The Original Rainbow Cone, a Chicago tradition for over 97 years, on December 20 announced it will open a new store location in Key West, Florida in March. It will feature the franchise’s iconic ice cream treat, along with sundaes, shakes and cakes. This marks the second Rainbow Cone location in Florida, joining the Bradenton outlet which opened in September. The company has plans for additional locations on deck in 2024 for the metropolitan areas of Tampa Bay, West Palm Beach and Orlando.
Rainbow Cone was founded in 1926 by “Grandpa Joe” Sapp, who was never satisfied with just one ice cream flavor and instead stacked five enticing options on a single cone for a one-of-a-kind sweet treat. The original shop’s notorious pink building on Western Avenue in Chicago has been a staple in the city since it first opened its doors nearly a century ago. Product distribution has expanded to kiosks and trucks throughout the Chicago area, and the company and launched its new franchise partner program in 2022 with franchise agreements in Florida, Nashville, Texas and California.
“We are excited about the growth of our program in Florida,” said Lynn Sapp, third generation owner of The Original Rainbow Cone. “The responses we have received has been incredible, and we are confident that Key West will be no exception.”
As a testament to its popularity, Rainbow Cone was recently voted as the top ice cream shop by FOX 32 Chicago, affirming its status as a beloved and successful ice cream destination.
