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Chicago’s 1920s Ice Cream Shop is Coming to the Miami Suburb
100 years after first serving generations of Chicagoans on the city’s South Side, The Original Rainbow Cone (Rainbow Cone) is bringing one of Chicago’s most beloved traditions to Palmetto Bay. The legendary ice cream shop will open along South Dixie Highway in 2026, introducing local families to a Chicago classic that has been part of birthdays, summer festivals, and everyday celebrations for millions back home.
Famous for its colorful, artfully stacked cones made with slices of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet, Rainbow Cone offers an ice cream experience unlike any other. The concept is being brought to Palmetto Bay by local entrepreneurs Sara and Jason DePalma, who lived in Chicago for many years before settling in South Florida. For the couple, introducing Rainbow Cone to the community is both a nod to their Midwestern roots and a way to share a piece of nostalgia with their new hometown.
“Some of my favorite memories from living in Chicago involve Rainbow Cone. It’s a place where everyone feels like a kid again,” said Jason. “When Sara and I moved to South Florida, we knew we wanted to bring something meaningful to the community. There’s something special about sharing a tradition that’s lasted for generations, and we hope this new shop becomes a place where people slow down, enjoy time together, and make memories of their own.”
Set to open at 14475 South Dixie Highway in the Kings Bay Shopping Center, the 1,056-square-foot shop will feature Rainbow Cone’s signature bright pink and white polka-dotted design, creating a cheerful, welcoming space that instills a sense of wonder as soon as guests see it. The interior will blend nostalgic Chicago charm with a tropical South Florida flair, highlighted by a Miami-inspired mural created by a local artist. Outside, guests will be able to enjoy their cones on a spacious front patio with seating for about 16.
In addition to the new shop, the DePalmas will also operate a Rainbow Cone ice cream truck adorned with the same bright pink and white polka dots seen throughout the shop and featuring a sustainably powered solar and battery-operated kitchen. The truck will serve neighborhood events, schools, and private gatherings throughout the community.
“Rainbow Cone began as a small family shop, and that sense of family is still at the heart of who we are, even 100 years later,” said Joe Buonavolanto III, Executive Vice President of the Buona Companies, parent company of Rainbow Cone. “That’s why bringing this legacy to Palmetto Bay feels so special. Jason and Sara genuinely understand what Rainbow Cone represents: tradition, joy, and moments shared together. We’re excited to see them introduce something truly timeless to the community.”
In addition to the Original Rainbow Cone, guests can enjoy a variety of other sweet treats, including chef-created sliced cones inspired by the original, a variety of ice cream flavors, hand-spun milkshakes, ice cream cakes, sundaes, and made-to-order mini donuts. Every treat is made with the same playful spirit and dedication to quality that have defined Rainbow Cone for generations.
For more information about Rainbow Cone’s offerings in Palmetto Bay, visit www.rainbowcone.com, and follow the brand @theoriginalrainbowcone on Instagram and Facebook.
About The Original Rainbow Cone:
The Original Rainbow Cone opened on the South Side of Chicago in 1926 and quickly became famous for its five-flavor cone served in stacked slices – a departure from traditional scoops. Today, the family-owned brand serves the Original Rainbow Cone and a variety of other multi-flavor sliced cones, along with a selection of nostalgic mini donuts, specialty sundaes, hand-spun shakes, and more.
Follow the Rainbow on Instagram and Facebook.
