In honor of National Ice Cream Day 2018, we looked at our consumer attendance data to see where people get their ice cream fix. Did your favorite spot make our list of the top 25 most popular ice cream shops? Find out below!
25. Bahama Buck’s
Bahama Buck’s started out as just another summer college job in 1990 for founder Blake Buchanan. Now, nearly 30 years later, Bahama Buck’s brings its island flavors and yummy snow cones to people all over the US.
24. Whit’s Frozen Custard
Whit’s Frozen Custard is a family run business with locations in seven states. Whit’s credits its focus on fresh ingredients for the long lines outside their storefronts on warm summer nights.
23. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Made every day, one batch at a time, there is nothing quite like Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt. This family owned chain has been serving up frozen goodness since 1945.
22. Sub Zero Ice Cream
Sub Zero Ice Cream is the place to go for ice cream with a twist: each cup is made to order and frozen in front of your eyes using a patented liquid nitrogen cooling process.
21. Kilwin's
More than just a traditional ice cream shop, Kilwins also specializes in their world famous fudge, candy, and chocolate treats!
20. Cream
This California based chain is known for their sweet ice cream sandwiches. CREAM currently offers cookie, brownie, do’sant, and waffle ice cream sandwiches made with a wide variety of ice creams and toppings!
19. Amy’s Ice Cream
This charming chain based out of Austin, Texas has been serving up fresh ice cream for many years. The people of Austin even named it 2017’s best ice cream/frozen treat!
18. Paciugo
Ugo Ginatta came over from Italy and founded Paciugo to share his beloved Italian flavors with the people of the United States. Paciugos still makes their gelato according to the same old Italian family recipe.
17. Graeter’s
This family run chain got its start in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early 1920s and has been making its ice cream the same way ever since. It is the only commercial ice cream made in two gallon French pot freezers.
16. Andy’s Frozen Custard
Andy’s Frozen Custard has been serving up freshly made frozen custard since 1986. They serve seasonal favorites alongside traditional vanilla and chocolate for an unforgettable experience!
15. Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store serves up their ice cream in homemade waffle cones and traditional glassware in an old school environment. They also sell a selection of other dairy products in addition to their famous ice cream.
14. Maggie Moo’s
Maggie Moo’s famous cow has been greeting families since its doors first opened in 1989.
13. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is an Ohio-based chain that specializes in homemade frozen goodness. They’re known far and wide for their variety, including vegan options!
12. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers now serves customers in 32 states. Customers love Freddy’s for their delicious frozen custard and their juicy cheeseburgers!
11. Bruster’s
Bruster’s Ice Cream is committed to making the best ice cream possible from locally sourced, farm fresh ingredients. With stores nationwide, there may be one near you!
10. Ben & Jerry’s
Famous for their endless flavors, Ben & Jerry’s is one of the best-known names in the ice cream business. Their storefronts have been serving customers around the country since 1981.
9. Rita’s
Known for their wicked good Italian ice and frozen custard, Rita’s is a relative newcomer to the ice cream crowd. Rita’s signature gelati are favorites among fans!
8. Marble Slab Creamery
At Marble Slab Creamery, the combinations are only limited to what you can come up with! Marble Slab pioneered the use of a cold slab of granite to mix toppings into ice cream. The options are endless!
7. Dippin’ Dots
First created by a microbiologist, Dippin’ Dots took the ice cream world by storm when they launched their fun-to-eat dessert. Now a theme-park and stadium staple, Dippin’ Dots has millions of loyal fans across America!
6. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs ice cream is known for its velvety texture and commitment to natural flavors. This company has been churning out amazing variations on our favorite ice cream flavors since 1976.
5. Carvel
Best known for their soft serve ice cream and delicious ice cream cakes, Carvel has been serving smiles to its customers since 1929. Carvel was the first company to sell soft serve ice cream in the Northeastern United States.
4. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen started as a father-son business selling frozen treats in the 1940s. The chain has since grown into one of the largest treat chains in the world!
3. Braum’s
Braum’s is the only completely family-owned chain to make it into our top 10! The Braum family owns and operates about 300 stores within 300 miles of their dairy farm in Oklahoma. Their entire supply chain is controlled – from the cows to the storefront – to ensure the best customer experience.
2. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery is determined to spread a little happiness to its customers through its delicious variety of ice creams and treats! Their idea that everyone can escape for a ten minute vacation while enjoying one of their signature creations lets Cold Stone Creamery stand out from the crowd.
1. Baskin-Robbins
It’s no surprise that the world’s largest ice cream chain topped our list. With over 7,800 stores worldwide and 1,300 flavors of ice cream in their flavor bank, Baskin-Robbins has captured the hearts of ice cream lovers everywhere.
To learn how foot traffic data can inform your business, book a meeting with us today.
