'Y'all know how to throw down': The Cannoli Cowboy on the Calgary Stampede

If you’ve been scrolling social media during the Calgary Stampede this year, chances are you’ve come across the Cannoli Cowboy.

Decked out in full western wear, Cannoli Cowboy, CJ Roberts, has become a viral sensation over the years, serving up freshly piped cannolis all over the world, leading him to a huge gig at the Calgary Stampede.

While he was in town, Dished was able to chat with the Cannoli Cowboy himself to talk about Cowboy Cannolis and his very first visit to the Calgary Stampede.

Origins

Based in Nashville, Roberts and his fellow co-founder Hayley Storehouse set up Cowboy Cannolis, inspired by their love of baking with family.

“I grew up making everything under the sun with my mom. We love to cook. We made everything from scratch […] Hayley baked with her grandmother, so this is our take on the cannoli. We actually created this recipe. It’s our own,” Roberts told Dished.

“We make the best cannolis. They’re all homemade from scratch. We’re making everything down to our own vanilla,” he added.

So what makes a Cowboy Cannoli? Roberts said it’s all about using the highest quality ingredients, including organic and regenerative sugar, cold cream and creating a perfectly crispy shell.

As Cowboy Cannolis took off, accumulating a massive 175,000 followers on Instagram and over 81,000 on TikTok, Roberts has been able to travel all over the world to serve the treats.

“This job has really taken me everywhere. Right now, I spend a lot of time in Canada, and upcoming, I’m going everywhere from Italy, the United Kingdom to Australia,” he said.

@cowboycannolis This cannoli is for you 😉🤠🤌 #fyp #canada #calgary #stampede #viral ♬ Somethin’ Simple – Ella Langley

Calgary Stampede

Since arriving in Calgary for the Stampede, Roberts has been able to take some time to really get into the rodeo spirit.

“They took me in the chutes for the bull riding. That was pretty cool. Then I did a tour with the chuckwagons. I didn’t realize, but the amount of work that these athletes put in is crazy. Big shout-out to those guys,” he said.

While this is Roberts’ first visit to the Stampede, it won’t be the last, as he hinted that he may be back next year.

“I love Canada. I love Canadians. Y’all know how to throw down and have a good time,” he said.

Still hungry? Discover Dished Calgary on TikTok