Established
1926
Franchise Units
29
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Original Rainbow Cone is more than an ice cream brand—it is a living piece of American food culture. Known for its iconic stacked cone of five distinct flavors, the brand represents nostalgia, tradition, and proven consumer appeal that spans generations. Founded in Chicago and deeply rooted in family heritage, The Original Rainbow Cone has evolved from a neighborhood favorite into a nationally recognized dessert concept with strong franchise expansion momentum across the United States.
What sets this franchise apart is its instantly recognizable product and emotional brand connection. Unlike traditional scoop shops, the Rainbow Cone is a signature experience—layered, colorful, and unforgettable. This differentiation gives franchisees a powerful competitive advantage in a crowded frozen dessert market, helping locations stand out, attract repeat customers, and generate strong word-of-mouth marketing.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in The Original Rainbow Cone franchise means aligning with a heritage brand that already commands trust and recognition. Unlike emerging dessert concepts that must educate the market, this brand benefits from decades of loyal customers and cultural relevance.
Key reasons investors are drawn to this opportunity include:
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Iconic, proprietary product that cannot be easily replicated
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Strong brand storytelling rooted in American tradition
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High customer loyalty and repeat visitation
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Broad demographic appeal, from children to adults
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Flexible store formats suited for urban, suburban, and tourist locations
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Growing national expansion strategy backed by structured franchisor support
Background
Established Year: 1926
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Founder: Joseph Sapp
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Industry Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts / Quick-Service Food
- Country of Origin: United States
- Franchise Active Units: 29
The Original Rainbow Cone was founded in Chicago in 1926 and has remained a family-inspired brand for nearly a century. What began as a simple ice cream stand quickly became a local legend due to its unique five-flavor stacked cone, which combined chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet.
Over the decades, the brand expanded its presence through flagship locations, seasonal stands, and partnerships with major food venues. Ownership stewardship has focused on preserving product authenticity while modernizing operations and branding for national franchise growth.
Support Training
The franchise offers a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees launch confidently and operate efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support Includes:
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Site selection guidance and territory planning
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Store design standards and layout recommendations
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Equipment specifications and vendor sourcing
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Assistance with permits, compliance, and pre-opening logistics
Training & Operational Support:
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In-depth initial training covering operations, food preparation, and quality control
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Staff hiring guidance and training protocols
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POS system setup and inventory management processes
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Standard operating procedures for consistency and efficiency
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National and regional marketing strategy guidance
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Brand-approved promotional campaigns and seasonal initiatives
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Social media and local store marketing frameworks
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Ongoing creative and brand compliance support
Ongoing Support:
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Performance benchmarking and operational reviews
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Continued training updates and best-practice sharing
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New product rollouts and menu innovation support
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee is a hands-on or semi-absentee owner who values brand heritage, quality execution, and community engagement.
This opportunity is well-suited for:
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Entrepreneurs seeking a recognizable, legacy brand
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Multi-unit operators looking to diversify into dessert concepts
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Family business owners wanting a generational franchise
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Investors with experience in food service, retail, or hospitality
Preferred franchisees demonstrate strong business discipline, customer-first mindset, and the financial capability to support startup and working capital needs. Passion for delivering a consistent guest experience and maintaining brand authenticity is essential. High-traffic urban centers, suburban family markets, tourist destinations, and entertainment districts are ideal location preferences.
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and may vary by location and format.
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Total Investment Required: $350,000 – $650,000
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Minimum Investment Required: Approximately $200,000 liquid capital
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Franchise Fee: $30,000 – $40,000
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Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit opportunities available
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: $180,000 – $300,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: $70,000 – $120,000
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Marketing & Grand Opening Budget: $10,000 – $25,000
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Working Capital: $40,000 – $80,000
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Royalty Fees: 5% – 6% of gross sales
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Marketing Fund Contribution: 1% – 2% of gross sales
