Viral Facebook Post Sparks Support for Blackstone Ice Cream Shop

An ice cream shop in Blackstone, Massachusetts, has gone viral after its co-owner publicly defended teen employees from a customer's outburst in a passionately worded Facebook post. The social media message has since drawn national attention and overwhelming community support for the locally owned business.

Incident at Coldstuff Ice Cream Triggers Online Response

Kevin Miller, co-owner of Coldstuff Ice Cream alongside his brother Dave Forgit, recounted a recent altercation at their shop. The incident occurred when a customer became irate over the price of a sundae and directed harsh words at a 16-year-old employee. “This person lost their mind on her over 20 cents and called her a scumbag, and said that she would never be back, to somebody that was just trying to do their job,” Miller told reporters. He added that this confrontation was a tipping point for the owners.

Facebook Post Calls for Respect Toward Teen Staff

On Sunday night, Forgit responded by posting a forceful message on Facebook, urging customers to have patience with the shop’s predominantly teenage staff. The post read, “I swear to God. STOP YELLING AT MY F****** EMPLOYEES. They are children. This job, for most of them is their first. They are going to make mistakes. They aren’t in charge of anything. This can all be fixed with a smile and a polite attitude. It’s ice cream for crying out loud. Grow up and act your age.”

Coldstuff Ice Cream, which opened in August, has regularly witnessed tense interactions between customers and teen employees. The viral post highlighted ongoing challenges faced by small businesses when managing customer behavior and protecting youth employment.

Community and Online Reactions Flood In

The Facebook post captured broad attention, accumulating nearly 300,000 likes and bringing approximately 1,200 new followers to the shop’s page. Support has been evident not only online but also in person, with customers visiting the shop to show encouragement. "Certainly going to get ice cream should not be a combative experience, so it’s kind of surprising that someone would choose this setting," said customer Dawn Fontaine. Fred Fontaine, another patron, shared, “I also employ young people. They work hard, they really do, and they are really trying.”

For those critical of the blunt nature of the Facebook message, Forgit responded in the comments, saying, “And NOBODY gives a s*** if you don’t come back. We’d prefer it that way.”

Potential Impact on the Local Business

The overwhelming customer support following the viral incident offers a boost to Coldstuff Ice Cream. The owners are hopeful that this positive attention will help extend their season, while also reinforcing the need for respect and understanding in the service industry—especially for young and first-time employees.

Source: whdh.com.