Getting a few scoops of your favorite ice cream in a waffle cone is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy the sweet treat. Much like chicken and waffles, the pairing has been a staple of American cuisine for many years. If you're curious about the origins of these cones, below is more information about how they were invented and their growth in popularity.

The First Ice Cream Cone

While eating wafers with ice cream is a centuries-old tradition, historians aren’t certain who first invented the ice cream cone. A popular origin story labels Italo Marchiony, an Italian immigrant, as the inventor of the first cone in 1896 in New York City. This is supported by the fact he received a patent for his creation in 1903.

However, diners may have been eating ice cream from cones long before that. Some experts point to an 1807 etching of the Parisian Cafe Frascati, which was known to serve ice cream, as evidence. In the lower right corner of the picture, a woman appears to be licking something from a handheld container, which might have been a cone. 

The Invention of the Waffle Cone

The history of the waffle cone is a little clearer. Most historians believe Ernest A. Hamwi, a concessionaire from Syria, invented them at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. According to the story, Hamwi was selling zalabis, a waffle-like pastry, next to a booth selling ice cream. His neighbor ran out of paper cups, and Hamwi came up with a creative solution: the first waffle cone. He rolled one of his zalabis into a cornucopia-like shape and handed it to the ice cream vendor. Once the zalabi had cooled, his neighbor placed ice cream in it to serve to customers. It was an instant hit, as the sweet, crunchy waffle was the perfect complement to the delicious ice cream.

Other people in St. Louis was quick to capitalize on Hamwi’s idea, and some at the World’s Fair designed special baking equipment to make the new cones. Hamwi also ran with his invention and founded the Cornucopia Waffle Company and, later, the Missouri Cone Company. Over time, waffle cones became synonymous with ice cream and other dishes. Now, many people fill the cones with other delicious treats, such as chicken, making a handheld chicken and waffles dish that you can easily enjoy.

If you love delicious waffle cones and crispy, mouthwatering chicken, visit Chick’nCone Madison Heights in Oakland County, MI. Part of the national Chick’nCone franchise, this drive-thru and dine-in eatery is the place to go for authentic Southern cuisine. Whether you’re hungry for crisp fried chicken, chicken and waffles, mac N’ cheese, or spicy Cajun seasoned fries, they’ve got you covered. Call (248) 629-7319 to speak with a team member, and visit the website to place an order.