Business Spotlights

Crispy Cones Brings Unique Dough-Style Ice Cream to Pasco

Crispy Cones, an Eastern European-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop, has opened in Pasco, introducing unique rotisserie-cooked dough cones. Owners Glenn and Vallari Royer brought the 'Trdelnik' concept from Prague, fostering new community connections.

MA
Marco Alvarez

April 3, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up of a Crispy Cone, a unique rotisserie-cooked dough cone filled with soft-serve ice cream and various toppings, held in hand against a warm, inviting background.

Crispy Cones, an Eastern European-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop, was opened in Pasco by owners Glenn and Vallari Royer in October 2023, introducing a unique dessert offering to the local community. The business is drawing attention for its distinctive rotisserie-cooked dough cones, a treat the couple discovered while traveling. According to a report from nbcrightnow.com, the venture has also enabled the owners to become more involved with local residents and forge new connections within the city.

What We Know So Far

  • Crispy Cones is described as an Eastern European-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop located in Pasco, according to nbcrightnow.com.
  • The business was established by co-owners Glenn and Vallari Royer, who held their opening in October 2023, the outlet reports.
  • The shop's signature cones are made from dough, cooked on a rotisserie, and are technically known as a 'Trdelnik', according to statements from the owners.
  • The concept was brought to the Tri-Cities after the Royers discovered the dessert during a trip to Prague, nbcrightnow.com reported.
  • Opening the business has reportedly allowed the owners to build more connections within the Pasco community.

What are Crispy Cones and their unique offerings?

Crispy Cones introduces a dessert that diverges significantly from the traditional wafer or sugar cone familiar to most ice cream enthusiasts. The shop's main attraction is a pastry-style cone made from fresh dough, which is then cooked on a rotisserie. This process results in a warm, soft, and flavorful base for soft-serve ice cream, offering a distinct texture and taste profile. The cone itself is a central part of the dessert experience, not just a vessel for the ice cream.

The technical name for this European treat is a 'Trdelnik'. In an interview with nbcrightnow.com, co-owner Glenn Royer provided a direct description of the business's core product. "We're an Eastern European-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop. Our cones are dough style, rotisserie cooked. Technically, they're called a 'Trdelnik,'" he said. This unique offering is the foundation of the business and its primary differentiator in the local market.

The inspiration for bringing this specific dessert to the Tri-Cities came from the owners' personal travels. The nbcrightnow.com report notes that Glenn and Vallari Royer first encountered the 'Trdelnik' while visiting Prague. Their decision to build a business around it has introduced a piece of European street food culture to the local Pasco food scene, providing residents with an opportunity to try a dessert that is uncommon in the region.

The Story Behind Crispy Cones' Viral Success

Since its opening in late 2023, Crispy Cones has become more than just a place to buy ice cream. For its owners, the shop has served as a gateway to deeper community engagement. The hands-on nature of running a local, customer-facing business has provided the Royers with opportunities to interact directly with residents and build relationships. This focus on local connection is a key part of their story.

The positive experience of becoming embedded in the community was highlighted by Glenn Royer in the nbcrightnow.com report. "It's been great. We've made a lot of different connections. We've met a lot of different people, and we've really enjoyed it," he stated. This sentiment reflects the role that small businesses can play in strengthening neighborhood ties. By creating a welcoming space, local establishments often become informal gathering spots that foster a sense of community.

The impact of such businesses can be significant for local revitalization efforts. Ventures like Crispy Cones contribute to the unique character and economic vitality of a neighborhood, which is a core principle behind initiatives like Business Improvement Districts. These organizations work to create a vibrant and thriving local economy, often built upon the success and community integration of individual small businesses.