Chicago’s ice cream icon The Original Rainbow Cone is rolling into Surprise, Arizona, scooping out its first location in the state. The century-old brand built its reputation on a "sliced" five-flavor cone, with flat layers of orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry and chocolate stacked into a single cone instead of the usual rounded scoops. The Surprise shop is set to bring those signature layers alongside hand-spun milkshakes, mini donuts, sundaes and ice cream cakes that longtime fans already treat like a summer requirement.
As reported by the Arizona Republic, the Surprise outpost will be Rainbow Cone’s 28th location nationwide and the first of several expected to hit the Southwest. The outlet notes that the new shop is part of a broader push beyond the Midwest, where the cone has been a Chicago warm-weather staple for generations. The initial report did not include a confirmed opening date for the Surprise store.
A Chicago Original
According to The Original Rainbow Cone, the business first opened in 1926 and still “slices (not scoops)” its five classic flavors into cones and cups. That nearly century-long tradition is the brand’s calling card as it steps outside Chicagoland, where grabbing a layered cone has long been a local rite of passage. Visitors at new locations, including in Surprise, can expect the same stacked presentation that helped make the shop a hometown legend.
Franchising Push Fuels Growth
For the first time in its history, Rainbow Cone is leaning on franchising to grow, according to the company’s franchising site. Rainbow Cone Franchising describes the program as a way to get the brand into new markets more quickly, with franchise partners taking the lead on the first Southwest locations. How fast the chain pops up around the region will depend on individual franchise deals and how smoothly local development and permitting go.
What To Expect In Surprise
The typical Rainbow Cone menu centers on the five-flavor sliced cone but branches out with hand-spun shakes, mini donuts, sundaes and ice cream cakes, according to The Original Rainbow Cone. The brand also books its trucks and catering for events, which could make the Surprise operation a natural fit for neighborhood parties and school fundraisers. Pricing, hours and some menu details can vary from one franchise location to another, so Surprise locals may see a few tweaks tailored to the area.
Timing And What’s Next
As the Arizona Republic noted, the Surprise store is in the build-out phase, but a specific opening date has not yet been announced. A local update from the franchise owner or a company statement is expected once construction, inspections and final approvals are wrapped. Until then, fans can keep an eye on local business coverage and the chain’s social channels for word of any soft opening plans and grand opening festivities.
