A new Crispy Cones location, the first in the state, is set to open this spring along Route 8 in Hampton.
The ice cream shop offers soft serve in a sugary rotisserie-baked dough cone rather than a traditional hard cone, which it says is inspired by similar confections in the Czech Republic.
The company, founded by Idaho entrepreneurs Jeremy and Kait Carlson, appeared on “Shark Tank” in 2023. The couple were financed by Barbara Corcoran in the Season 14 episode.
Now, a South Buffalo couple, Mike and Ronna Brestensky, are set to open a franchise at 4906 William Flinn Highway next to Chipotle.
Mike, 57, is a steelworker at ATI, and Ronna, 54, is an elementary school teacher in the Freeport Area School District.
Neither have owned a business before, Mike Brestensky said. He said they chose Hampton because it is a “gourmet town” and because of the heavy traffic along Route 8.
The couple flew to Idaho last year to meet the Crispy Cones founders after seeing them on “Shark Tank.” While there, they “fell in love with the flavor” and committed to starting a business, Brestensky said.
“There’s a little bit of nervousness, but it’s very exciting,” he said.
Closer to the grand opening, Brestensky said he will look to hire 10 to 15 staff members while he works double duty at the mill and his new shop.
Hampton Manager Ryan Jeroski said Hampton is “very excited” to host the first Crispy Cones location, and residents are looking forward to trying the “unique” menu.
“We hope this new franchise is very successful and something our community can enjoy for years to come,” he said.
If the Hampton location indeed proves successful, Brestensky said he would consider opening further locations in the region. For now, he said he hopes to open on Route 8 in mid-April.
