The future of West Chester’s The Cone has been uncertain since last fall, but fans of the iconic ice cream shop can now breathe a sigh of relief.
The ice cream shop has found new owners after its long-time owners, the Wren family, announced their retirement in September.
Mike and Beth Heydt purchased The Cone ice cream shop, according to the Wrens’ social media posts on Saturday morning.
According to the Wrens, the Heydts are already well-known local business leaders. The Heydts are local franchisees of the national Chicken Salad Chick restaurant chain.
“We are confident that Mike and Beth’s family will honor the traditions, recipes and heart that have made The Cone what it is today,” the Wrens posted on their social media accounts.
The Wrens announced in September that it was “time to retire” after 50 years in business. Ken and Louella Wren opened the K&W Creamy Whip in the Lockland-Reading area in 1973, before relocating to West Chester as The Cone in 1995.
The Cone has grown beyond its original cone-shaped store, now offering a drive-thru, indoor and outdoor seating, walk-up windows, an arcade, and more.
The Cone offers dozens of ice cream flavors, sundaes, shakes and malts, floats, “wizzards,” seasonal items, and more, but it is best known for its “secret recipe” orange and vanilla ice cream.
Keith Wren, the owner, has also operated a fleet of “Mobile Cone” trailers for various events over the years.
In their announcement of the Heydts purchasing The Cone, the Wrens stated that Keith will continue to own and operate the Mobile Cone units. Keith Wren will continue to run the Hawaiian Five-OH Shave Ice Units and the Hawaiian Five-OH Flavor Company.
“We will forever treasure and be grateful for all the memories we’ve created together,” the Wrens wrote. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to serve this community for the past 50 years — it has been our greatest joy.”
