Cold Stone Creamery — Restaurant in Aiken County

EDIT TO ADD: when I came to pick up, they told me to leave and then come back hours later, not just wait a little bit. She said it wasn’t ready at all, even though I received confirmation it would be ready by a certain time (12) and I still gave almost 2 hours after that time for it to be ready as I showed up closer to 2. The staff was sweet (2 teenage girls no manager there) but had no idea what to do and was obviously overwhelmed. She then wrote happy birthday in shaky letters across the cake last minute. It was very disappointing especially when the manager seems to have no remorse for the situation and instead blames it on the time I booked even though that option was available online. I received email confirmation too that it would be ready by that time, not that it might be ready or that I would have to switch it out for something different last second with hastily written words on it. I was also told there would be a refund given while I was in the store and stressing about what to do, as I was told to leave and come back hours later. They could have called to let me know the situation and that they were behind and what my options were beforehand if they knew they were slammed and running behind the confirmed times that were sent to paying costumers.

Placed an order online for a birthday cake to pick up the next day at 12. tried to pick up after 1 and was told the cake was not ready at all and I would have to come back. The party was happening within 20 minutes. The 2 workers told me to go ahead and grab a cake from the freezer (different than what I had initially ordered) that I would be refunded to my card. I rushed out to make the party. They then never refunded me and when I tried to dispute with my bank, they lied and said my husband came in (??) and just took a cake from the freezer and that my original cake was ready. This is not true at all and super bizarre they would lie. I was told for my hassle, wait time, and cake that was not the decoration or flavor we wanted, that we would be refunded but...

If you're going in for a regular visit, you likely won't experience an issue.

I had a coupon dispute with the owner/franchisee. He was in fact the one my complaint was routed to, and I should have guessed as much given my background in corporate ethics. My concern is not so much the dispute but the way I was treated. When I asked to whom I was speaking, the question was ignored three times. I don't appreciate such dishonesty. He even went so far as to refer to himself in third person. He repeated his argument to me over and again, so I gave up. Simply let him know that his mindset in customer service was foreign and while he may think he's making gains he's losing business in the long run. We're used to better customer service in this community.

I'm not the only customer with a negative experience. Join the "All Things North Augusta" page and search "Cold Stone Creamery." He is perceived as rude by the majority of members. Try the Pink Dipper, a local ice cream shop instead. Or, drive across the river to the Evans location.

Another issue is how he treats his employees, who are mostly teens due to the minimum wage. He tends to fire them the same day with unrealistic expectations. We all remember our first teenage jobs. We were shy at first and take some time to learn. He does not allow them the time they need. He also conducts training unpaid and pays cash when he fires these teens to deny any record. That is illegal, but I must admit cunning.

So, the choice is up to you. Certainly don't allow your teen to work here. Beware if you...

Sooooo just went to Coldstone and tried to use a coupon that was emailed to me for my birthday to get buy one, get one free. Worker told me I couldn’t use it because it was “computer generated” and basically tried to say I was trying to use a fake coupon. Now mind you, I have received this same coupon every year and have never had a problem using it until I tried to use it at this establishment. The coupon clearly was from Coldstone, and said to present it at a store for use. I can’t be the only person in America that has received this coupon…but oh well, won’t be going back.

UPDATE: Thank you for your response, however I went to another Coldstone, presented them the email from my phone and they honored the coupon without a problem. Take...