The Original Rainbow Cone: A Slice of Chicago's Sweet Legacy

The Original Rainbow Cone is a beloved ice cream franchise that began in 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by Joe and Katherine Sapp, the brand has become an iconic name known for its one-of-a-kind, layered ice cream cone.

The company is currently headquartered in Berwyn, Illinois, and has remained a staple in the Chicago area for decades. In 2019, The Original Rainbow Cone began franchising, offering entrepreneurs the chance to bring this unique dessert concept to new markets.

The franchise features a signature five-flavor ice cream cone—Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet—sliced rather than scooped. This visually striking and flavorful presentation stands out in the competitive ice cream industry.

The brand also offers traditional scoop cones, sundaes, shakes, ice cream cakes, and mini donuts, providing a full dessert experience. Its retro charm and colorful products attract both loyal locals and new visitors alike.

Training

The Original Rainbow Cone franchise provides a comprehensive suite of training programs to ensure the franchisee’s preparedness and success. These programs are structured to support both initial setup and ongoing operational excellence:

1. Initial Training Program: The Operating Owner and designated managers must attend and complete the initial training, which includes a virtual pre-training component. This in-person program typically lasts one week for the owner and two weeks for managers. The training is conducted at franchisor-designated locations, and while the cost of instruction and materials is covered by the franchisor, all other expenses are the franchisee’s responsibility.
2. On-Site Training and Opening Assistance: Before and immediately after the store opening, the franchisor sends representatives to provide hands-on training and operational support at the franchise location. This support lasts for a duration determined by the franchisor and involves a training fee plus travel expenses.
3. Supplemental Education: The franchisor may periodically require franchisees and their managers to attend additional seminars, regional meetings, or webinars. These events may last up to five days annually, and the franchisor may charge a tuition fee for participation.
4. Additional Training (Upon Request): Franchisees may request extra training sessions beyond what is standard. If granted, the franchisee must pay the franchisor’s current training fees and cover any related travel and accommodation costs.
5. Food Truck Training (if applicable): For operations involving a food truck, the Operating Owner must complete a separate, specialized three-day training program. This ensures the mobile unit is run by properly trained staff in accordance with the Food Truck Training Manual.

Territory Protection

The Original Rainbow Cone provides limited territory protection to its franchisees under specific conditions. For Free Standing and In-Line franchises, the franchisee is granted a “Protected Area,” which typically includes either a one-half mile radius in urban locations or a minimum population-based boundary in non-urban settings.

Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to open or franchise another store under the same brand, so long as the franchisee remains in good standing with the agreement. However, this protection is not absolute. The franchisor retains the right to operate or franchise businesses at captive locations such as airports, colleges, and stadiums, even within a franchisee’s Protected Area.

In addition, the franchisor may engage in other forms of distribution—including internet sales, wholesale channels, or the establishment of similar businesses under different trademarks—which can affect the territory without providing compensation to the franchisee.