Brennan's Big Chill — Restaurant in Bloomsburg

I’ve lived in this town my entire life. I want to love local businesses, and I’ve given this place so many chances over the years—far more than I should have. But after my most recent visit, I can confidently say: I’m done. This was the last straw.

Let me start with the only nice thing I can say: the ice cream is good. Not incredible, but good. Unfortunately, it’s also ridiculously overpriced, and absolutely not worth the drama and stress that come with stepping foot into this place.

The owner is, without question, the worst part of the entire experience. Rude, cold, and just plain unkind. She’s made me and others uncomfortable on multiple occasions. One time, when my phone had died, I quietly plugged in my charger to a wall outlet near a table—not in the way of anything or anyone—and she yelled at me like I was stealing electricity. It was humiliating and completely uncalled for.

And it’s not just how she treats customers. Every time I’ve gone in, the workers seem tense and afraid to speak freely. It’s honestly uncomfortable to witness. No one looks happy to be there—except maybe the owner when she’s bossing people around.

Then there’s the infamous “Big Chill Challenge.” I’ve gone in more than FIVE times—each time asking to do the challenge, and every single time I’ve been given some excuse about why it’s not available. “We’re not doing it today,” “You have to call ahead,” “We’re out of the right size bowl,” “Too busy,” “Owner isn’t here,” etc. It’s basically a fake promotion. Stop advertising it if you’re never going to actually let anyone do it.

I honestly don’t know how this business is still open, or how it has any decent reviews. It must be tourists who haven’t had the misfortune of dealing with the owner long enough to realize how toxic the environment is.

Support local if you can—but there are plenty of other places in town that serve great ice cream without the side order of attitude. Save your money and...

I was reminded to do this review after an experience near the end of last year's season.

Great story ahead: I went in and ordered a cherry shake or something. Whatever it was I had the option of choosing hard ice cream or soft vanilla with cherry syrup. I explicitly said NOT the cherry syrup with vanilla to the young lady up front who was clearly having a bad day. Then I looked down at my phone 2 minutes and looked up and she was doing the cherry syrup with soft ice cream. I interrupted and reminded her (politely), I said not the cherry syrup please. She (rudely) copped an attitude and said "you didn't say that" I then insisted on the fact that I did.

So after some sighing and bemoaning she put the wrong item aside and started it the way I had requested. Then the owner comes in and asks what the botched order is. The young lady and owner then proceeded to have a whisper conversation right in front of me and the service employee said to the owner that I changed my mind half way through the order (HAHA) and the owner instead of asking me anything proceeded to whisper back if she was sure, and that if so they would charge me for both. Keep in mind I'm 4 feet away behind the counter listening to them and looking right at them.

The owner then asks are you sure again to her and offers to check the camera in whispers right in front of me. Then she goes to check the camera and the employee that lied tried to hurry me through check out to leave. What a bunch of clowns.

I waited a few minutes in spite of the insistence by the employee to check out because I wanted to see what the video recording said. The owner never came back out, so I left.

Food: Ice cream above average 3 stars (but nothing to write home about). Service: Garbage, negative stars if possible. Atmosphere: Hostile, negative stars...

I've been to Brennans several times over the years. I've always enjoyed the ice cream. I've never encountered the man that makes the product but have encountered his wife and co-owner every time. I've witnessed her being rude to the employees and customers. I always felt as though she thought many customers were beneath her or just annoying. The last time I was in, I had just finished work. I was a bit disheveled, had dirt on my clothes and was sweaty. It was 90 plus degrees and I just left a kitchen. When I walked in, I was the only customer. When the owner looked up, she made a face and whispered something to the young lady who waited on me. She looked at me as if I had just crawled out of the sewer. That was the vibe I got. When I ordered a chocolate peanut butter shake, the owner told the young lady that she had to use soft serve. She didn't address me or acknowledge that I was a human. The young lady asked if that was okay. I said not a problem. I thought it was a little pricey but inflation being what it is I didn't worry about it. I tipped the young lady 50% as is my custom having worked in the service industry for many years. When I arrived at home I discovered much to my dismay, that I was in possession of a peanut butter shake sans chocolate. Now I tip that way so servers remember me and usually are friendly and outgoing when I return. I'm planning on getting a shake in a little while today because it's hotter than the hinges of Hades and otherwise I would just go to Rita's for gelato but I want to give Brennans one more shot at keeping a fairly regular customer. Will post the...