NEW YORK – Pizza in a cone may sound a bit strange, but it’s been a hit in Italy for over a decade and may soon be coming to a location near you. A far cry from the Hot Pocket and similar portable pizza products, Kono Pizza hails from none other than Milan and may just be the perfect pizza delivery vehicle for America’s grab and go eating culture.

According to CNN Money, Italian businessman and “master franchisor” Carlo Ruggiero is planning to expand the Kono Pizza chain’s presence stateside, with eight to 10 new restaurants set to open this year in locations including Philadelphia, Charlotte, N.C., and Newport, N.J. on the Jersey shore. The brand is already franchised in 20 countries with 140 restaurants in Dubai, Australia, Japan, China, Thailand and Aruba.

"I loved this product from day one," Ruggiero told the news source. "I love the taste, the mobility, the authenticity." He explained that the handheld cone-shaped pizza is known in Italy as "pizza al passeggio," which translates to "walk away pizza."

Ironically, it was developed in a culture whose dining habits are more frequently oriented around relaxed, lingering meals. But that is exactly why he expects the concept to be a hit in the United States. “In the states, we're always on the go. You can walk around eating original Kono pizza while you're on the phone, while you drive," he envisions.

The cone pizzas are assembled to order for each customer, with the various ingredients piled into the cone, which is made from fresh dough. Ruggiero said the entire process takes three minutes and the cone has less than 200 calories, at a cost of $3 to $5. Popular varieties include pepperoni, chicken parmesan, meat lover (turkey, bacon and ham), vegetarian, prosciutto with mozzarella and margherita, as well as breakfast and dessert cones.