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The 7 Must-Try Crispy Cones On The Wilmington Menu: A Deep Dive Into The Dessert That Won Over Shark Tank

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Step inside the sweet, cinnamon-scented world of Crispy Cones in Wilmington, NC, and you’ll immediately understand why this unique dessert concept became a national sensation. As of late December 2025, the Wilmington location remains a premier destination for those craving a fresh, European-inspired treat, blending the warm comfort of a pastry with the cool delight of gourmet soft-serve ice cream. Unlike traditional ice cream shops, Crispy Cones offers a customizable and decadent experience built around its signature rotisserie-grilled, chimney cake-style dough.

This article provides the most current and updated details on the full Wilmington menu, including seasonal specialties like the Gingerbread Specialty Cone and Eggnog Specialty Ice Cream, along with the full breakdown of pricing, customization options, and the incredible, game-changing story of its appearance on ABC's *Shark Tank* that propelled it to national fame. Located in the heart of historic Downtown Wilmington at 120 Market St, the shop is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

The Founders and The Sweet Success Story From Shark Tank

The Crispy Cones brand is built on a compelling entrepreneurial journey, which is a key part of its appeal and topical authority. The company was founded by Jeremy Carlson and his wife, Kaitlyn Carlson, who brought a popular European street food to the American market.

  • Founders: Jeremy Carlson and Kaitlyn Carlson
  • Origin of Concept: Inspired by the traditional Czech dessert known as *Trdelník* or chimney cake.
  • Business Pitch: Appeared on Season 14 of the hit television show *Shark Tank*.
  • Air Date: The episode featuring Crispy Cones aired in March 2023.
  • The Ask: The Carlsons sought a $200,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity in their company.
  • The Deal: They successfully struck a deal with investor Barbara Corcoran, securing the capital and mentorship needed to launch their rapid national expansion, including the popular Wilmington, North Carolina store.
  • Wilmington Location Opening: The first North Carolina shop in Wilmington opened in April (following the *Shark Tank* appearance).
  • Address: 120 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

The Core Crispy Cones Wilmington Menu Explained

The menu at Crispy Cones is deceptively simple, yet offers endless customization, ensuring no two visits are exactly the same. The foundation of every dessert is the freshly-made, hand-rolled dough cone, which is grilled to a golden, crispy perfection on a rotisserie and coated with a choice of powder. The core options are structured to allow customers to choose a signature creation or build their own masterpiece.

1. Signature Cones (The Must-Try List)

The signature cones are the most popular items, combining the perfect mix of spread, soft-serve, and toppings. These represent the best of the Crispy Cones experience and are often the fastest way to order.

  • The Lotus Biscoff Cone: This is arguably the most famous and highly-requested flavor. It features the fresh, grilled cone coated in cinnamon sugar, filled with a creamy Lotus Biscoff butter spread, gourmet vanilla soft-serve, and topped with crunchy Biscoff cookie crumbs. This flavor profile is a fan favorite for its balance of spice and creaminess.
  • The Grilled Fruit Cone: A lighter, more refreshing option, this cone is often filled with a fruit-based spread and fresh, seasonal fruit. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a less decadent, brighter flavor. Specific fruit toppings vary but often include fresh strawberries or bananas.
  • Seasonal Specialty Cones: Always check the menu board for limited-time offerings. For the current holiday season (late 2025), the Gingerbread Specialty Cone is a featured star. This cone likely features a gingerbread-flavored coating or spread, paired with the seasonal Eggnog Specialty Ice Cream (see below).

2. The Build-Your-Own Masterpiece

For the ultimate personalized dessert, customers can customize every step of the process, which is where the menu's true depth is revealed. The price for a standard Pastry Cone with a spread of choice is approximately $4.69 (price subject to change), with additional charges for ice cream and premium toppings.

Step 1: Choose Your Cone Coating (The Crispy Shell)

The fresh dough is grilled and then immediately rolled in a coating for its signature texture and initial flavor. The most common options are:

  • Cinnamon and Sugar: The classic, traditional *Trdelník* coating.
  • Specialty Powder: Varies by season, but can include cocoa, flavored sugars, or holiday spices.

Step 2: Choose Your Spread (The Inner Layer)

A creamy, rich spread is applied to the inside of the cone before the ice cream is added, acting as a delicious barrier and flavor boost. Popular spread options include:

  • Nutella: The classic hazelnut-chocolate spread.
  • Biscoff Butter: The caramelized cookie spread used in the signature cone.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Often paired with seasonal or fruit flavors.
  • Peanut Butter: A rich, savory option.

Step 3: Choose Your Gourmet Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Crispy Cones uses a high-quality, gourmet soft-serve that is richer and creamier than standard soft-serve. While the core flavors are typically Vanilla, Chocolate, and Swirl, the Wilmington menu is famous for its special flavors.

  • Standard Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Swirl (Vanilla and Chocolate mix).
  • Current Specialty Flavor (Late 2025): The Eggnog Specialty flavor Ice Cream is a must-try for a festive treat.

Step 4: Choose Your Toppings and Sauce (The Finish)

The final layer of customization involves a selection of premium toppings and sauces. This is where you can add crunch, texture, and extra sweetness.

  • Premium Toppings: Options often include caramel cookie dough, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, Oreo crumbs, cereal pieces, and fresh fruit (like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas).
  • Sauces: Standard sauces typically include Chocolate Syrup, Caramel Sauce, and Strawberry Glaze.

The Current Wilmington Hours and To-Go Options

For those planning a visit to the 120 Market St location, the hours of operation are generally consistent but may be subject to change, especially around holidays. It is always best to check the official website or call ahead.

  • Monday - Thursday: Typically 3 PM - 11 PM
  • Friday - Saturday: Typically 12 PM - 12 AM (Midnight)
  • Sunday: Typically 12 PM - 10 PM

Crispy Cones also offers convenient To-Go and Delivery options, which are perfect for parties or family treats. The most popular to-go packages include:

  • 2 Cone Package: Starting at approximately $16.69. This package typically includes two cones, two spreads, and a pint of ice cream, allowing you to assemble the dessert at home.
  • Cones Only Package: Starting at approximately $8.29. This package includes two of the fresh-grilled pastry cones and two spreads, perfect for filling with your own ice cream.
  • Ice Cream Pint: Starting at approximately $9.99. This pint includes one topping and one sauce, separate from the cones.

The Wilmington Crispy Cones location continues to be a highlight of the historic downtown food scene, offering a revolutionary and delicious take on the classic ice cream dessert. Whether you're a fan of the *Shark Tank* story, a dessert enthusiast, or just looking for a unique treat, the customizable menu and fresh ingredients make it a destination worth visiting.

The 7 Must-Try Crispy Cones on the Wilmington Menu: A Deep Dive into the Dessert That Won Over Shark Tank
crispy cones - wilmington menu
crispy cones - wilmington menu

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