Words by The Walker Leader Team | Images by Ryan McGill
At The Walker Leader, we’re always looking for ways to connect with our community—whether it’s through sharing stories or exploring the local food scene. When a new place opens up, it sparks excitement for our team, and we’re eager to share that with you.
Introducing The Pink Cone.
For this installment of Leader Lunch, we decided to indulge our collective sweet tooth and check out Jasper’s newest treat shop. The Pink Cone brings a slice of European flavor to our hometown, from its signature gelato and sorbet to its warm crepes. And we couldn’t wait to see what all the buzz was about!
For years, Kristen Hayes dreamed of opening her own restaurant, but life had other plans. After her daughters finished school, she finally decided the time was right.
Instead of a full-service restaurant, Kristen chose to create a smaller, more focused venture—a local treat shop that would bring something new to Jasper. She turned to gelato, a sweet Italian dessert she fell in love with during a family trip to Italy.
With the perfect fusion of her favorite color and her signature dessert, The Pink Cone was born.
Kristen’s travels also inspired the warm crepes on the menu, a nod to her time in France during the same trip.
She credits her husband for helping her find a company in North Carolina that taught her the intricate gelato-making process, which she describes as both challenging and rewarding.
The shop officially opened in early August and has already become a go-to for locals.
Kristen says she is excited to grow The Pink Cone into a full-fledged European-themed treat shop. After the upcoming Foothills Festival, she plans to offer cannoli and tiramisu.
Until then, you can find Team Walker Leader ruining our dinners with the gelato and sorbet. Here are our reviews!
Linley
I took a recommendation to try the chocolate gelato, and let me tell you, I’m so glad I did. It’s absolutely divine. Rich yet surprisingly light, it manages to strike the perfect balance between indulgence and refreshment.
In my book, you really can never go wrong with chocolate, and The Pink Cone has mastered the art of this classic flavor. Whether you’re a true chocoholic or just in the mood for something comforting, this is one recommendation I wholeheartedly stand by. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Jenny Lynn
I will be the first to admit that this was not my first visit to The Pink Cone. My family has a running joke that we all have separate “dessert stomachs” and could eat sweets even when we’re too full to move. Given that, and the fact that The Pink Cone is mere steps from my office, it has quickly become a favorite stop for me.
From previous visits, I would’ve told you that vanilla gelato was the standout. It’s a classic—creamy, rich, and everything you want in a traditional dessert. But after today’s visit, I can confidently say that, as of now, the limoncello sorbet takes the crown. My goal is to eventually try everything on the menu, so I may disagree with my own statement later on.
There’s something undeniably refreshing about a perfectly balanced lemon-flavored dessert. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and tangy without being too sharp. For me, lemon has always been the superior dessert flavor. This limoncello sorbet captures that essence in every bite. The tartness hits just right, followed by a smooth, light finish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. In a word, perfection.
Sarah
I have a personal rule when it comes to ice cream, gelato, sorbet, etc.: if I can combine raspberry and chocolate, I absolutely do. Thankfully, The Pink Cone made that possible! The combination of their refreshing raspberry sorbet and rich, creamy chocolate gelato was a perfect match. The fruity tartness of the sorbet paired beautifully with the smoothness of the chocolate.
The atmosphere at The Pink Cone is just as sweet. The staff was incredibly friendly and bubbly, and the shop itself is welcoming, bright, and full of fun energy—it’s the kind of place that puts a smile on your face as soon as you walk in. I can’t wait to bring my daughter Lillian and her friends here after school for a treat they’re sure to love!
Justin
I tried the butter pecan gelato on a homemade pink waffle cone, and it was spot on. The gelato was smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor. The pecans gave it a nice crunch that worked well with the buttery sweetness. It was so good, I almost went for a second one!
If you stop by The Pink Cone, I recommend getting your gelato or sorbet on their signature pink cone. It adds a little something extra to the whole experience, and it’s definitely worth it!
Bonus Content
Justin’s son, Jasper, spent the whole visit wishing he were just a bit older and could participate. He felt very teased by his dad showing off his order and is plotting revenge in the form of maximum sugar consumption when he is of age.
Sarah’s husband, Dr. Martin Roberts, enjoyed the coffee-flavored gelato that Sarah brought him. No comment yet on whether gelato delivery will become a routine part of their marriage, but we assume it will. WL
