Ben & Jerry’s fans know the freezer cases are stocked by late morning, but holiday openings can catch even regulars off guard. If you’re planning a trip for a pint of Chunky Monkey or a scoop of Cherry Garcia, you need to know the exact Ben & Jerry’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours before you head out. This guide breaks down the typical daily schedule, the differences between weekdays and weekends, and what changes during major holidays so you never hit a locked door.
Most locations follow a shopping mall or strip mall schedule. That means the hours are rarely uniform across every single store. However, you can rely on a general pattern that holds true for the majority of scoop shops in the US.
Standard Daily Operating Hours
For the most part, Ben & Jerry’s stores open later than a coffee shop but earlier than a bar. You won’t find them serving breakfast, but they are usually ready for a mid-morning sugar fix.
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
These are the baseline times for most corporate and franchise locations. If the store is inside a mall, they might open at 10:00 AM every day to match the mall’s entrance times. If it’s a standalone shop, they might stay open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer months.
Breakfast Hours Clarification
You might see the word “breakfast” in the search term, but Ben & Jerry’s does not serve traditional breakfast food. They don’t have pancakes or eggs. The “breakfast” reference usually points to their late morning opening time. Some locations do offer coffee and baked goods like waffle cones, but the ice cream freezers are the main draw. If you want ice cream at 10:30 AM, you need to check if that specific store opens at 10:00 or 11:00.
Lunch Rush Timing
The lunch hour is actually one of the busiest times for these shops. Many people skip a full meal and grab a scoop or a milkshake instead. If you are going during your lunch break, expect a line between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. The staff is usually faster during this window because they know people are on a timer.
Ben & Jerry’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Holidays are where things get tricky. The standard schedule goes out the window on federal holidays and even some obscure ones like Valentine’s Day. You cannot assume the store is open just because the mall is open. Here is a breakdown of the major holidays.
New Year’s Day
Most locations open late on January 1st. Expect a 12:00 PM opening time instead of the usual 11:00 AM. Closing time is usually normal (9:00 PM).
Easter Sunday
This is a mixed bag. Many standalone stores close entirely. Mall locations might open for reduced hours like 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You should call ahead.
Memorial Day
This is a big ice cream day. Most stores open at their normal Saturday time (10:00 AM) and stay open until 9:00 PM. It is treated like a regular weekend day.
Independence Day (July 4Th)
Almost all locations are open. They usually open at 11:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM. If the store is near a fireworks display, they might stay open later to catch the crowd.
Thanksgiving Day
This is the most common day for closures. Most Ben & Jerry’s locations are closed all day. Some mall locations inside tourist areas might open for a few hours in the evening, but this is rare.
Christmas Eve (Dec 24Th)
Most stores close early, usually around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. They want their staff to get home for the holiday.
Christmas Day (Dec 25Th)
Closed. Almost every single location is closed on Christmas Day. Do not plan on getting ice cream.
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31St)
Open normal hours. Some locations might close at 8:00 PM instead of 9:00 PM to prepare for the evening. Others stay open until midnight if they are in a party district.
How To Verify Your Local Store Hours
Because the hours vary so much, you should never rely on a national schedule. Here is the best way to confirm the exact times for your specific store.
- Go to the official Ben & Jerry’s website.
- Use the “Find a Scoop Shop” tool at the top of the page.
- Enter your zip code or city name.
- Click on the specific store location from the list.
- Look for the “Hours” section on that store’s individual page.
This method is the most accurate. The corporate website updates these pages faster than Google Maps or Yelp. If you are looking for a pint to take home, you can also check local grocery stores. They often have extended holiday hours and carry the same flavors.
Tips For Holiday Visits
If you decide to brave the crowds on a holiday, keep these practical tips in mind.
- Call the store directly before you drive there. The phone number is listed on the website.
- Check the store’s Instagram or Facebook page. Many franchise owners post holiday hour changes.
- Go early in the day. The afternoon rush on holidays like July 4th can be overwhelming.
- Have a backup flavor in mind. The popular ones sell out fast on holidays.
- Check if the store is inside a mall. Mall hours often override the ice cream shop’s normal hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ben & Jerry’s serve breakfast food?
No, they do not serve eggs, bacon, or breakfast sandwiches. They open late morning and serve ice cream, shakes, and sometimes coffee.
Why do Ben & Jerry’s hours differ so much?
Because most stores are independently owned franchises. The owner sets the hours based on foot traffic and local mall regulations.
Are Ben & Jerry’s open on Labor Day?
Yes, most are open on Labor Day with normal weekend hours (10:00 AM to 9:00 PM).
What is the latest Ben & Jerry’s stays open?
During summer weekends, some locations stay open until 11:00 PM. During winter, most close by 9:00 PM.
Can I buy Ben & Jerry’s in a grocery store on Christmas Day?
Yes, grocery stores that are open on Christmas Day will have the pints available in the freezer section.
Remember to always double-check the specific store page before heading out. Holiday hours are unpredictable, and a quick phone call can save you from a wasted trip. The freezers are full and the scoops are ready, but only if you show up at the right time.