That’s right, our very own Group Account Director, Stephanie, is related to the creators of the waffle cone—whoa.

Let’s set the stage. It’s April 30, 1904 at the opening of the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri—a fair that took place on a total of 1,200 acres and to date takes the cake as the largest fair (based on area). More impressive than the size of the fair, however, are the developments that occurred and became popular on the grounds like the sweet and crunchy, totally craveable, sometimes-controversial waffle cone.

Why controversial? Well, besides the waffle vs. wafer vs. sugar cone debate I’m sure we’ve all faced, the credit for who actually created the waffle cone has also been under debate, with Ernest Hamwi typically being credited for the creation. But, according to the story passed down Stephanie’s family tree, her great grandpa, Nick Kabbaz, and great uncle, Albert Kabbaz, had a hand or two in the process.

As a couple of bakers, they were working at Ernest Hamwi’s pastry cart at the World’s Fair that year when a booth near them—an ice cream booth—ran out of cups. Unable to serve fairgoers ice cream in their hands, they needed a cup alternative, and they needed it quick. So, the Kabbaz brothers whipped something up.

As you might guess, they were serving waffle-like pastries from their cart that day. This allowed for the brilliant idea of making a thinner pastry that could be rolled into the shape of a cone to easily carry scoops of ice cream. Voila, waffle cone—an easy-to-hold cup that eliminates the need to find a trashcan when you’re finished. Talk about problem solving.

Ice cream eaters loved the edible carrier, so more cones were made. And proving by the popularity of the waffle cone today, it’s clear that Ernest Hamwi’s booth saw great success that year—regardless of who really rolled that first cone. But, whoever it was, we thank you for keeping the ice cream world spinning round.

Friday Food Stories is a spotlight series showcasing deepsters and their deep love for all things food. Check back soon for more!