If you’re looking for a cool treat in Merritt Island, your wait is nearly over.
Abbott’s Frozen Custard is opening at 2445 N. Courtenay Parkway, Suite B in January 2026, according to franchise owner Sophia Chambers.
Chambers tells What Now Orlando that she’s excited to bring the treat to Merritt Island. “I’m originally from Upstate New York and Abbott’s is something that I grew up on. The original location is in Rochester, and I have pictures me of me in front of the shop as a kid.”
Chambers said when she and her husband had the opportunity to open an Abbott’s in Merritt Island, they jumped on it. “We saw a need for a specialty dessert like Abbott’s in the area.” Abbott’s frozen custard is made fresh daily, from a mix direct from New York dairy farms. The custards are made in a special Abbot’s mixer, ensuring a creamy product. Varieties rotate, but three core flavors – vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate almond – are always available. Waffle cones are made fresh on premises daily, as well. The shop also offers custom cakes, frozen custard cannoli, and sandwich cookies.
So what’s the difference between soft serve ice cream and frozen custard? Chambers explains that custard has less air content than ice cream, resulting in a denser, richer product. In addition, ice cream is stored at colder temperatures, and could sit in a tub for days while Abbott’s frozen custard is made fresh in small batches.
Abbott’s was founded in 1932 by Arthur Abbott, who opened the first stand on the shores of Lake Ontario. Today, there are about 50 locations, mostly in New York, When it opens, the Merritt Island shop will be the fifth in Florida.
