The Original Rainbow Cone Ice Cream Shop Franchise
Come join a Chicago Icon with over 96 years of business experience. The Original Rainbow Cone Ice Cream Shop is a great model for franchisees with low initial investment, attractive prime costs, low overhead, and potential for above-average profit margins.
$150,000
$35,000
25
2017
Berwyn,IL
Joe Buonavolanto Jr
About The Original Rainbow Cone Ice Cream Shop
Our founders, Joe and Katherine Sapp, had a particular affinity for ice cream but were never satisfied with just one flavor. So, when they opened the first Rainbow Cone in 1926, their signature slice (not scoop) cone featured not one, not two, but five delicious flavors stacked together. The following for almost 100 years has gained national attention and has been awarded countless awards for Illinois's Best Ice Cream Shop.
With expansion in mind, third generation owner Lynn Sapp, partnered with the Buonavolanto family who owns and operates another iconic Chicago brand, Buona Restaurants. Together, the two families were able to craft a franchise program that is anchored by unique and quality menu ingredients, a full tech stack from online ordering to e-learning programs, and a corporate team dedicated to store design, training, and operational support. With over 15 units opened or in-developments, the time is now to get in at the ground floor and bring Rainbow Cone to your area.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
25
10
$219,038
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$35,000
6.0%
Gross Sales
2.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose The Original Rainbow Cone Ice Cream Shop?
*Drive-Thru Model Available*
After 96 years of slicing ice cream, you'd think we might've had enough, but were just getting started. We've perfected the art of a truly immersive dessert experience and have crafted a fast casual model that has the potential for growth and profits in any market.
- Strong AUVs
- Attractive Prime Costs (Food/Labor)
- Proven Business Model
- Mutli-Unit Opportunities
- Modern Store Design
- Best in Class Tech Stack
- Potential for high returns
- Training & Support: 5 weeks of initial training, 4 weeks of on-site support, 4-6 trainers on your first opening.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$504,000 - $1,264,000
$500,000
$150,000
Training & Support
The initial training will take place in Chicago for five weeks. Our team of trainers and subject matter experts will walk you and your management team through our playbook via e-learning modules, classroom presentations, and hands on learning at the shop. Closer to your opening, we will send a team of trainers down to assist you in getting your store set up, and team trained. Our team will continue to provide support for up to 4 weeks or until you comfortable with running your store. Thereafter, you will be assigned a business coach to help maximize the performance of your shop.
History
Our founders, Joe and Katherine Sapp, had a particular affinity for ice cream but were never satisfied with just one flavor. So, when they opened the first Rainbow Cone in 1926, their signature slice (not scoop!) cone featured not one, not two, but five delicious flavors stacked together. Little did they know this imaginative combination of Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet would become a beloved Chicago institution that rivals some of the city’s most remarkable culinary contributions. Fast forward to today, and the time is right for growth with individuals who share our values and have the ability to own and manage ice cream shops in their neighborhoods.
Ideal Candidate
An ideal Candidate will have multiple years of experience in the restaurant/retail space. Solid business and financial track record, Entrepreneurial, Positive Demeanor, Excellent Written & Verbal Communication Skills.