SOMERS, N.Y. – There’s something magical about King Kone. Since 1953, the iconic ice cream stand on Route 100 has been serving up swirls of nostalgia with every cone, cup, and lobster roll. Now, this beloved roadside staple is making waves beyond Westchester—by starring in a national commercial for the new Chevrolet Equinox EV.
The production crew rolled into Somers bright and early—5 a.m. to be exact—but by 11 a.m., it was all wrapped up. According to co-owner Deb Hopkins, it was a “painless experience.” She and her husband Brian, who’ve owned King Kone since 2001, were “ecstatic” about the opportunity, even if they were a little nervous about what to expect.
But any concerns melted away, just like one of their signature cones on a hot summer day.
The decision to film at King Kone wasn’t random. A location scout fell in love with its unmistakable small-town charm, whimsical signage (including the giant smiley-faced ice cream cone, freshly repainted last year), and the authentic Americana feel that’s hard to replicate.
Once on site, the production turned the quiet roadside stand into a hive of activity. Brian estimates there were around 20 trucks and 120 crew members buzzing about. The cast and crew even brought their own catering truck and portable restrooms—but rumor has it, King Kone’s food still stole the show.
Brian, usually found manning the grill, took a rare break to enjoy a simple egg sandwich while the cameras rolled. “We had to wake up early, but what the heck,” he said with a grin. The crew, once done filming, finally got to dig into the real star of the show—King Kone’s legendary ice cream.
As for the actors? “They did all these takes and the poor actor only got to take one lick of the cone before it was thrown away,” Deb recalled with a laugh.
King Kone has long been more than an ice cream stand. It’s a community landmark with a menu that spans from soft serve and Italian ices to burgers, tempura shrimp, and buttery lobster rolls inspired by Brian’s childhood vacations in Maine. Since taking over, the Hopkins have lovingly restored the place—gutting the interior, expanding the menu, and creating a picnic-perfect spot for summer memories.
This commercial marks a sweet moment in King Kone’s story, blending tradition with a taste of national fame. While the exact air date is still under wraps, Brian suspects the spot will hit screens by late August or early September.
So next time you’re cruising through Somers, stop by King Kone. You never know—you might be licking the same cone featured in a Chevy commercial.