A dessert that once disappeared from freezers almost as quickly as it appeared is now entering one of the country’s largest grocery stages. After repeated sellouts at Costco, Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches is expanding its footprint with a major retail launch at Target, bringing its handcrafted desserts to hundreds of new shoppers nationwide.
The move marks a turning point for the Richmond-based brand, which built its reputation on small-batch production, soft-baked cookies, and creative flavor combinations. Beginning October 17, Target shoppers in more than 370 stores will be able to find Nightingale ice cream sandwiches in freezer aisles, a milestone that signals both growing demand and a strategic shift toward everyday accessibility.
Overview: Nightingale’s Target Expansion at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches |
| New Retail Partner | Target |
| Number of Stores | 370+ locations |
| Launch Date | October 17 |
| Flavors at Launch | 5 total |
| Prior Retail Success | Multiple Costco sellouts |
| Production Location | Richmond, Virginia |
How Nightingale Built Its Following?
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches did not emerge from a traditional corporate test kitchen. The brand began as a small, chef-driven operation focused on texture, balance, and indulgence without shortcuts. Its signature trait is the cookie itself, which remains soft and tender even when frozen, a detail that sets it apart from many mass-produced ice cream sandwiches.
Before the Target deal, Nightingale made headlines through its limited releases at Costco. In July 2024, the brand’s Cookie Monster Ice Cream Sandwiches debuted at Costco and sold out within a single week. A later restock introduced an exclusive Strawberry Shortcake flavor, which followed a similar trajectory, reinforcing Nightingale’s status as a high-demand item that struggled to stay in stock.
Those sellouts were not just a popularity signal. They also demonstrated that a premium dessert brand could thrive in big-box retail without sacrificing quality, an insight that paved the way for broader distribution.
What the Target Launch Includes?
According to an exclusive announcement shared with Food & Wine, Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches will roll out in over 370 Target stores across key markets, including the Northeast, Denver, Dallas, and additional regions nationwide. For the first time, Target freezer aisles will feature a dedicated Nightingale shelf, a notable commitment from the retailer.
The initial launch includes five flavors, combining established fan favorites with a newer release that has previously been difficult to find. Those flavors are:
- The Classic: Madagascar vanilla bean ice cream with chewy brownie cookies
- Cookie Monster: Chocolate chip cookies with cookie crumb-infused vanilla ice cream
- Strawberry Shortcake: Golden brown sugar cookies with strawberry ice cream
- Chocolate Blackout: Chocolate brownie cookies with chocolate ganache swirl ice cream and cake pieces
- Brookie Dough: One chocolate brownie cookie, one chocolate chip cookie, and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
Target will also be the only national retailer offering four-packs of Brookie Dough in Nightingale’s smaller “chomp-size” format, giving the retailer an exclusive angle within the partnership.
Executive Perspective: Why Target Matters
For Nightingale, the Target deal represents more than expanded shelf space. CEO and co-founder Hannah Pollack described the move as a defining chapter for the company.
“This launch feels incredibly special because it represents a new chapter for Nightingale,” Pollack said. “With Target, it’s about being part of people’s everyday lives.”
Unlike limited warehouse drops, the Target partnership is designed to be long-term rather than seasonal. Pollack emphasized that the brand does not see Target as a one-off opportunity, but as a place where customers can reliably find their favorite flavors without racing against sellouts.
“Our Costco partnership was such an exciting step forward in bringing our sandwiches to a broader audience,” she added, “but Target allows us to show up consistently in people’s routines.”
What Sets Nightingale Apart From Other Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Nightingale’s appeal lies in its production choices. Each cookie is baked from scratch, and the ice cream is made in small batches with no artificial additives. The brand controls its ice cream overrun and uses a 14 percent butterfat base, resulting in a denser, creamier texture.
“Everything about our process is intentional,” Pollack explained. “Every cookie sandwich is built and wrapped with care right in our facility in Richmond, Virginia.”
That level of control has helped Nightingale maintain quality as it scales. While many frozen desserts prioritize shelf stability over texture, Nightingale has leaned into craftsmanship, even as it moves into national retail.
What This Means for Shoppers?
For consumers, the expansion means easier access to a dessert that previously felt elusive. Instead of waiting for a Costco restock or tracking limited drops, Target shoppers will be able to add Nightingale ice cream sandwiches to routine grocery runs.
The move also signals growing competition in the premium frozen dessert category. As shoppers seek higher-quality treats at home, brands that once relied on specialty shops or direct-to-consumer sales are finding success in mainstream grocery channels.
If demand at Target mirrors Costco’s experience, Nightingale’s presence could influence how retailers think about stocking artisanal frozen desserts at scale.
Final Thought
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches’ journey from local favorite to national freezer staple reflects changing consumer tastes. Shoppers want indulgence, but they also want consistency and access. By expanding to Target, Nightingale is betting that its craftsmanship-driven approach can translate into everyday relevance.
Given its track record of rapid sellouts and loyal fans, the brand’s next challenge will be keeping shelves stocked. If it succeeds, Nightingale may no longer be known as the ice cream sandwich you missed out on, but the one you can always count on finding.
FAQs
When will Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches arrive at Target?
They launch in Target stores starting October 17.
How many Target locations will carry them?
More than 370 stores across the United States.
Which flavors will be available at Target?
Five flavors, including an exclusive Brookie Dough four-pack.
Did Nightingale previously sell at Costco?
Yes, multiple flavors sold out quickly at Costco.
Will Target restock the ice cream sandwiches?
Yes, the partnership is intended to be ongoing.
