There are countless Virginia inventions. But by far the sweetest is the waffle cone. While this famous dessert wasn’t technically invented on Virginia soil, it was crafted by a man who opened a famous Virginia restaurant sharing his same name: Doumar’s. Today, Doumar’s in Norfolk is famous for its quality food and treats, which have won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Here’s more on the famous man who invented the waffle cone and opened one of Norfolk’s most iconic restaurants.

If you've traveled through the Norfolk area, you've likely noticed this bright, yellow sign advertising a beloved local spot: Doumar's Cones & Barbecue. What you may not have realized, however, is that it's named for the very same man who invited the ice cream cone.
Doumar's Cones and Barbecue / Facebook
It all started at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Abe Doumar was selling paperweights to fairgoers as a traveling salesman and one day, noticed that the nearby ice cream stand had run out of serving dishes.
David R. Francis / Wikipedia
He then had a moment of inspiration. There was a waffle vendor next door, and Abe bought a still-warm waffle, rolled it into a cone shape, and used it to carry an ice cream scoop. From that moment on, Abe continued to sell the world's first ice cream cones.
After this enlightening experience at the World's Fair, Abe brought his idea and invention back to Virginia. This time, he would create a four-iron waffle machine -- the very one that's still in use today!
Doumar's Cones and Barbecue / Facebook
The four-iron machine would allow Abe to roll a waffle cone while three others were cooking.

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In 1907, after opening a series of Doumar's ice cream stands along the East Coast, business was brought to Virginia at the Ocean View Amusement Park.
Doumar's Cones and Barbecue / Facebook
It was here that the waffle cone really took off. It's reported that in one day alone, nearly 23,000 cones were sold!
Doumar's Cones and Barbecue / Facebook
It's because of this success that Abe relocated permanently to Norfolk, where the only remaining Doumar's is still run by his family.
Doumar's Cones and Barbecue / Facebook
Visit today and you'll find a selection of barbecue, sandwiches, fries, and refreshing drinks. But don't forget to order up at least one homemade waffle cone!
Doumar's Cones and Barbecue / Facebook

Have you ever visited Doumar’s in Norfolk? What did you think about your experience there? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! For more information, be sure to check out Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue online. Curious to take a peak at this special restaurant? Watch the brief YouTube video below:

In our opinion, Doumar’s is worthy of a road trip. Check out these places to stay in Norfolk to help plan your visit!

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Featured Addresses
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue, 1919 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA