Abbott’s Frozen Custard Opening In Merritt Island

Merritt Island — Abbott’s Frozen Custard is preparing to open at 2445 N Courtenay Pkwy in Merritt Island, FL 32953, bringing a frozen dessert brand with more than 120 years of history to the Space Coast.

Owner Sophia Chambers spoke with Business Debut about the upcoming location, which is tentatively scheduled to open on January 14, 2026.

Business Debut learned of this story first from What Now.

A Brand Chambers Grew Up With

Abbott’s Frozen Custard was founded in 1902 by Arthur Abbott in Rochester, New York, where the original location is still operating today. Chambers grew up in upstate New York and said Abbott’s was a big part of her childhood. She shared that she has photos of herself outside the original shop and described the brand as something she was raised on. Bringing Abbott’s to Merritt Island is something she said feels both nostalgic and meaningful.

She also noted that Merritt Island lacks specialty dessert options, and she felt the community was ready for something different from a traditional ice cream shop.

Freshly Made Custard and Signature Treats

Chambers explained that what truly sets Abbott’s apart is how the frozen custard is made. Unlike traditional ice cream, which often has a large amount of air churned into it, Abbott’s frozen custard is made using equipment designed specifically to limit air. She said this creates a denser and creamier product, something people notice immediately when they try it for the first time.

The frozen custard is made fresh in house every day, with flavors rotating daily. Chambers also shared that the custard mix is sourced from a farm in upstate New York, helping maintain the consistency and quality the brand has been known for over generations.

In addition to freshly made frozen custard, the Merritt Island location will offer a variety of specialty items designed for both in store enjoyment and taking home. These include custom frozen custard cakes, pies, chocolate covered bananas, frozen custard cannolis, and the brand’s signature chip wheel, a frozen custard sandwich made with chocolate chip cookies. Plates to go will also be available.

A First Franchise and a Family Effort

The Merritt Island shop will be Chambers’ first franchise location with Abbott’s and will be one of only a few Abbott’s locations currently operating in Florida. She and her husband, Nick Chambers, have been working toward opening day for the past two years.

The couple took over a former Dunkin’ Donuts drive thru building and transformed it into the new Abbott’s location. Chambers said her husband played a major role in the design and remodeling of the space and credited him with helping bring the vision to life.

The Space and What to Expect

Inside, the shop will feature bar style seating that can comfortably seat about eight to ten guests. Outside, the location will include a custom patio setup with picnic tables, allowing space for approximately 35 to 40 guests total. The shop will also offer a drive thru, giving customers a convenient option to grab frozen custard on the go.

Focused on Community

Chambers said she hopes Abbott’s Frozen Custard becomes more than just a dessert stop. She wants it to be a place families visit after sporting events, stop by after church on Sundays, celebrate birthdays, or pick up a cake on the way home from work.

She shared that growing up, specialty dessert shops were always accessible in her hometown, and she hopes to bring that same sense of ease and familiarity to Merritt Island.

Hours and Opening Plans

Abbott’s Frozen Custard Merritt Island plans to open daily at 11 a.m. Closing hours have not yet been finalized, as Chambers said she wants to see what works best for the community. She shared that she is especially interested in offering later evening hours to give locals a place to enjoy a late night treat.

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