WYOMING, Ohio — It's a bold claim, but it's one J.D. Raphael stands behind: When Cowboy Cones opens in Wyoming this summer, it will serve tastier ice cream than Cincinnati favorite Graeter's, he said.
Raphael is one of several co-owners behind the new venture, coming soon to 508 Wyoming Ave.
Cowboy Cones will be the only business in Cincinnati to offer Chocolate Shoppe brand ice cream, made in Madison, Wisconsin, and known for its high butterfat content, which makes for a creamier, tastier product.
Not only does it satisfy that sweet tooth, he said, but it also fills a void.
"It's the best ice cream I've ever had," said co-owner Lisa Raphael, J.D.'s wife. "This has been an idea of ours for a few years. My husband was driving around town (one day) looking for ice cream and noticed there wasn't a shop down here. There's nothing else (like this) in the city, in this market."
J.D. Raphael said the store will stock about 20 different flavors, including non-dairy and super-premium options, like Fat Elvis, a sweet banana ice cream with a salty peanut butter ripple and rich chocolate chips; Zoreo, a chocolate ice cream swirled with marshmallow, Oreos and bittersweet chocolate chunks; and Loaded French Toast, a cinnamon French toast ice cream drizzled with maple syrup and cream cheese.
J.D. Raphael said the price point is similar to Graeter's. Cowboy Cones also will offer sundaes, floats and shakes.
The shop will have a walk-up window for soft serve, too.
"We think that will help with the traffic," said Brandon Victor, who also will co-own the shop along with wife Ashley. "We think it's a good fit. There's a couple restaurants nearby (Station Family + BBQ and Gabby's Cafe), the butcher shop (Wyoming Meat Market), the bakery (Wyoming Pastry Shop). There's a school down the street and parks. It's really a prime location."
Lisa Raphael said the staff wants to be as active as possible in the community. The Cowboy in Cowboy Cones, for example, is a nod to the Wyoming school mascot. But the theme also plays heavily in the shop's aesthetic. Cowprint will decorate white walls throughout the shop.
Brandon Victor said they are still determining hours. Staff is hoping for a late June or early July debut.
There have been some snags with construction, but renovations are now in full swing. Until then, crews will offer weekend pop-ups on site.
Specific times and dates will be posted on the Cowboy Cones Facebook page.
"People seem excited," Victor said. "I mean, everybody likes ice cream, but we're getting a lot of good feedback on social media. We're very excited about it."
