Kono USA, the growing franchise that introduced the popular European pizza-in-a-cone concept to America, is giving U.S. consumers a new reason to fall back in love with PB&J by filling its signature warm, dough cones with this enduring American combination.
The new PB&J cones will be available at all “The Original” Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go—Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets franchise locations starting December 1. Using its kid-sized cones, the new PB&J cone is cooked in just three minutes using the brand’s proprietary oven. The warm cone is then layered with peanut butter & jelly and topped with a dollop of grape jelly.
“The melted peanut butter and jelly blends together to create a tasty and filling snack that kids and adults will love,” says David Ragosa, co-founder of Kono USA. “Most of us grew up with traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on white bread. We thought it was high time for a new spin on this all-time favorite. What better way to do that then with our portable and delicious snack cones?”
Kono USA’s on-the-go style of snacking has taken off with the introduction of Kono-To-Go—Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets and “The Original” Kono Pizza kiosks, carts and in-line stores at high-traffic venues such as malls, festivals and airports around the country. With existing locations in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and South Carolina and 60 more in varying stages of development, additional mall kiosks in Baltimore, Dallas and San Diego are scheduled to open by December 31.
The PB&J cone will take its place on the Kono menu beside the brand’s popular pizza, breakfast and dessert cones, all of which are customizable and filled with fresh quality ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes. Through a partnership with Ghirardelli, Kono USA also recently added new sweet cone options that are sure to tempt holiday shoppers. The premium chocolate is paired with an assortment of sweet fillings to create the Triple Chocolate, Coco-Nutty Delight, Caramel Nut Satisfaction and White Chocolate Raspberry Chocolate cones.
“Just as we reinvented the way Americans eat their pizza over three years ago when we brought the European pizza-in-a-cone craze to the United States, we’re showing that we’re continuing to push the envelope with the PB&J cone,” says Carlo Ruggiero, Kono USA co-founder. “We’re finding ways to take some of America’s favorite foods and make them more convenient. Stay tuned for more.”
The on-the-go style of eating has taken off with consumers and Kono USA has responded with kiosks, carts and in-line stores in high-traffic venues such as malls, festivals and airports. With existing locations in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and South Carolina and 60 more in varying stages of development, the brand plans to open additional mall kiosks in Baltimore, Dallas, Boise, and San Diego before the end of the year.
