Founded in 1926 by “Grandpa Joe” Sapp, the Original Rainbow Cone has been a Chicago ice cream mainstay for nearly a century. Last year, it launched its new franchising program, and the subsequent expansion is now bringing the chain to Bradenton, where it will open at 4414 53rd Avenue.
“As a child, my family would bike to Rainbow Cone’s beautiful pink building on Western Avenue and watch in awe as the staff quickly stacked the five flavors of ice cream on the cone,” franchisee Erica Campbell, who is launching the location in partnership with her husband Dave Campbell, said in a press release late last year. “Our family is honored to be awarded the first Rainbow Cone out-of-state franchise location. It’s time to bring Rainbow Cone to the Sunshine State!”
Rainbow Cone’s ice cream flavors include Cookie Dough, Butter Pecan, Black Walnut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and more—and they are all customizable with the addition of toppings. Ice cream is served up—sliced, not scooped—in cups and cones, as well as in a selection of sundaes and shakes.
Erica and Dave Campbell have more than twenty years of experience in hospitality, sales, and marketing, which they will bring to bear on launching Rainbow Cone in the Sarasota/Manatee area.
“We’ve partnered with a great Chicago family to open the first Rainbow Cone in Sarasota,” Joe Buonavolanto III, VP of Franchise and Sales at The Buona Companies, said in the press release. “We stand behind Erica and Dave as they start their new business and bring classic Chicago flavors to the region, and support them as they serve as leaders in the Sarasota community.”
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