Since 2013, Super 1 Foods stores have sold soft-serve kids ice cream cones for just 25 cents. Although food and grocery prices nationwide have increased drastically since 2013, Super 1 has not raised the price of its ice cream cones, and the company does not plan to do so anytime soon.

“A lot of things are expensive nowadays. It’s nice to have something that’s a fun family outing that’s inexpensive,” said Super 1 Vice President Randy McIntire.

The affordability makes it easy for kids to make their first independent purchase with their allowance. One of these young customers is 3-year-old Amelia Miles, who visited Super 1 with her grandmother.

“I saved my own money,” Miles said, proudly lifting her coin purse. “I’ve got quarters in here and everything.”

Miles approached the deli counter by herself and bought a chocolate-vanilla swirl from team member Cole Reid, who served her a generous portion.

“I’m gonna get a brain freeze,” Miles said.

Macey's Supermarket originally inspired Super 1 to sell soft-serve ice cream, although Macey’s has since raised its prices. 

When Super 1 began selling ice cream cones for 25 cents, the price was just about enough to break even. Now, Randy estimates that each cone costs Super 1 about 55 cents. However, the inexpensive ice cream cones continue to draw kids, families and seniors to Super 1 every day. President Ron McIntire estimates that Super 1 sells around 4,800 ice cream cones per week between all store locations. Super 1 Foods has nearly 20 stores in Idaho and Montana.

“It’s kind of fun to see people shopping, pushing a cart around while holding an ice cream cone,” said Ron McIntire.

Ron and Randy McIntire are proud that it has become a Super 1 tradition for customers to pay for each other’s ice creams. It is common for a customer to hand a couple of dollars to the deli counter and tell employees to cover the next eight customers’ ice creams. This custom is particularly popular at the Bonners Ferry location.

“They have people there who leave $50 to $100,” Ron said. “They have to keep track of all of those cones.”

As Idaho sweats in record-breaking August heat, Super 1 stores offer a sweet, cold treat for just 25 cents per cone. Customers can buy ice cream cones from morning to evening, seven days a week, year-round.

  

    Super 1 team member Cole Reid serves 25-cent ice cream.