Let's dive into the fascinating story of the Rainbow Cone, a Chicago icon that's celebrating its 100th anniversary. This iconic ice cream treat, with its vibrant colors and unique sliced design, has a rich history that goes far beyond its Instagram-worthy appearance.
A Century-Old Tradition
The Rainbow Cone, as we know it today, was born in 1926, long before the era of social media and modern conveniences. It all started with Joe and Katherine Sapp, who saw potential in an area that was largely undeveloped, with dirt roads and apple orchards. Their business thrived, especially on Sundays, when families would visit the nearby cemetery and stop by the Rainbow Cone on their way back to the city.
Innovation and Ingenuity
Joe Sapp, a car mechanic by trade, was inspired by his love for ice cream. He created a special tool to slice the ice cream into slabs, a design choice that not only made the cone eye-catching but also functional. The order of the flavors has remained the same since the beginning: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet on top. This unique combination has become a signature, and the Rainbow Cone is still the top seller.
During the Depression, it was Katherine's business acumen that kept the enterprise afloat. Joe, described as a genius, left his mark on the business with innovative ideas like a mechanical bird that encouraged customers to move down the line. Unfortunately, it was too fascinating, and people stopped to watch, defeating its purpose!
A Family Affair
The Sapp family's legacy with the Rainbow Cone spans generations. Robert and Jean Sapp, Lynn's parents, took over the business in the '60s, and Lynn herself started working at the counter at just 14 years old. She later became the third-generation owner, continuing the family tradition.
Lynn's role extended beyond running the business; she took pride in mentoring young staff members, helping them develop skills and a strong work ethic. Bryan Feltman, who started as a teenager and is now a managing partner, credits Rainbow Cone with being more than just an ice cream shop—it's a tradition and a part of Chicago's cultural fabric.
Adapting and Growing
As the years passed, the Rainbow Cone's menu evolved, with Lynn putting some classic items back and adding her own creations like ice cream cakes and rolls. The business expanded beyond its original location, and with the support of Buona Beef, a neighboring Chicago family-owned business, Rainbow Cone now has 30 locations, including out-of-state stores.
The decision to partner with Buona Beef was a strategic one, ensuring the brand's legacy was preserved and honored while also embracing technological advancements that Lynn couldn't implement on her own. This partnership has led to innovative ideas like the ice cream truck, which became a huge success during the pandemic.
A Legacy of Quality and Community
The Rainbow Cone's longevity can be attributed to its unique product and the family's dedication to maintaining the quality of the ice cream. As Lynn's grandfather wisely said, "You have to have a great product and maintain its integrity." This philosophy, combined with a clean environment and friendly service, has kept customers coming back for a century.
The Rainbow Cone is more than just an ice cream shop; it's a community hub, a place where memories are made and cherished. As Lynn puts it, "It's a basic ice cream cone, but one of its beauties is that you have to sit back, relax, and just enjoy it."
So, as we celebrate the Rainbow Cone's 100th anniversary, let's raise a cone (or a pint!) to this Chicago institution, a true testament to the power of quality, innovation, and community.
