ORANGE COUNTY – The legendary Rainbow Cone, a Chicago staple renowned for its unique sliced ice cream, is set to open its first California location in Orange County. This nearly century-old institution, founded in 1926, will debut its Golden State presence in Cypress by late 2024 at 9527 Valley View St.
A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Rainbow Cone’s menu is a delightful mix of classic and contemporary flavors. Its signature cone features five distinct layers: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet. Other popular offerings include the Orange Dream (orange sherbet and vanilla slices), Minty City (mint chocolate chip and chocolate), and Chocolate Obsession (chocolate, peanut butter swirl, cookies and cream, and big muddy ice cream).
New Leadership and Family Legacy
Entrepreneur Anne Hsiung, a former nurse and mother, will own and operate the three Rainbow Cone franchises in Southern California. “My husband and I have always dreamed of opening a family business of our own and passing that legacy on to our children and their children’s children,” said Hsiung in a statement. “When we heard that my favorite childhood ice cream shop was looking to expand outside of Chicago, we knew we needed to bring this delicious, nostalgia-inducing experience to families and visitors in Southern California.”
Expanding Horizons
Part of the Buona Companies restaurant group, Rainbow Cone has recently intensified its franchising efforts. Beyond its expansion into Southern California, the company plans to open new locations in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.
The exact locations for the two additional Southern California stores have yet to be announced, but the arrival of Rainbow Cone in Orange County marks a significant step in bringing this beloved Chicago tradition to a broader audience.
With its unique approach to ice cream and a rich history, Rainbow Cone is poised to become a cherished destination for ice cream lovers in California, just as it has been in Chicago for nearly 100 years.
