Flossmoor Rainbow Cone Set For July 3 Opening

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Flossmoor is getting a taste of Chicago’s favorite ice cream as The Original Rainbow Cone (Rainbow Cone), home of the nostalgic, five-flavor sliced and stacked cone, recently announced the upcoming opening of its new location at 19805 South Crawford Ave., near Rich Township High School.

To commemorate its newest store in the south suburbs, just steps away from the Flossmoor Buona location, Rainbow Cone in Flossmoor will host a grand opening celebration on July 3. The festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., and the first 50 guests in line outside the iconic ice cream shop when the doors officially open at 11 a.m. will be treated to a free Rainbow Cone.

"I’ve never enjoyed a full rainbow cone, just one or two flavors at a time," Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson said. "I’m looking forward to tasting the entire rainbow on Wednesday!

"The Village is thrilled to see a successful business franchise expand and broaden their offerings to the community."

Since its founding in 1926, generations of Chicagoans have enjoyed the one-of-a-kind Rainbow Cone made up of slices—not scoops—of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio and orange sherbet ice cream. Since then, the brand has expanded across the state and beyond with 19 permanent locations in addition to seasonal kiosks at Navy Pier and Guaranteed Rate Field. Outside of its growth in Chicago, Rainbow Cone opened its first-ever location serving the residents of New Buffalo, Michigan and is nearing its first anniversary in Bradenton, Florida.

In addition to single-flavor cones, sundaes, ice cream cakes, mini donuts and more, guests who visit Rainbow Cone in Flossmoor will also get a taste of the brand’s four new Sliced Creations: Orange Dream, Chocolate Obsession, Minty City and Cosmic Birthday. Unveiled in May as a historic first for the 98-year-old Chicago institution, each new flavor is a delightful twist on the classic Rainbow Cone.

"As our rapid expansion throughout the country continues, we’re certainly not forgetting the growing demand for Rainbow Cone in other communities throughout Chicagoland," said Joe Buonavolanto III, Executive Vice President of The Buona Companies, the parent company of Rainbow Cone. "Our team is excited to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to more communities across the state where Rainbow Cone will have the opportunity to become further cemented as a treasured family tradition rather than an occasional special treat."

Rainbow Cone joined forces with Buona, the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group and beef producer in the country, in 2019 to form The Buona Companies. Founded by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto in 1981, the family's commitment to preserving the authentic recipe for Italian beef spans generations. Their five sons and multiple grandchildren are actively involved in the ongoing expansion and success of The Buona Companies.

With upcoming openings in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and California, Rainbow Cone offers entrepreneurs a chance to establish their own legacy through low start-up and prime costs, and an above-average return on investment. Ideal franchisees should have relevant restaurant or business ownership experience, share a passion for quality food and service and be actively involved in the communities in which they are looking to develop in.