A signature European-inspired treat is returning to Knoxville after a few months away, with a new location opening in the Old City.
Crispy Cones closed its first location near Karns earlier this year in order to relocate to Covenant Health Park. The unique ice cream shop that got its start on "Shark Tank" is set to open at the downtown stadium in early November.
The brand began with small storefronts in Idaho and Utah and shares its name with the signature European pastry it sells − soft serve ice cream in a fluffy cone reminiscent of a churro. It now has expanded with locations across the country.
The Smokies stadium has welcomed other restaurants including Jackie's Dream, Iron Forge Brewing Co. and BerrySocial. An indoor golf simulator and bar,
ParTee Golf, is also opening in the stadium district.
We know of a few other concepts slated for the stadium district, including Knox-Quila Cantina and dual-concept Disco Chicken and T. Ralph's Burgers & Fries.
Separate from the stadium but a baseball's throw away, Jonathan's Grill is planning multistory construction between the ballpark and the gas station up the hill to bring its Nashville sports bar brand to downtown Knoxville.
"This place is really going to be booming in the next couple years," Crispy Cones general manager Dylan Russell told Knox News.
What exactly is a Crispy Cone?
Crispy Cones specializes in pastry cones dusted in Oreos or sugar. The cones are filled with gourmet soft serve ice cream and can be topped with Nutella, cookie butter or peanut butter, among other garnishes. There are basic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, but an additional special ice cream flavor is introduced every Monday.
"There's nothing really like it," Russell said.
Company founders Jeremy and Kaitlyn Carlson had already opened two locations - one in a small Idaho town and the other in northern Utah - by the time they appeared on the 14th season of "Shark Tank." They believed the concept was ready to expand nationwide; it is now nearing 100 locations.
The idea for Crispy Cones was born after Jeremy returned home from his two-year mission in the Czech Republic for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He discovered the rotisserie-style baked pastry he now uses as an ice cream cone had captivated European tastebuds.
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna's Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Crispy Cones to make Knoxville comeback at Covenant Health Park this fall
