Metro Detroit spots celebrate first day of spring with free ice cream, Italian ice
Need more enticement? How does free sound?
Marking spring's arrival are free offers from Dairy Queen and Rita's Italian Ice.
Here are the free deals:
Participating Dairy Queen non-mall locations welcome the arrival of spring with its annual Free Cone Day. Customers can receive a free small Dairy Queen (DQ) vanilla cone. The offer runs all day and is limited to one per person while supplies last and not valid on delivery or mobile orders. Dairy Queen's website lists 157 Michigan locations.
Participating DQ locations also will host a "Dip it for Kids" to benefit Corewell Health Children's hospital. The campaign provides customers a chance to dip cones for $1 charge in hard-shell coating flavors such as chocolate, cherry, or butterscotch. The extra $1 collected benefits pediatric patients at Corewell Health Children's hospital helping to fund "cutting-edge health care equipment and other program needs," according to a news release.
Rita's Italian Ice, with hundreds of locations nationwide, including four in metro Detroit, is back with its annual free giveaway tradition to celebrate the first day of spring.
On Thursday, customers at Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard can receive a free 6-ounce Italian ice. Customers can choose from dozens of rotating Rita's classic Italian Ice flavors, from fruit to cotton candy to Kool-Aid.
Rita's Italian Ice's newest flavor is Skittles Italian Ice, inspired by the fruity-flavored candy. Skittles Pop'd crunchy freeze-dried candy joins Rita's topping lineup for a limited time this spring. Other menu items at Rita's include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita's Blenders, and milkshakes.
'For over 30 years, Rita's First Day of Spring Giveaway has been more than just a tradition ‒ it's a moment of pure joy and connection that marks the start of a new season with a refreshing cup of Rita's happiness,' said Linda Chadwick, president & CEO of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, in a news release.On Thursday Rita's Italian Ice expects to give away about one million cups to celebrate. There's also a chance for 30 Rita's app users to win Rita's Italian Ice for a year. Rita's app users can use the promo code 'FDOS25' under the offers tab now through 11:59 p.m. Sunday to enter for a chance to win. For rules, go to ritasice.com/FDOSSweepstakes2025.In metro Detroit, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard locations are in Farmington Hills, Lathrup Village, Sterling Heights, and Taylor.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on X. Subscribe to the Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dairy Queen to offer free ice cream cones on Thursday: What to know
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
BirdieBox Reemerges Under New Ownership: A Stronger, More Purposeful Future Begins
IRVING, Texas, July 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BirdieBox, the premium provider of curated corporate gifting solutions, is proud to announce its revitalization under new ownership and leadership - marking a bold new chapter centered on operational integrity, elevated client service, and sustainable growth. Previously, BirdieBox experienced instability and organizational strain that impacted customers, vendors and employees. Recognizing the strength of the brand and the loyalty of its client base, an existing institutional investor has taken active ownership and is leading the company forward with renewed clarity, capital, and commitment. "We're not starting over - we're starting stronger," said Spring Hollis, CEO of Star Strong Capital and interim CEO of BirdieBox. "We believe in this brand's mission, its people, and its potential. Our team has the expertise and appetite for the challenge that turnarounds demand. BirdieBox has a great product - it simply lacked the stewardship to deliver with excellence. That changes now." As part of this transformation, BirdieBox now operates under BirdieBox Holdings, headquartered in Irving, Texas. The company has made key leadership and operational staffing changes to support a more stable and high-performing future, while re-investing in its most experienced and client-loved team members with a renewed commitment to delivering exceptional gifting experiences. BirdieBox has also engaged co-founder and former Chief Strategy Officer behind their most successful years, Michael Myers, to help shape the next chapter, ensuring the core spirit of BirdieBox continues to drive its growth. "BirdieBox was a special place… built on a foundation of client trust and an unwavering quest to craft the perfect user experience," Myers emphasizes. "Somewhere along the way, those things became secondary. It's time to return to the principles of transparency, integrity and execution that once had this company on a fast track to greatness… and this is the leadership team to do just that." With new investment and leadership, BirdieBox is rebuilding with intention - enhancing fulfillment systems, stabilizing timelines, and improving project delivery across every touchpoint. Clients will still enjoy the company's signature white-glove service - branded pop-ups, custom portals, and thoughtfully curated gifting campaigns - now with a foundation built for reliability and excellence. "This is more than a relaunch," Hollis added. "To the clients who've stuck with us, and to the ones giving us a fresh look, we're here to demonstrate the enduring value of personalized gifting experiences." For more information, visit For details about the transition, visit View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, contact Rebecca Louzan at rebecca@ or (781) 635-6719 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
People with savings urged to check accounts as billions being lost against inflation rate
The total balance of adult savings accounts failing to beat inflation has surged by nearly £200 billion since January, reaching at least £660 billion, according to new analysis by Spring, the savings app that connects directly to current accounts. Spring compared CACI data, which compiles savings data from over 40 leading savings providers, from the end of January to May. This 36 per cent increase in just four months highlights the growing risk to savers as inflation continues to rise. While the number of accounts earning 3.50 per cent or less has also grown - up nine million to total 67.6m - it's the sheer volume of money sitting in underperforming accounts that poses the greatest concern. READ MORE: New plans to make it easier for homeowners to remortgage or switch lenders READ MORE: Money-saving tips to help people living on their own make cash go further UK Government data issued last week shows that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate stood at 3.6 per cent in June, up from 3.4 per cent recorded in May. Derek Sprawling, Spring Head of Money, said: 'As inflation continues to climb, the real value of people's savings is being steadily eroded. Today, £660 billion is sitting in accounts that fail to keep pace with inflation; this should be a wake-up call for savers. 'It's time to review where your money is held and ensure it's working harder for you. Look for providers offering rates above 3.50 per cent - anything less means your savings are losing value in real terms.' He continued: 'With so much money languishing in low-paying accounts, Spring offers a compelling alternative to saving with major UK banks or just leaving your money in your current account. Spring connects directly to your current account in seconds, working alongside it to deliver significantly better returns through a simple and easy-to-use app. 'Unlike most bank easy access savings accounts, there are no hidden surprises with Spring - no bonus rates, restrictions or fees. You don't need to move your current account; just enjoy a competitive rate, unlimited withdrawals and easy access to your money whenever you need it. Utilising leading technology, you can transfer money in seconds and start to benefit from a better rate.' Spring is currently offering a competitive 4.30 per cent AER with no hidden fees or restrictions, and seamless integration with your current account. Spring helps savers take control of their money and earn more without switching banks.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
East End deli to open new cafe next week
AN East End deli has announced it is opening a new cafe. Pietro's Deli, located in Bowpark Industrial Estate on Carmyle Avenue, is set to open Mamma Vivienne's Italian Cafe. The new eatery will open its doors on Monday, July 28. READ NEXT: Fashion and homeware brand closes city centre store In a post shared on Facebook, bosses wrote: "Fresh coffee, homemade pasta, crispy pizzas/ focaccias and sweet cannoli await." Fans of the deli, which first opened five years ago selling authentic Italian produce, were delighted by the news. READ NEXT: Cat cafe launces new rehoming charity One person wrote: "Amazing news." Another said: "Looking forward to bringing the kids down." A third person commented: "The best cafe in Glesga."
