Chicago's Original Rainbow Cone prepares for 100th anniversary, celebrates signature 5-slice cone

Chicago's Original Rainbow Cone prepares for 100th anniversary, celebrates signature 5-slice cone

Known for its five-slice ice cream cone, The Original Rainbow Cone is preparing to celebrate 100 years this summer.

CHICAGO - Known for its five-slice ice cream cone, The Original Rainbow Cone is preparing to celebrate a major milestone — 100 years this summer.

What we know:

The iconic family-owned business made its debut in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood in 1926 at the corner of 92nd Place and Western Avenue. It introduced its signature ice cream cone featuring orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry and chocolate — a combination that remains a favorite decades later.

"That was my goal to make it to 100 years!" said Lynn Sapp, a third-generation family member. 

On Friday, FOX Chicago took a step back in time with Lynn Sapp, granddaughter of founders Joe and Katherine Sapp.

"[Joe] would be absolutely thrilled to see it today, and so would Katherine," Lynn said. 

In the early days, Lynn says Western Avenue was a dirt road surrounded by farmland. She says most patrons ventured to the ice cream parlor by streetcar for a taste of the unique cone.

"People would come out on Sundays to go to the cemetery to visit their relatives. Then they would pack a lunch, sit down and visit, and then they would come to Rainbow Cone as a treat, and we were asking you for 12 cents," she said. 

Lynn showed FOX Chicago one of the original "paddles" hand-crafted by her grandfather, used to create each perfect slice. 

"He created this out of steel," Lynn explained. "This is an original, and it even has his fingerprint in the back — this is wear and tear of 100 years of scooping."

The Original Rainbow Cone's colorful exterior has also become a recognizable fixture over time. 

 "My grandmother's favorite color was Pepto-Bismol pink, so the inside of the building was a lighter version — kind of like layers of ice cream," Lynn said. 

As the area developed and new neighbors moved in, the business remained a cornerstone in the community. It has been stacking memories for generations of patrons along the way. 

"It's that nostalgic charm, it's the joy and happiness they remember and it's like coming home," said Peggy Rourke, a community member.

In 2018, the business partnered with another local family — the Buonavolanto Family — and is now expanding nationwide.

"It's just incredible to be a part of it and hopefully stewarding it into the next 100 years," said John Buonavolanto, director of sales for Buona Companies and The Original Rainbow Cone. 

The Original Rainbow Cone's official birthday is on Saturday, Aug. 29.

"It’s been a part of people’s tradition, and it's their memories and their childhood happiness coming with their mom and dad, who might be gone, but they still remember coming here," Lynn said. "It’s a legend, and that’s what we want to be. We want to be in people's lives—take a bite of a Rainbow Cone, and everything is going to be okay!"

What's next:

As the business gears up to mark its centennial in August, various activations and celebrations are planned — including on National Ice Cream Day, Sunday, July 19. 

To learn more about The Original Rainbow Cone's 100th Birthday, follow along online.

The Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly is located at 9233 S. Western Ave., but the business operates across multiple locations. Its national footprint now includes Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.