Daily Promotions Drive Traffic to 16-Location Chain Ritter's Frozen Custard is marking National Frozen Custard Day on August 8 with a week-long promotional campaign spanning August 3–8 at participating locations across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Texas, and Georgia. The chain is offering a different discount each day, ranging from a buy-one-get-one promotion on August 3 to a $1.99 two-scoop cake cone or dish on August 8. Mid-week specials include 50% off shakes and glaciers (Aug. 4), a kids-free sundae with adult purchase (Aug. 5), and 50% off Italian ice (Aug. 6). Signature sundaes are discounted to $4.99 on August 7.
Grand Prize Giveaway Includes Year-Long Free Custard Customers can enter a sweepstakes via in-store QR code or online at ritters.com/rfc-week with no purchase necessary. Grand prizes include 52 vouchers for free frozen custard for a year, eight vouchers for free frozen custard for a month, a sundae party pack for up to 10 guests, and gift cards ranging from $5 to $500. According to Bob Bagnell, CFO of Ritter's Frozen Custard, "Frozen Custard Week is our way of thanking the guests and communities who have supported Ritter's for generations. National Frozen Custard Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate what makes frozen custard special while creating fun experiences for families. Whether you're a longtime fan or visiting Ritter's for the first time, there's something exciting waiting for you every day of the week."
About Ritter's Founded in Franklin, Indiana in 1989, Ritter's operates 16 brick-and-mortar locations and serves frozen custard made fresh daily in-store, along with Italian ices, cones, sundaes, floats, shakes, smoothies, and food items including burgers, hot dogs, and fries. The company is currently led by partners Bob Bagnell, Stew Stolz, and Miguel Dominguez.
Why It Matters
Seasonal promotions tied to industry observances like National Frozen Custard Day remain a proven tactic for independent and regional chains to drive traffic and basket size during summer months. Ritter's multi-day format and no-purchase-necessary giveaway structure lower barriers to entry and extend engagement across the week—a model operators in dessert and quick-service segments increasingly use to compete with larger chains.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors