For a double scoop of fun, trundle over to the Sugar House neighbourhood of Salt Lake City, where you’ll find an ice cream cone of scrumptious proportions!

The Snelgrove Ice Cream Cone was created by the YESCO sign company and erected outside the famous Snelgrove ice cream parlor and factory, at 850 East 2100 South, in 1962. The frozen treat spun tantalisingly, whispering sweet nothings about the mouthwatering flavours found inside.

Carmel Cashew. Canadian Vanilla. And my personal favourite, the decadent Burnt Almond Fudge.

Snelgrove became an SLC institution. Stores opened up across the city and their tempting treats became synonymous with the Beehive State. It was the perfect place to chill out – especially on Sundaes!

But, like a dollop of Peppermint Chocolate Spray on a hot Utahn afternoon, the good times soon melted away, leaving nothing but a sticky, sanguine mess…

Snels Like Teen Spirit

The Snelgrove chain was sold to the Dreyer’s group in the early-90s, and hearts broke from St George to Logan when the brand was discontinued in 2008. The shell of their flagship ice-creamatorium, once the soul of SLC, was demolished in 2021.

I don’t want to waffle-cone on, but they were grim times.

Thankfully, the giant gelato remains – and it’s not going anywhere. Having been deemed historic, the cone can’t be torn down, and will be here surprise and delight visitors for generations to come.

It was a cream come true when I visited, but the dilapidated condition of the statue left me cold. A homeless guy from a nearby soup kitchen did blow me a kiss, however, which was a real cone-fidence boost.

There’s a similar monument above the Jimmy John’s sandwich emporium at 400 South. But is has, sacrilegiously, been painted jet-black. Don’t worry, I’ve left the restaurant a one-star review on Yelp, so I’m sure they’ll repaint it any day now.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. A handful of new Snelgrove shops have opened up across Utah in the last few years, and there’s word that their signature statue may even be moved to a new location.

And that, my frozen friends, is the scoop on The Snelgrove Ice Cream Cone!

The Emperor of The Snelgrove Ice Cream

Call the roller of big cigars,
The muscular one who is fascinated by roadside attractions, and bid him whip
In big blenders concupiscent curds
Let the beavers boogie in their ballgowns
As they are used to wear, and let the oversized cowboys
Bring flowers in last month’s newspapers
Let The Gonzo be seen
The only emperor is the emperor of The Snelgrove Ice Cream.

Munch on a taco with an iguana
Or pose for three photos with a major miner
Then rock out with a big guitar
A smile shall spread across your face
If Mike the Chicken‘s little feet protrude, you’ll come
To know how cool Big Things are, and fun!
Let the lamp affix its beam.
The only emperor is the emperor of The Snelgrove Ice Cream.