BLACKSTONE, MASSACHUSETTS – The co-owner of Coldstuff Ice Cream in Blackstone has gone viral after publicly calling out customers who yell at the shop’s teenage employees. The breaking point came when a customer reportedly berated a 16-year-old worker over a 20-cent price difference on a sundae and called the teen a scumbag. The owner’s blunt Facebook post has since drawn hundreds of thousands of reactions and a wave of support for the shop.
Customer Berates 16-Year-Old Worker Over 20-Cent Sundae Difference
According to the owners, the incident involved a customer losing their temper at a 16-year-old employee over a sundae price that differed by just 20 cents. The customer allegedly insulted the teen during the exchange.
Co-owner Kevin Miller said the behavior was not a one-time problem. He explained that disrespect toward the shop’s young staff has been a regular issue since the business first opened.
David Forgit Fires Back in Viral Facebook Post Defending Teen Staff
Brothers David Forgit and Kevin Miller run Coldstuff Ice Cream and also own Goodstuff Smokehouse and Brewery. Forgit wrote a profanity-laced post demanding that customers stop yelling at his employees.
He reminded people that many of his workers are young, in their first jobs, and bound to make mistakes. Forgit urged customers to show a little patience, adding, “It’s ice cream, for crying out loud.”
Post Draws Nearly 300,000 Likes as Customers Line Up in Support
The post quickly gathered more than 299,000 likes, 24,000 comments, and 8,000 shares. When the shop reopened, customers lined up outside, with some saying they came specifically to back a business that stands up for its workers.
Support also poured in from outside Massachusetts. Commenters from states including Indiana and Kentucky cheered the owners on, and some said they ordered merchandise or followed the shop after reading the post.
Owners Clarify Message Was Not Aimed at Any Age Group
Forgit later said buying ice cream should be a relaxed experience, not one that ends with someone screaming at a teenager. His advice for customers who get that worked up was to calm down and step away.
The owners also clarified they were not targeting any specific age group. Forgit said most older customers they serve are great, and the message was meant for those who know they mistreat young workers.
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