A unique take on a familiar dish is on its way to Augusta.
Kono Pizza is an Italian franchise specializing in freshly baked pizzas—in cone form.
“A lot of people think that it’s ice cream cone,” said Eli Andraws, who’s getting ready to bring Kono Pizza to the Augusta area. “But it’s just like how you’d order regular pizza.”
The pizza crush is baked with ingredients and wrapped in a cone shape. Toppings and varieties are comparable to where you’d get at your nearest pizzeria, from pepperoni to buffalo chicken, Margherita pizza to cheesesteak to chicken parmesan.
“We buy the Italian cheese and Italian sauces,” Andraws said. “And we build it here in the States to serve the customers.”
Kono Pizza Augusta will also offer desserts, stuffing the same pizza crust column with Nutella, strawberry or banana; or offer tiramisu or cannoli cones.
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While Andraws seeks to eventually open a brick-and-mortar location, for now Kono will be serving the CSRA via food truck.
The company launched in the U.S. in 2013, years after founder, Italian immigrant Carlo Ruggiero, discovered the model in Europe and developed his concept in Milan, Italy in 2004. Franchises sprouted in Texas, California, Florida and Raleigh, N.C., where its U.S. headquarters is located.
“Then COVID hit,” said Andraws, noting that several branches of the unique Italian food franchise closed. The company focused its energies on its Italian sector and decreased franchise fees in the states, he said.
“It’s something new to Augusta,” said Andraws, who aims to start operations in mid-December, as it waits for permits from both Richmond and Columbia Counties. Once business starts, Kono Pizza will be available for corporate and public events, and will even pop-up at Food Truck Fridays in Evans.
For more information on Kono Pizza Augusta, or any businesses or event planners hoping to bring it to an even once it opens, can call 706-619-9218, or email konopizzaaugusta@gmail.com.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
