Sweet Cascades Chocolatier — Local services in Ellicott City

Unfortunately I must share the negative experiences I have had at this establishment on more than one occasion. It pains me to write this because I live up the street and a large majority of my income goes to support local businesses. After three visits, this business will no longer be one of them, and I will not be able to recommend this business to anyone else until the owner fixes her attitude towards customers.

The first time visiting with my mother, I was greeted with a smile from a lady who was quite courteous (not the owner). We ordered over $20 worth of chocolates as a gift for a family member. On our way out we took a look at the seating area(s) and noticed a nice little outdoor area. We promised to come back to enjoy our chocolate on the patio or inside, which were both empty at the time.

My second visit was with 3 friends, where we bought another set of chocolates and ate some outside on the again empty patio. After 15 minutes we had to leave, but a friend remained and opened her laptop to reply to some emails. I later found out that the owner had promptly kicked her out once she opened her laptop, claiming this was 'not a Starbucks' for her to run her 'home business'. A little insulting but possibly the owner was having a bad day. I'm a forgiving guy.

I returned once again and purchased $10 worth of chocolate to eat and relax outside on the again empty patio with my significant other. I should have taken the emptiness of the store as a huge hint. While eating our chocolate, we thought it would be nice to open up our laptops and do some studying. Once we opened a laptop the owner came running out furiously, proclaiming that this was not a place to run a home office (what?). Does she ban iPhones too? People run businesses from those too. I don't know...she kicked us out before we could even finish eating our chocolate. The place was still empty as we left and I suspect there is a reason why no one chooses to sit in.

Its a real shame. The location is good, and a relaxing chocolate/coffee shop (Folgers/Maxwell House drip coffee is on the menu here) would serve Main Street quite well. The owners poor attitude towards customers ruins it for me and I cannot return here on good conscience. All further recommendations will go to other business on...

I have to give props to the quality of the chocolates. Delicious! That chocolate covered twinkie is to die for! I also got my chocolates wrapped up in a box for my friend! Very lovely. However, I have to dock a couple of stars because of the woman who works at the counter. I had to wait 10 minutes just to get into the shop. Due to covid they only limit it to 4 people at a time. I walked in after almost the 10 minute mark because I thought I counted three people. The woman at the counter sounded very angry and said “Mam, please leave only four people allowed”. Like I get it’s my bad. But why so angry? When inside the shop I was remarking to another customer how they were out of buckeyes which my friend loves. This by the way wasn’t the first time they have run out of buckeyes either. On a side note, if they know the item is so popular why do they keep running out they should make more of them. Anyways, the woman remarked “This is the time of the year we start running out of things.” It was December 16th. Then when I ordered I asked “Will you be out of buckeyes for the rest of the season?” And she angrily replied “Didn’t we already have this conversation?”. I mean it’s not necessary to act so rude it’s a reasonable question. I will still order chocolates from here because they’re so good but this lady reminds me of a particular character...

I’ve been shopping here for years, before the 2016 I remember a man ran the shop and was so helpful and friendly. I’m not sure if management has changed but my last few visits have been disappointing. The man doesn’t seem to be in my last few visits and I’ve been helped by women, who don’t have a particularly friendly demeanor, not rude, but very matter of fact.

My most recent visit felt the most off, I asked whether they were still taking orders for chocolate covered bottle for Christmas, the clerk responded very quickly ‘we are not taking orders of any kind right now’ which was fine and I totally understood it being a week before Christmas, just would have thought her tone could have been a bit more conversational?

It’s become sort of a ‘get your chocolate and get out’ vibe here now. The prices are also getting a little ridiculous, I paid over $6 for 2 truffles. I want to continue to shop small and hope they can hire some friendly faces...