Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Dayton Dining

Graeter’s Unleashes the Beast Feast!

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Graeter’s Ice Cream has unleashed its latest creation: Beast Feast: Cookie Dough Unleashed.

The limited-time flavor, inspired by Kings Island’s iconic wooden roller coaster, The Beast, debuts today as part of Graeter’s summer Bonus Flavors, the Bake Shop 2025 collection.

The Beast Feast is a thrill ride for your taste buds, featuring monster chunks of sugar cookie dough with colorful rainbow sprinkles swirled into a creamy cookie butter ice cream base.

The flavor is a tribute to the adrenaline-pumping fun of The Beast, which has been thrilling riders since 1979 with its record-breaking 7,361-foot track—more than 1.4 miles long—and a ride time of over four minutes. Kings Island crews recently replaced over 1,600 feet of the coaster’s track, ensuring it remains a legendary experience for years to come.

“This collaboration captures the joy of two Cincinnati icons,” Chip Graeter, fourth-generation owner of Graeter’s Ice Cream said. “It’s cookie dough unleashed, just like the roller coaster itself. You won’t want to miss this one!”

Beast Feast is available for a limited time at Graeter’s scoop shops, by the pint at Graeters.com for nationwide shipping, and by the scoop at Graeter’s location on International Street at Kings Island.

The summer Bonus Flavors lineup also includes Cinnamon Sticky Bun, Blueberry Lemon Crumble, Pineapple Passion Sorbet, Minty Brownie, and Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.

Roadtrip: Taste of Cincinnati

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Kicking off the summer season, Taste of Cincinnati takes to the streets of downtown Cincy on May 24-26 in 2025, serving up Italian, creole, vegetarian/vegan, Hawaiian, and Greek dishes and of course Cincy Region favorite – goetta!–and just about everything you can imagine in between.  So bring your appetites and prepare to dig into some of the tastiest treats from the Cincinnati Region. There will be 80 restaurants, food trucks, and Findlay Market vendors, plus an additional 12 beverage vendors including local breweries and wine.

Taste of Cincinnati  is the nation’s longest running food festival, and one of the largest street festivals in the country. There are 3 stages programed with live entertainment all weekend. Check out the lineup here.

Several downtown streets are closed for this event from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and will reopen at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Taste of Cincinnati parking is available in several nearby parking garages and parking lots on Third, Fourth, and Sixth Streets are available. Street closures and parking info will be updated throughout the weekend.

The downtown streetcar, Cincinnati Connector, makes a 3.6-mile loop through the city. It can easily connect you to Taste of Cincinnati and it’s free! Cincy Red Bikes has 52 stations between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with more than 400 bikes available.  Ride sharing with Uber or Lyft is always available–although prices can rise during peak hours of this event. Parking in Northern Kentucky is another option. The Southbank Shuttle, AKA the trolley, serves Bellevue, Covington, Newport, and Cincinnati and runs every 15 minutes. To walk over The Taylor Southgate Bridge from Newport, or the Roebling Bridge from Covington is no more than 1.5 miles to the event.

Check out Taste of Cincinnati’s website, Facebook, or Instagram for the latest updates on parking, road closures, restaurants, entertainment, and other info. Event guides and maps are also available.

Taste of Cincinnati 2025 Hours & Schedule

Saturday, May 24, 2025 –11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sunday, May 25, 2025 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Monday, May 26, 2025 – 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

There is no admission for Taste of Cincinnati. Menu items range from $4 – $8.

Ramen Comes to Kettering

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Owner Victor Wang and Jonathan Gearheart who owns the tatto shop next door.

Bushido Ramen opens this week in the space he formerly ran as Blossom Juicy Bar (they still serve the Boba Tea)  on Wilmington Pike. Owner Victor Wang told me that he has spent two years studying and practicing the art of creating Ramen. The work is evident. The menu is chocked full of tastes and flavors that span Japanese, Thai, and Chinese flavors. The ramen is more than enough, but the menu is deep with delicious appetizers, rice dishes and a delicious bun sandwich (similar to Vietnamese Bahn Mi).

I was fortunate to join a group from DaytonDining  to spend time with Victor earlier this week and taste the menu.

He has changed the game on the classic edamame appetizer. For the cautious eater stick with the Truffle Edamame. Steamed perfectly, salty with that earthy undertone of truffle oil giving an added punch of flavor the steamed beans. Those of us who like it a bit spicier he tossed the edamame with the signature Bushido Inferno, a delightful pepper oil that we saw again and again later in the menu.

The pepper chicken shouldn’t be skipped and a real surprise was the Fried Tofu. I am not normally a tofu guy, but this firm tofu is fried and drizzled with a sweet soy and spicy mayo. The accompanied cabbage makes this a great light appetizer with sweet, salty, soft, crunchy and deep savory flavors.

Pepper Chicken

Fried Tofu

The Bushido bun stole my heart. A seasoned and breaded pork cutlet, spicy mayo, cabbage on a soft Bao Bun emblazoned with Bushido’s logo for an extra touch. This was one of the best single bites of food I’ve had in Dayton in a long time. Everything clicked with this and I can’t wait to return to have another.
At every course I found myself enjoying new tastes and textures that are not part of my weekly or monthly rotation in Dayton and the south suburbs. I thought I had tasted it all when he brought out a small rice and seaweed hand held. I hate saying hand held, but this rice ball, shaped in a triangle had spicy mayo and tuna layered in between two layers of rice. I can’t describe it and I didn’t get a pic. It’s Victor’s take on a spicy tuna Musabi. Ask for one when you order.
Finally the ramen. Victor has put together a team with an eye for the details. The ramen looked as beautiful as it tasted. I had the spicy pork ramen, on the menu it was labeled Bushido Red. It’s got some spice, but the creamy broth soothed my palate between long slurps on firm noodles that still had a bit of chew. Topped with shredded mushrooms, sprouts and surprisingly a very sweet corn. The soft boiled egg is the cherry on top. The bowl was so full I couldn’t finish, and I tried.

This is a unique addition to Dayton and Kettering’s food scene. The fusion of Asian flavors offers something for everyone. Bobo Tea and Thai Tea’s are both available along with a large assortment of novelty bottled beverages that are sure to be popular with younger eaters.

When you stop in, tell Victor that the team from Dayton937 sent you!

 Bushido Ramen Shop

2607 Wilmington Pike
Dayton, Ohio, 45419

 

Hours:
Wed, Thurs & Sun 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat  11am – 10pm

Follow them on Instagram

 

Follow The Strawberry Spirits Trail!

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Strawberry Season has arrived in Troy! As the Community is gearing up for the Troy Strawberry Festival (June 7th & 8th) you can take part in the Strawberry Spirits Trial that will be taking place throughout the City.
At a dozen participating locations you will find Strawberry Drinks that are available May 12th thru June 8th. Check out the Virtual Map – HERE

Screenshot

Esther Price’s New Candy Passport Trail

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Esther Price Candies is inviting chocolate lovers to embark on a sweet summer adventure with its new Candy Passport Trail. The three-month event, running from May through July, encourages customers to visit Esther Price retail locations in Cincinnati and Dayton to collect stickers and earn discounts.

Shoppers can pick up a Candy Passport booklet at any Esther Price store now. By visiting all participating stores in either Dayton or Cincinnati, customers can earn a 15% discount on their next purchase. Those who complete both trails will receive a 40% discount.

Doug Dressman, CEO of Esther Price, said, “At Esther Price, summer is the perfect time to slow down, share something sweet, and make memories that stick. For generations, our chocolates have marked life’s quiet celebrations. This season, we’re simply inviting fans to keep writing that story with us.”

Participants have until July 31, 2025, to complete the trail and claim their rewards by bringing their completed passports to any Esther Price retail location. Fans are also encouraged to share their journey on social media using the hashtag #EPCandyPassport for a chance to win additional prizes. A special Father’s Day giveaway is available on the Esther Price website until June 9, 2025.

Collect & Save

Complete the Dayton Trail: Visit all participating stores in the Dayton area to receive 15% off your next purchase.

Complete the Cincinnati Trail: Visit all participating stores in the Cincinnati area to receive 15% off your next purchase.

Conquer Both Trails: Visit all participating stores in both Dayton and Cincinnati areas to receive 40% off your next purchase.

Bring in your completed passport by July 31st, 2025, at any Esther Price retail location to claim your reward.

Locations: Dayton

  1. wayne
    1709 wayne ave., dayton
  2. centerville
    269 n. main st., centerville
  3. airway plaza
    194 woodman dr., dayton
  4. clayton
    4810 bolzano blvd., clayton

    Cincinnati Locations:

  5. west chester
    8621 n. pavilion dr., west chester
  6. kenwood
    7501 montgomery rd., cincinnati
  7. bridgetown
    5500 harrison ave., cincinnati

Applebee’s All You Can Eat is back: Here’s what is included for $15.99

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Applebee’s All You Can Eat is back – and better than ever! Now for a limited time, guests can enjoy an unlimited feast of Applebee’s savory Riblets, Double Crunch Shrimp, and Chicken Tenders with NEW dipping sauces for only $15.99, when dining in.* Plus, all orders are served with endless fries!

Mix, match, and get saucy with Applebee’s All You Can Eat menu featuring a wide variety of flavors, sauces, and proteins including:

    • All You Can Eat Chicken Tenders: Crispy breaded chicken tenders, now dipped in guests’ choice of two savory sauces: Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, Honey Dijon Mustard, Hot Honey Glaze, NEW Spicy Honey Mustard, House-made Buttermilk Ranch and Bleu Cheese. Dip, dunk, and devour! Served with signature coleslaw and endless classic fries.
    • All You Can Eat Riblets: Expertly cut from the most tender pork for delicious bone-in flavor, our riblets are slow cooked and come dripping in either Honey BBQ or Sweet Asian Chile sauce. Served with signature coleslaw and endless classic fries.
    • All You Can Eat Double Crunch Shrimp: Crispy battered Double Crunch Shrimp are fried golden brown. Served with cocktail sauce, signature coleslaw and endless classic fries.

“Every combination is a win when it comes to our All You Can Eat Riblets, Double Crunch Shrimp, and Chicken Tenders,” said Reid Leslie, Vice President of Marketing, Applebee’s. “Whether starting with Riblets or Chicken Tenders paired with your favorite two sauces, followed by Double Crunch Shrimp, or sticking with your favorite – the combinations are endless!

But the abundance and variety doesn’t stop there. Guests can sip back and relax with Applebee’s Bacardi Buckets in three tasty tropical flavors including the NEW Strawberry Daq-A-Rita, Rum Breeze Bucket, and Party on the Beach Bucket or Applebee’s Cerveza & Sips, featuring the $6 Watermelon Mana Margarita featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s ultra-premium Teremana Tequila Blanco, triple sec, watermelon, and lime.**

Plus, guests of all ages can enjoy Applebee’s NEW Dirty Fountain Sodas! Guests can “dirty up” their favorite soda with a swirl of cream, whipped cream, and a cherry for $1 more.

To find your local restaurant to dine in, visit Applebees.com/restaurants

Sprite Drops Refreshing Take on Tea

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Sprite + Tea hits the market on the heels of last summer’s hit Sprite Chill, which became the No. 1 selling sparkling soft drink innovation at Coca‑Cola in 2024, earning a sustaining spot in the Sprite portfolio lineup. Schaufelberger said the team hopes Sprite + Tea will become a year-over-year seasonal offering like the holiday fan-favorite Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry.

“The Sprite + Tea concept started out as an intern research project, which is really fun and interesting,” adds A.P. Chaney, Senior Creative Director, Sparkling Flavors North America. “When it blew up on TikTok with millions of views, it was a gut check that we were on the right track. Because you never go wrong when you listen to consumers and tap into what they’re doing by becoming part of their everyday.”

Flavor innovations are a growth driver for Sprite, which is now the No. 3 sparkling soft drink brand in North America. LTOs present a fun creative challenge for the Sprite team due to limited time in market and the need to communicate multiple messages. “I love innovations, because we can take bigger swings with our marketing,” Chaney added. “Sprite has never rested on our laurels, so we’ll always continue to push ourselves to do what’s right for our consumers and the business with innovations like Sprite + Tea.”

 

 

Starbucks’ Summer Menu Just Dropped

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Starbucks announces the return of Summer Berry Refreshers, a line of berry-forward Refreshers with flavored popping pearls at the bottom of each drink, a brand-new Strawberries and Cream Cake Pop and the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso all available as of today at your favorite Starbucks location


-Returning Summer-Berry Refresher:: A sweet summer blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors mixed with water, lemonade or coconutmilk and shaken with ice. These beverages are poured over Raspberry Flavored Pearls.

-NEW Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso::Starbucks Blonde Espresso combined with new Horchata syrup that delivers a fusion of cinnamon, vanilla and rice flavors shaken together with ice and topped oatmilk.

-NEW Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop:: Strawberry Cream mixed with buttercream, dipped in chocolaty icing and finished with a strawberry design.

Director’s Cut Wine Dinner

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Immerse yourself in this sensory experience of authentic Italian cuisine

paired with the cinema-inspired wines from Francis Ford Coppola.

Much like a classic film, this four-course dinner unfolds with

anticipation, revealing layers of chef-cra‑ed flavors and thoughtful

wine pairings sure to leave you captivated.

Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine – Now Bigger and Better

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Deepika & Jay

After just 3 years in business Gulzer’s Indian Cuisine has moved.  The new space more than doubles the seating going from 73 seats to 168, which includes private space to reserve for meetings or events.  But don’t panic, they are literally moving just next door to the former Flyboy Deli spot at 219 N. Patterson Blvd, across from the Day Air Ballparkb downtown.

Deepika Singh, who owns the restaurant with her husband Jay, was kind enough to give me a tour, but was quick to point out that all the finishing touches were still in progress as I was taking pictures. She says they really weren’t looking for a new place, but when the space became available, it just seemed like the right thing to do.  She also hinted that they’ll hold on the space next door and that may become an American restaurant in the future.

The transformation of the space is impressive, bringing in the bright colors, wall accents and more to create an Indian flare in the eatery.   The Singh’s are proud to offer a sanctuary wher people can escape the stresses of daily and simply enjoy moments of good food and good company.

A bigger space means a bigger buffet and an addition of an ice cream cooler as well. The buffet is available for lunch, seven days a week and offers many vegetarian options.

You can now sit at the bar and enjoy a mango lassi, cocktail or a bottle of wine with your meal.

Or grab a table across from the bar.

One of two area’s that be reserved for private events:

Also with the new space, a new menu, with Owner Jay and his father, Paramjeet, are the  chefs. Tbey are best known for  recipes from the northern region of India, especially their Karai dishes – which blend three sauces cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, and pepper as a base. In Indian food its all about the curry and gravy’s are the foundation for each dish and then flavors are built from there. Here’s just a peek of the menu:

Monday – Friday, (Lunch Hours) 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Gulzer’s Indian Cuisine

219 North Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402

937-985-9420


Mon Thurs 11am  – 2:30pm and 5-9pm
Fri 11am  – 2:30pm and 5-10pm 
Sat 11am – 3:30pm and 5-10pm
Sun 12 – 3:30 and 5-9pm

Wasabi To Open in Springboro

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After much anticipation Wasabi Japanese Cuisine is ready to open it’s doors in Springboro. Owner Leona Li took a few minutes to talk with us while she was waiting on the health inspector to give them their final occupancy permit.  If all goes well, they will open Friday May 16th at 11am. Located in the former China Cottage space, the 130 seat eatery been remodeled into a serene space with lots of greenery and booth seating, though the kitchen lay out  remains the same with some new equipment.

contributed photo

Leona says she’s worked in restaurants since she was 17 and after 20 years decided it was time to open her own place.  She choose Springboro because she feels it will allow her to create a small town community feel, where she’ll get to know her customers and enjoy a slower pace than big city life.
From expertly crafted sushi and sashimi to sizzling teppanyaki and comforting ramen, the menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist. The menu is vast, offering raw and hibachi options some  fried food and a few signature Chinese dishes as well. Here’s a peek at some of the menu:
Leona explained that all sauces and salad dressing are made in house with fresh ingredients.
Asian Dishes:
While mostly staffed up, they are still currently hiring for servers and hosts.
Wasabi Japanese Cuisine
784 N. Main Street
Springboro, OH 45066
937-907-5010
Mon – Thurs 11am -3pm, 4-9:30pm
Fri 11am -3pm, 4-10:30pm
Sat noon – 10:30pm
Sun noon – 9:30pm

Springboro, OH 45066

937-907-5010

Mon – Thurs 11am -3pm, 4-9:30pm
Fri 11am -3pm, 4-10:30pm
Sat noon – 10:30pm
Sun noon – 9:30pm

Zen Grill Now Open in Kettering

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Zen Grill at 2821 Wilmington Pike is now open, between Jersey Mike’s Subs and Wingstop in Kettering!  Owned by Hannah & Bob Hannah Huang, say their meals are a balance of simplicity and taste—grilled proteins, crisp vegetables, and fragrant rice, elevated with their signature sauces. It’s everything you love, with nothing you don’t.

The express hibachi menu is thoughtfully crafted to highlight fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the timeless art of Japanese cooking.

All food will be cooked to order with customers choosing the base, meat, vegetables and sauces for their bowls. Their signature sauce for the bowls is a yum yum sauce (a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce), but other options include  ginger, teriyaki, soy or siracha sauces.

Discover the beauty of less at Zen Grill—where flavor speaks louder than words.

 

Zen Grill
2821 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45419

937-716-1369

Tues – Thurs: 10:30am – 9pm

Fri – Sun  10:30am – 9:30pm

Rob’s Restaurant and Catering Has New Owners

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Rob’s Restaurant and Catering in Brookville has new owners.  Chad and Heather Pennington are the The husband and wife team are the 3rd set of owners to lead this family friendly eatery. Opened originally in 1976 by Bob and Brenda Kilgore, it was then purchased in 2003 by Joe and Shelley Swartztrauber.  Joe passed away in 2017 and Shelley posted today on her facebook page that she has officially retired. Here’s an excerpt from her post:

Shelley

“Rob’s has been a family business from the beginning with generations of family and friends working here. To the hundreds of people who have worked here through the years, I thank you. I’m sure you all have at least one memorable story to tell.

To Candi and Emily, we have been together since the beginning. You know how I feel about you and your support has meant the world to me.Jake and Sheila, thank you for being by my side the last 8 years and I’m thankful for your diligence and support. I wouldnt have made it without the four of you.
To my children Kelby & Kinsey, my dad, and my husband, Eric, thank you for being my strength and walking with me through the difficult times and celebrating the great times. Rob’s has provided a great life for us and we do not take that for granted.
The new owners, Chad and Heather Pennington,plan to continue the Rob’s traditional recipes both in house and for catering. I hope everyone will come see the renovations they have done and support them and my amazing staff. A final thank you to the Brookville Community.
Bob & Joe, I hope I carried on your legacy. It has been my honor.❤️“
We’ve reached out to the new owners and they have asked for some time to “get their ducks in a row” before they are ready to chat with the media. 
 

Rob’s Restaurant & Catering
705 Arlington Rd
Brookville, OH 45309

(937) 833-3310

Hours:
Tues- Thurs : 8am – 8pm
Fri & Sat 7am – 9pm
Sun 7am – 8pm

Warped Wing Celebrates 11 Years with Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout

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Warped Wing Brewing Company announces the return of their Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout, taking place Saturday, May 17th starting at noon at their original Downtown Dayton Taproom to celebrate 11 amazing years of craft beer and community.

“Last year’s 10-year party was an absolute blast – we had such a great time, we thought, why not do it again?,” said Nick Bowman, Co-Founder and VP of Sales & Marketing. “It’s the perfect way to kick off summer – cold beer, smoked foods, good friends, and live tunes”.

The party kicks off at noon, rain or shine, with festivities expanding outdoors under a tented lot and featuring the beloved Trotwood Trailer, live music and DJs all day, and a lawn-chair-friendly setup perfect for hanging with friends.

The tap list is stacked with fan favorites like Fly Light Lager, Gamma Bomb IPA, and Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, alongside limited releases like Trotwood Lime and the long-awaited return of Magic Melon Watermelon Gose and SeñorWITa Mexican Style Witbier. Guests can also look forward to the debut of Gamma Juice IPA (available on draft), Superdelic Double IPA (available on draft and in cans), as well as Agave Spring Maibock aged in Tequila Barrels (available on draft and in bottles). Plus of course Warped Seltzer and housemade soda cans too!

On the menu: Outside you’ll find house-smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches along with classic beef hot dogs. Inside, the kitchen will be firing up a full lineup of crave-worthy options including Tater Bombs, smoked wings, burgers, sandwiches, and more – designed to pair perfectly with a pint (or two).

Music Schedule:
12–1pm: DJ Set
1–3pm: Benny Hill (acoustic Americana, rock, country)
3–4pm: DJ Set
4–6pm: Steven Gregory (singer-songwriter vibes)
6–7pm: DJ Set
7–9pm: Nothing But Treble (acoustic trio)
9–10pm: DJ Set

So grab your crew, bring a lawn chair, and come raise a glass with us at the Warped Wing 11th Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout!

Rolled Ice Cream Shop Reopens

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Today is the Season Opening for  I Heart Ice Cream, Dayton’s first & only Rolled Ice Cream spot, located at 9 N. Williams St. in the Wright-Dunbar District of Dayton. Starting at noon today there will be $5 milkshakes, and all guest can enter to win free ice cream for the month of June!

 

The Thai inspired ice cream shop, run by Liz Smith began as a vendor at 2nd Street Market and a food truck. The shop offers a rolled ice cream, made by pouring a liquid base onto a super cold surface and then scraping and rolling it into thin, long strands, creating a visually appealing, almost artistic dessert.  This method, sometimes called stir-fried ice cream, results in a denser, creamier texture and allows for endless customization with toppings and flavors.  Toppings are often added to the base with Oreo, Berries & Cream and Resse’s Peanut Butter Cup among the most popular.

Bring Mom in on Sunday for a FREE Mother’s Day Ice Cream when you buy one for yourself!

I Heart Ice Cream

9 North Williams Street,
Dayton, OH 45402

Wed – Fri 4-8pm
Sat noon – 8pm
Sun noon – 6pm

Graeter’s Reveals First Summer Bonus Flavor of 2025

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Graeter’s Ice Cream  has announced Cinnamon Sticky Bun is the first bonus flavor of the season dubbed “Bake Sale summer.”

The cinnamon ice cream is swirled with brown sugar and sticky bun dough, finished with crunchy toffee pieces. It’s only around for a limited time, so get a pint today before its too late.
Other new flavors coming to the menu this summer include Lemon Blueberry Crumble, Pineapple Passion Sorbet, Minty Brownie, and Caramel Pecan Cheesecake. Details about these flavor releases will be announced throughout the summer.

The new flavor, which is Star-D Kosher Certified, is available at Graeter’s shops by the scoop and in pints. You can also purchase the pints online at Graeters.com.