From trailer to Shark Tank: Utah ice cream store expands, again

LAYTON — An ice cream store with Utah roots is expanding its business once again. This time, the store will be opening two new locations and re-opening one other store, all within the Beehive State.

Shelly Thorne and her husband Scott are the owners and operators of the Crispy Cones store in Layton.

“When you come into a Crispy Cones store, you’re getting a European experience which is unlike any other,” Thorne said. “We have a warm cone hot off the grill that we can fill with strawberries and bananas. The cooled off version of the cone, we fill with gourmet soft-serve ice cream.” 

Crispy Cones’ Layton location first opened in October 2024, a little over a year after its founders and CEO Jeremy Carlson and his wife Kaitlyn appeared on Shark Tank. The couple was able to secure a deal with Barbara Corcoran on the show, and now Crispy Cones has at least one store located in 14 states, with more on the way.

“They’re amazing people, they’re hard-working, very driven people,” Thorne said. “They both see a very bright future and a lot of potential in this brand, and they don’t give up, and they’ve overcome a lot of obstacles that may have deterred anybody else but not them.”

Crispy Cones is a European pastry that originated in the Czech Republic, according to Thorne. She said the idea to launch the stores all started when Jeremy Carlson went on a mission in Prague for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

“It was his favorite dessert (while on his mission). He wanted to figure out a way to bring it home to his family and everybody else, and then the idea just grew,” Thorne said.

Thorne said Jeremy Carlson then worked to perfect a recipe for the business when he began selling cones out of a tent, and then trailer while attending Brigham Young University in Idaho. Finally, in May 2020, the Carlsons were able to open the first Crispy Cones store in Logan.

As for Thorne, she said she’s just happy to be part of the experience.

“It’s really exciting to be part of something new and something that brings European roots to our local communities,” Thorne said. “A lot of people can’t afford to go to Europe to experience these things, and it’s really exciting to be able to bring them something here that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

New locations

Crispy Cones has plans to open two new stores in Utah and one more that will be a re-opening event.

On Friday, the store opened new doors to customers in Draper.

“Draper was selected for its strong sense of community, family-oriented neighborhoods, and growing retail scene,” Crispy Cones said in a news release. “The location will feature the brand’s full menu, including its pastry cones, weekly soft-serve flavors, and rotating delicious toppings.”

The Crispy Cones location in Draper will be holding special promotions for those who visit during the opening week, according to the news release.

Another store will be opening next year in January. That location is still under construction and will be located in West Valley City.

“The store will serve as a cornerstone for Crispy Cones ’growing presence in the Salt Lake Valley and a sign of its long-term commitment to serving Utah customers,” Crispy Cones said.

Lastly, Crispy Cones said it will be reopening its Provo location under new management.

“The new leadership team is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel part of the community,” Crispy Cones said. “Plans include regular promotions and partnerships with local events and student groups. The reopening has been met with enthusiasm from long-time fans and new visitors alike, signaling a strong comeback for the Provo location.”

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