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Ice Cream for Breakfast: A Fun Tradition That Means Business
Who wouldn’t want to start their day with ice cream? Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is more than just a reason to indulge—it’s become a creative way for ice cream shops to bring in customers, boost revenue, and build excitement during the quieter winter months. Held every year on the first Saturday in February, this quirky holiday is gaining traction, thanks in part to how smart businesses are making it their own.

How Did Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Begin?
The story starts in the 1960s with Florence Rappaport, a mom from Rochester, New York, who decided to turn a snowy morning into something special by serving her kids ice cream for breakfast. What began as a small family tradition spread through the community and beyond, becoming an official holiday that now gives ice cream shops around the world a chance to get creative—and profitable.
How Ice Cream Shops Are Making It Work
Every business brings its own twist to Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, and the possibilities are endless. Some shops offer limited-edition flavors inspired by breakfast favorites, like waffle cone sundaes topped with syrup and bacon bits or affogatos (espresso poured over ice cream) for the coffee crowd. Others create “build-your-own” cereal sundae stations or run early-bird specials to get families through the door.
For example:
- A shop in Kansas turned its store into a morning café, complete with “Pancake Stack” ice cream and warm donut ice cream sandwiches.
- In California, Duck Donuts in Kansas City, Missouri: Known for their made-to-order donuts, introduced donut ice cream sandwiches, combining their signature warm donuts with creamy ice cream—a delightful breakfast-dessert fusion.
- Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina, turned up the morning vibes last year by featuring affogato—espresso poured over ice cream—as a special treat for Ice Cream for Breakfast Day.
These kinds of events are about more than selling ice cream—they create buzz, build community, and get people talking (and posting on social media).
Innovative Ideas to Delight Your Customers:
- Exclusive Breakfast Flavors: Offer limited-time flavors like Maple Pancake, Coffee & Donuts, or Blueberry Muffin.
- Ice Cream Pairings: Serve scoops alongside breakfast items such as waffles, pancakes, or even bacon for a sweet and savory combo.
- Morning Specials: Provide discounts or promotions for early birds to encourage morning visits.
- Collaborate Locally: Partner with nearby bakeries or coffee shops to create unique ice cream-infused breakfast items.
- Social Media Engagement: Encourage customers to share their breakfast ice cream moments using a dedicated hashtag, and feature their posts on your channels.
- Charity Fundraisers: Many shops use this fun tradition to give back, turning it into a fundraiser for local charities and community causes. A sweet way to make a difference!
How NICRA Is Getting Involved and Helping Shops Succeed

For many of these shops, the North American Ice Cream Association (NICRA) has become a valuable resource for bringing Ice Cream for Breakfast Day to life. Each year, NICRA provides marketing kits with ideas and materials to help businesses plan and promote their events. These aren’t cookie-cutter instructions—they’re designed to inspire creativity and make hosting events easier.
The kits include social media graphics, menu ideas, event tips, and suggestions for how to get the word out. Businesses can adapt these resources to their own style, which is why no two Ice Cream for Breakfast events are ever the same. It’s all about taking a simple idea and turning it into something unique for your community.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day isn’t just fun—it’s a smart way to boost sales and visibility. By creating an experience that brings people together, you’re not just selling ice cream; you’re building relationships with customers who’ll keep coming back. Whether you’re serving affogatos for the coffee lovers or topping sundaes with fruity pebbles for the kids, this event is an opportunity to show off what makes your shop special.
So, how are you going to put your spin on Ice Cream for Breakfast Day? Whether it’s waffle-inspired sundaes or something totally unexpected, the only limit is your imagination (and maybe the size of your scooper).
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