For over three decades, Kong Kones have been an iconic part of the Macey’s experience. First introduced in 1991, the oversized soft-serve treat quickly became a guest favorite, making Macey’s a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers. Whether enjoyed with family and friends or as a fun reward after a shopping trip, Kong Kones have become synonymous with fun, tradition, and great taste.
While the Kong Kone’s branding remains exclusive to Macey’s stores, the delicious soft-serve offering has been expanding into more banners. The Dick’s Market in Centerville became the latest to introduce soft-serve ice cream, marking another exciting step in this growth. Today, guests can find soft-serve ice cream in 29 Associated Retailer Operations (ARO) stores and several independent stores as well, with plans to bring this sweet offering to even more locations in the future.
Soft-serve ice cream has proven to be a valuable addition to ARO stores, accounting for 3 percent of deli sales and consistently ranking in the top 10 items on movement reports. Its popularity highlights the role it plays in creating positive guest experiences and driving in-store visits.
“Ice cream isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience. It brings people together, creates moments of joy, and adds a little sweetness to everyday life. Expanding soft-serve allows us to offer that happiness to more guests while positioning our stores as a go-to destination for a yummy treat,” said Amber Woodfield, ARO deli manager.
Whether it’s a Kong Kone at Macey’s or a delicious soft-serve cone from another locations, the commitment to deliver high-quality, delicious treats that make every visit special remains the same.