Rick Johnstone's Cup and Cone shop in White Bear Lake has been named the best ice cream shop in the country.
Rick Johnstone, the owner of Cup and Cone, saw his Minnesota ice cream store crowned the winner of the "America's Best Ice Cream" competition. The shop, located in White Bear Lake, secured the top spot after five rounds of online voting by the public. Cup and Cone defeated 63 other shops across the United States, including two other Minnesota favorites: Grand Ole Creamery in St. Paul and Pumphouse Creamery in Minneapolis. The store, which has been serving the community since 1973, is known for its generous soft-serve portions and a variety of other treats like sandwiches and hot dogs. The competition, hosted by The64.com, is a public-voting tournament that features no judges and no entry fees. The win serves as an affirmation of the shop's daily commitment to quality and community engagement. The final winner will be officially announced on August 4, 2026.