I love Malachi’s BUT… today I had family and friends in town to pre celebrate my birthday and I wanted to share this cute gem I found since I am very new to the Jacksonville area. I took along my service dog as this was my 4th time visiting. Nevertheless we walk in and one employee yells “no animals” and I politely stated he’s a service animal. The owner herself engaged in a very loud conversation (meaning others could hear her) to state that she’s seen service dogs and knows the difference between them and just a puppy. She stated he should have on markers that state he’s a service animal and that his hair coloring doesn’t seem to be of a service animal. ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness and my dog does not. I quietly stated to her that I actually had my prescription and paperwork to show (although I shouldn’t have to). She stated that all service dogs act the same way. Service dogs do not all act the same because they are individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. The tasks can vary depending on the type of disability and the dog's breed and size. My dog was not barking or jumping. He was aware of his surroundings by moving his head but never interfered with any other person and made sure he could see me as that is apart of his service. To compare my service dog to someone else’s was the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever heard. The service I received today could have ended in a law suit but yet we did go ahead and purchase our ice cream and leave. My service dog has saved me numerous times. I really hate that this happened today and I will not be returning or recommending to anyone else. Bummer
Florida Laws on Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals. Under Florida law and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all "public accommodations," such as restaurants, museums, hotels, and stores.
You are not allowed to: Request any documentation that the dog is registered, licensed, or certified as a service animal. Require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.
Papers are not required for individuals with service dogs, and service dog owners do not need to place identification vests or harnesses onto their dogs. Simply put, you are only allowed to inquire whether or not a dog is a service dog and the task that they are...
Read moreOmg first of all the decor is top tier. It is a black owned business in the heart of Riverside and that is unique itself. The owner is so vibrant and you can tell she's a ice cream enthusiast. She loves her job and it is named after her son who's a cool kid.
When this place opened in April I knew it would be the best one in Riverside. You can get ice cream and booze at the same time. It's the perfect spot to go to when you want to unwind, get dessert after eating at a good restaurant, or if you want to indulge in your sweet craving after walking at Memorial Park. She has flavors that are tasty! The place is always clean. They have good hours. The employees love their job. It's a refreshing place to be. It fits the culture of Riverside. You don't mind paying for the alcohol or the scoops because as soon as you walk in you feel comfortable. That says a whole lot about the atmosphere in the bar. The music is always good too. R&B vibes sets the tone for the room. Definitely go here and try the blueberry ice cream, Sorbetmosas, cookie butter, and cookie monster those alone will have you visiting regularly. Definitely try it you won't be disappointed. Wine down Wednesdays are the cool days. Weekends are busy, so come early! Support this...
Read moreIt’s rare to find establishments that truly have something for everyone, but Malachi’s is one of those special places. I had the opportunity to sit and observe, and I noticed so many meaningful details. When available, the Mango Sorbet is my go-to — light, refreshing, and delicious. If you're a fan of dairy, the Cookie Monster is also a great choice. What stood out most to me was the experience: every customer is greeted the moment they walk through the door, a clear sign of attentiveness. The shop is impeccably clean, the owner is knowledgeable about every product, and the menu offers something for all tastes. In a short amount of time, I saw a beautifully diverse crowd — families, father-son duos, friends deep in conversation — all comfortably enjoying the space. Malachi’s provides a welcoming, neutral setting for any kind of gathering. The owner, Ashley, shared something that struck me deeply: “This place has my son's name on it.” It's clear that this business is more than just a revenue stream for her — it’s a heartfelt tribute, a gesture of love, and a legacy for her son. Ashley, I now see that clearly, and I’m sorry I didn’t understand that from...
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