency of participation among major chains.
The holiday has evolved to include extended celebrations, as seen with Freddy's three-day promotion in 2025. This trend allows consumers who cannot visit on August 8 itself to still participate in the celebration.
Regional popularity remains strong in the Midwest, particularly in areas like Milwaukee and St. Louis, where frozen custard has a dedicated following. Local shops often participate alongside national chains, providing consumers with multiple options in custard-friendly regions.
Planning Your Visit
Consumers interested in participating should verify participation with their local locations before visiting. While major chains typically announce their promotions in advance, individual franchise locations may have varying participation levels.
For those without immediate access to custard shops, some retailers offer frozen custard products in grocery freezer aisles. During related promotions like National Ice Cream Day, retailers such as Target, Publix, and Kroger feature discounts on frozen treats, though these are not specific to custard.
The 2025 celebration falls on a Thursday, which may impact lunch-hour crowds at participating locations. Consumers who prefer to avoid peak times might consider visiting during off-peak hours or utilizing app-based ordering where available.
Conclusion
National Frozen Custard Day on August 8, 2025, offers consumers opportunities to enjoy free or discounted frozen custard through participating chains like Freddy's, Good Times, and potentially BurgerFi. The celebrations extend beyond a single day for some brands, with Freddy's offering three days of deals. Redemption typically requires visiting participating locations, though app-based ordering is available for some promotions. Consumers should verify local participation and be aware of limits, purchase requirements, and exclusion policies that apply to each offer.
Sources
- The Krazy Coupon Lady - National Frozen Custard Day
- The Freebie Guy - Freddy's Food Deals
- Mile High on the Cheap - Good Times National Frozen Custard Day Deal
- WTOP - Friday Freebies
- St. Louis Magazine - National Frozen Custard Day St. Louis Deals
- Good Morning America - Free Ice Cream Discounts National Ice Cream Day
