March 3, 2026

Half of the B&G Milkyway locations have opened for the season already.

Kasey Iverson, co-owner of the franchise locations on Sycamore Avenue and in Brandon and Harrisburg, said he was caught by surprise when he drove by the Sycamore ice cream shop today and saw it was open. The plan was to open Wednesday, but he said the manager decided to open today because everything was ready to go.

With no snow on the ground and high temperatures in the 50s and 60s for much of the week, customers are ready for their treats.

“I’m hoping the snow holds off,” Iverson said. “I always feel like there’s going to be a blizzard in March after we open.”

They’ve decided to sell the Harrisburg franchise, which opened in 2021, because keeping three locations running is too much, Iverson said. The sale doesn’t include the building or land.

“We’ve definitely had a few people interested, but nothing has worked out yet.” He spoke with someone today and hopes that leads to a deal. The shop won’t reopen until there’s a new owner, Iverson said.

This season will be mostly business as usual, said Bruce Bettmeng, who owns two B&G sites in Sioux Falls and sells the franchises for the other ones.

Menu changes include dropping the beef brisket sandwich and the Super Dog, mostly because it’s so similar to the regular hot dog and footlong, he said. Chicken strips will replace chicken nuggets because “it’s a lot better product.” The fish sandwich won’t be back for the spring.

Stores are still hiring for full-time and part-time positions. Applicants can start the process online.

No new locations are in the works this year. Mitchell gained its first Milkyway location last year, and “they had a really good year, kind of what we projected,” Bettmeng said.

Here are the opening dates for the 10 B&G Milkyway locations:

• 69th & Cliff: Open
• 69th & Louise: Open
• Sycamore Avenue: Open
• East 41st Street near Harmodon Park: Open
• Mitchell: Open
• West 41st Street: Wednesday
• Tea: Monday
• Brandon: March 10
• West 12th Street: Closer to April
• Harrisburg: Unknown