COWS Halifax Spring Garden — Attraction in Halifax

I’ve always loved COWS and had amazing experiences at other locations like the Waterfront and PEI. But our experience at the Spring Garden Road branch was absolutely terrible — the worst I’ve ever had with COWS.

When we visited, there were four employees behind the ice cream counter. Out of the four, only the new employee — a person of color — was actually working. The other three employees were just lounging around, chatting amongst themselves, not helping her, not serving us, and completely ignoring their responsibilities. It was obvious that the new employee needed support, but they just stood there watching her struggle, offering no assistance whatsoever.

No one explained the sample policy to us when we arrived. My son tried one sample before we purchased a full double scoop ice cream with sprinkles. Afterwards, he simply asked to try one more sample, and they rudely refused — even though the store was completely empty except for us. Only after we said we would buy another ice cream did they finally allow two more samples, but by that time, their attitude was already shockingly bad.

The way they treated us — an Asian family — felt openly discriminatory. Their rudeness, complete lack of service, and disregard for both customers and their own teammate made it clear they didn’t care about anything except themselves.

This experience was completely opposite from the welcoming, friendly service we’ve always received at other COWS branches. Management needs to seriously address the behavior at Spring Garden — these employees clearly don’t represent the spirit of COWS at all.

If you want to enjoy COWS properly, do not go to Spring Garden Road. Stick with the Waterfront or PEI locations, where you’ll actually be treated with respect and kindness.

Spring Garden was a massive disappointment. We will never...

I have been to the Spring Garden location three different times and all three times the staff have gone over and above for me.

The first time was in December 2024. My family are big Halifax Mooseheads fans and we really wanted the Danny Walters Halifax Mooooseheads shirts. I have mobility issues and thought it would be easiest to get to that location. They had all I needed except for one. The young guy (I apologize that I didn't get his name) was kind enough to call the Cable Wharf location to see if they had the missing size. They did and I was able to go get it.

Earlier in January I was downtown and we went into Cows and I saw that they had hot chocolate. Not just any hot chocolate but Legendary Hot Chocolate. I said to my husband, I wonder what makes it legendary? Two young girls behind the counter spoke up to say that I could add a scoop of any flavor of ice cream to it. Wow!! It was so awesome!!! Tasted amazing! Thank you to Anna and Rhian for your help and awesome chat!

We went to Spring Garden Road today after the Mooseheads game and I noticed that Cows was still open. Well I needed to have another one of these hot chocolates that I couldn't stop thinking about. Marina was so welcoming and friendly. I sadly didn't get the names of the two employees that made my hot chocolate but they were very kind, efficient and friendly too.

Every time I go there is a great experience, more so than any other Cows that I have been in (Halifax, PEI, BC).

I appreciate it, good customer service is hard to come by these days!...

I went here with my friends of color to test the DEI allegations I’ve been seeing in some of the bad reviews here. When we got there, the moment we walked in one of the employees pointed out my friend of color and told him they don’t serve his kind! Could you believe that?

Just kidding! Happy to say me (white) and my friends of color were not only treated equally, but we were all treated phenomenally. We were allowed multiple free samples and the employees gave us recommendations with smiles on their face. Ice cream was great and so was the service.

Additionally, 3 of the 4 employees were those of color, and they were all working together to serve us ice cream.

Allegations have...