For generations of Chicagoans, a trip to Beverly has meant more than just a neighborhood visit. It has meant standing in line for one of the city’s most recognizable treats, the Original Rainbow Cone.
This summer, that tradition reaches a remarkable milestone as the South Side landmark celebrates its 100th anniversary. One hundred years after Joe and Katherine Sapp opened a small ice cream stand on Western Avenue, the shop continues to draw loyal customers from across the Chicago area.
The celebration is just as exciting for employees as it is for longtime customers.
“I have only been working here a couple months, but it is really nice,” said Teresa Gonzalez, an employee at Original Rainbow Cone. “We are happy to be celebrating such a huge milestone.”
What began in August 1926 as a neighborhood ice cream stand quickly became a Chicago destination. Instead of serving a traditional scoop, the Sapps created something entirely their own by layering slices of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio and orange sherbet into one colorful cone. The signature Rainbow Cone has remained virtually unchanged ever since.
Growing demand led the Sapp family to purchase the building at 9233 S. Western Ave., where Original Rainbow Cone still serves customers today. Over the decades, the building has become almost as recognizable as the famous dessert itself. Originally painted bright orange, years of Chicago summers and winters gradually faded the exterior into the soft pink color that has become one of the shop’s trademarks.
Today, although Original Rainbow Cone has expanded throughout the Chicago area and beyond, the Beverly location remains the heart of the business. Families return year after year to continue traditions that span generations, while first-time visitors discover why the colorful cone has become a Chicago classic.
When customers ask Gonzalez for a recommendation, she doesn’t hesitate.
“My favorite ice cream is the butter pecan,” she said. “That’s what I recommend to customers.”
The shop’s loyal following includes plenty of young fans.
“This is my favorite ice cream shop,” said Emerson Schweikert, 9, of Palos Park. “I love the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae.”
Original Rainbow Cone is celebrating its centennial with buy-one, get-one Rainbow Cones Aug. 3 through Aug. 9 at all Chicagoland locations.
The weeklong celebration concludes Sunday, Aug. 9, with a birthday party at the original Beverly location, 9233 S. Western Ave., from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy special festivities throughout the day, and everyone who purchases a Rainbow Cone will receive a prize, with giveaways ranging from free treats to a private Rainbow Truck Party.
