Rainbow Cone just landed in Cypress, CA, and it’s already causing a stir. This Chicago-born ice cream shop brings its unique sliced ice cream method to the West Coast, promising a taste experience unlike any other in town. We dropped by the grand opening to see what all the fuss was about.
As local Realtors and ice cream enthusiasts, we couldn’t pass up the chance to meet franchise owner Anne Hsiung and try the famous Original Rainbow Cone. Anne’s connection to the brand runs deep – she grew up visiting the original Chicago location and decided to bring a slice of her childhood to quaint community of Cypress, CA.
This article dives into Rainbow Cone’s rich history and what makes their ice cream stand out. We’ll walk you through their menu – from signature sliced cones to hand-spun shakes and mini donuts. Whether you’re a dessert aficionado or just looking for a new local spot, we’ve got the scoop on what to order and why this place is worth checking out.
Our firsthand experience at the grand opening left us impressed, and we’re excited to share our thoughts on the cones we tried. As community members who love supporting local businesses, we think Rainbow Cone adds something special to Cypress. Curious about how a Chicago ice cream icon translates to California? Let’s dig into what makes Rainbow Cone a sweet addition to our neighborhood.
First Impressions
This place was packed during our visit to Rainbow Cone’s newest location in Cypress. Local residents filled every corner of the shop and outdoor seating areas. Their excitement creating a lively atmosphere that matched the vibrant colors of the ice cream displays. Despite the rush of customers, the staff maintained their composure, efficiently serving each person with genuine warmth and attention.
Behind the counter, the team worked like a well-oiled machine, slicing – not scooping – ice cream with a tremendous attention to detail while engaging in friendly conversation with customers. Their expertise showed in how they handled the constant stream of orders without compromising the quality of service or the carefully crafted presentation of each cone.
Meeting franchise owner Anne revealed the heart behind this new establishment. Her eyes lit up as she shared the story of her childhood time frequenting original Chicago shop, where the unique combination of flavors became a cherished part of her childhood. Those memories stayed with her through the years, eventually inspiring her to bring these beloved treats to the West Coast.
The decision to open in Cypress marks a significant milestone for Rainbow Cone, establishing its first franchise location on the West Coast. Opening day celebrations included a special promotion where the first 99 customers received complimentary Rainbow Cones, building anticipation for the brand’s upcoming centennial celebration. The enthusiasm from local residents suggests this Chicago institution has found a welcoming home in California.
The Legacy of Rainbow Cone
1926 marked the start of this sweet revolution when Joe and Katherine Sapp opened their doors in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. Their small ice cream shop introduced a distinctive five-flavor combination that would become a Midwest sensation. The signature cone featured layers of orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream – a combination that still draws crowds today.
The shop’s resilience through challenging times speaks volumes about its place in Chicago’s culture. Despite economic downturns and even World War II, the business continued serving its beloved treats. This dedication to quality and consistency helped build a loyal following that spans generations. The proof lies in the numbers – The Original Rainbow Cones make up 70% of all sales across their locations.
Lynn Sapp, Joe’s granddaughter and third generation owner, now steers the family business into its next chapter. Under her leadership, the brand has grown beyond its original roots while maintaining the same recipes and techniques that made it famous. The expansion includes 28 locations and even a food truck, with each new spot carefully chosen to preserve the brand’s character.
The decision to franchise came from a desire to share these time-tested flavors with new communities. Each location, including the newest addition in Cypress, carries forward the original vision of serving premium ice cream in an unforgettable way. The shop’s commitment to maintaining quality while growing strategically ensures that every scoop meets the high standards set nearly a century ago.
Stepping into the Cypress location feels like walking into a piece of Chicago’s dessert history. The same attention to detail that characterized the original shop – from the precise layering technique to the carefully maintained ice cream temperatures – remains intact. Local residents now have direct access to these meticulously crafted treats that have satisfied sweet cravings for almost 100 years.
The Menu – A Rainbow of Choices
Eighteen distinct flavors line the ice cream bins at Rainbow Cone’s Cypress location, each designed to stand alone or blend harmoniously in their signature combinations. The preparation method sets these treats apart – rather than traditional scooping, each flavor gets carefully sliced and stacked, creating defined layers that maintain their individual tastes while complementing one another.
The star of the menu, dubbed The Original Rainbow Cone, features five carefully selected flavors stacked in a specific sequence:
– Orange Sherbet serves as the foundation, delivering a bright citrus burst
– Pistachio follows with its subtle nuttiness and mellow sweetness
– Palmer House adds complexity through New York vanilla studded with cherries and walnuts
– Strawberry provides a pure, natural fruit essence
– Chocolate caps the creation with deep, rich cocoa notes
Sweet-toothed visitors at Rainbow Cone’s Cypress location will find four additional signature combinations beyond the classic five-layer signature. Each specialty cone features flavor pairings that create distinct taste experiences. The Cosmic Birthday brings out the kid in everyone (including my two daughters!), pairing vibrant swirls of birthday cake ice cream with bold superman flavors, creating a festive fusion of vanilla-based treats with colorful mix-ins.
Chocolate enthusiasts (*raises hand aggressively*) gravitate toward the Chocolate Obsession, which satisfies intense cocoa cravings through multiple layers. Rich chocolate ice cream forms the base, topped with ribbons of smooth peanut butter swirl. Cookies and cream adds a satisfying crunch, while the Big Muddy layer delivers an extra dose of deep chocolate richness. This combination proves particularly popular among those seeking an indulgent dessert experience.
Cool mint lovers find their perfect match in the Minty City creation. Layers of chocolate mint and mint flake ice cream provide refreshing coolness, while New York vanilla adds a smooth, creamy contrast. The Orange Dream offers a lighter option, combining zesty orange sherbet with classic vanilla for a refreshing citrus-cream blend reminiscent of summer treats.
Beyond the signature cones, fresh-baked mini donuts emerge hot from the visible fryer upon ordering. The sundae selection transforms classic flavors into layered desserts topped with rich sauces, whipped cream, and various toppings.
Hand-spun shakes blend any ice cream flavor into a smooth, drinkable treat. The mixing process maintains the distinct taste profiles while creating a creamy consistency perfect for sipping. For special occasions, custom ice cream cakes layer favorite flavors between fresh-baked cake, while ice cream sandwiches offer a portable version of these beloved combinations.
What We Ordered – A Family Ice Cream Adventure
Three generations gathered this afternoon, each drawn to different combinations from the menu board. The welcome sunny afternoon buzzed with excitement as we studied the menu of stacked layers, debating which flavors to try.
My Choice – The Chocolate Obsession
- Four distinct chocolate-based layers merged into one decadent tower
- Dark cocoa base gave way to swirls of nutty peanut butter
- Cookie pieces added satisfying crunch throughout
- The final muddy layer intensified the chocolate experience
- Price point at $6.99 felt reasonable for the generous portion
Harper and Avery’s Pick – The Cosmic Birthday
- My daughters’ eyes widened at the vibrant color combination
- Birthday cake ice cream sparkled with rainbow sprinkles
- Superman ice cream created a playful blue and red swirl
- Both girls finished every last bite, trading tastes between them
- Perfect portion size to share for young ice cream enthusiasts
Sheri’s Selection – The Original Rainbow Cone
- Mom went for the shop’s signature five-layer creation
- Each flavor remained distinct thanks to the precise cutting technique
- Orange sherbet provided a refreshing foundation
- Middle layers of pistachio and Palmer House offered complex flavors
- Strawberry and chocolate completed the classic combination
Taking our treats to the outdoor seating area, we spent the next 10 minutes on the gorgeous afternoon sampling each other’s selections. The ice cream maintained its structure even in the warm California sun, allowing us to enjoy every bite (napkins recommended!). The distinct flavors in each cone complemented one another perfectly, proving that Rainbow Cone’s century-old technique translates beautifully to its newest West Coast location.
Final Thoughts
Rainbow Cone’s arrival in Cypress brings a slice of Chicago’s ice cream legacy to California. This new spot offers more than just frozen treats – it’s a taste of history, innovation, and community spirit. From the unique sliced ice cream method to the iconic Original Rainbow Cone, there’s something special here for every sweet tooth.
The shop’s diverse menu goes beyond basic scoops. Ice cream sandwiches, mini donuts, hand-spun shakes, and custom cakes give locals plenty of reasons to keep coming back. Franchise owner Anne’s personal connection to the brand adds an extra scoop of authenticity to the Cypress location.
For Cypress residents and food enthusiasts, Rainbow Cone is more than just another ice cream shop. It’s a new soon-to-be local favorite that adds flavor to the community. As Realtors and neighbors ourselves, we’re excited to see businesses like this enhancing Cypress’s appeal as a great place to live and explore.
Whether you’re a longtime Rainbow Cone fan or a curious first-timer, this spot is worth checking out. The grand opening signals Cypress’s growth as a vibrant, welcoming town. Next time you’re craving something sweet, why not give Rainbow Cone a try? Stop by, sample their signature flavors, and see what all the buzz is about. Who knows? You might just find your new go-to dessert spot right here in Cypress.
Visit them today at 9527 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630. Contact them at (657) 256-1016.