An ice cream shop that opened nearly 100 years ago in Chicago is in the midst of an aggressive expansion throughout the state of Florida, including a new location planned for Orlando.
The Original Rainbow Cone announced last month that it will open new franchises across the state of Florida beginning in 2024.
The business expanded into the Sunshine State last September with its first location in Bradenton. Another franchise location is scheduled to open in Key West in March.
The business also has additional locations planned for Tampa Bay, West Pal Beach, and Orlando, according to a statement issued in December.
“We are excited about the growth of our franchise program in Florida,” says owner Lynn Sapp. Sapp is the third generation of the family to run the business, which was founded by “Grandpa Joe” Sapp in 1926.
The original pink shop was located on Western Avenue in Chicago. The business has since expanded to kiosks and food trucks, and launched its new franchise partner program in 2022. The company currently has franchise agreements in place in Florida, Nashville, Texas, and California.
“The responses we have received from the Florida communities have been incredible,” says Sapp.
The company says it is exploring “exciting possibilities” to expand its reach, including an “ice cream truck tour” from Chicago to Florida in the near future.
The Original Rainbow Cone is available for nationwide shipping through Goldbelly. For more information on the business, visit The Original Rainbow Cone online.