Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

I'm a long-time customer who has always liked the cool vibe and the excellent ice cream here, so was surprised when I visited two days ago to find no social distancing being followed by many of the customers. The staff wore masks as did some customers, but several other customers did not while inside the store. There were no 6-ft separation marks on the floor to keep the queue lines safe (as you see in most other indoor stores/restaurants), so customers just crowded up inside like there was no pandemic going on, and the staff made no attempt to do anything about it. We tried to maintain a minimum 6-ft separation, but found it impossible, because, for example, there was a family with 5 kids in front of us in line with none of them wearing masks and the kids running around the indoor part of the store eating their ice cream while the un-masked parents deliberately ignored other customers' 6-ft space while strolling around trying many samples, (but of course the father cared enough to wear a big red MAGA hat). And there were some other unmasked customers as well. Why can't this shop be like other establishments and enforce the required procedures that others are doing in the midst of this pandemic? Of course I have no problem with customers removing their masks once outside and sitting down in the big chairs to enjoy their ice cream, but when inside buying it, the masks should be required and some degree of orderly separation enforced, and once purchased the customers asked to promptly exit the shop before eating. I work in retail, and we don't let customers in without masks, and we display that rule plainly on our door. Needless to say, as customers here we felt rather uncomfortable, and though the ice cream is of the same excellent quality (the only reason I didn't give 1 star), we'll be going elsewhere for the duration of this pandemic when we're in the mood for ice cream. I'm sure there are other good ice cream places out there who care enough to enforce pandemic-safety at their premises. Maybe it was an off day, or we just happened to come at the wrong time, and I realize it's not easy for young staff to confront people who flaunt the rules, but I did expect better of this otherwise...

This 1-star review is not a reflection of the service (5/5) or quality (4/5) but aimed toward management: I have been coming to this location, albiet less frequently, since the 80s when it 31 Flavors. I decided to go tonight to treat myself (and my mom) and support a local establishment. I was greeted warmly, offered a brownie sample and water while I waited for my dessert. The woman helping me helped narrow down my decision as there were so many new flavors. Before paying, I decided to get a scoop to go, of which I asked for some suggestions and I think I chose well. As I'm waiting for that scoop and about to pay, someone else comes up and takes that ice cream from her. I'm confused and ask what's going on, but don't get a response. I'm not blind, I see she's WEIGHING the ice cream and no doubt rescooping for the proper weight. Moments later I see YOU come behind the counter to speak to the woman who helped me. I'm paying my $21 for 3 tiny scoops of ice cream in a cup when she returns. I can tell she's upset. I thank her and give a smile hoping her night will turn around. SIR, it is of poor taste for you to do a "quality check" in front of your customers AND repremand your staff in front of your customers. I would find it hard to believe that scoop was much over what the standard scoop should be. I've received bigger scoops (double scoops) for $6 AND it doesn't melt once I've walked out the door! YOU ARE BEING CHEAP! TREAT YOUR STAFF WITH DIGNITY...

The cotton ball clouds on the ceiling are a cool vibe but it’s so haunted house dark in there, I could hardly read the descriptions of their ice cream flavors. I thought I was the only one struggling to see but the guy next to me took his phone out to put his flashlight on. The entire staff are teenagers pushing multiple samples of concoctions on you while you’re trying to decide what you want to order (I’m an adult woman, I really don’t need to try your neon blue sherbet) By the time you order, you’re not as psyched for ice cream because you’ve already taste tested five to six spoonfuls of everything. And the music is so loud that I literally had to repeat my order three times to the cashier. My husband ordered two scoops in a cup and I ordered one. Our jaws just about dropped to the floor when the dude said $27.00!!! And these scoops were small. We couldn’t believe it. Oh, and they only accept cash. So now we need to pay ATM fees to get cash to pay for our overpriced ice cream. And the only place to sit is outside (not that I’d want to sit inside anyway) Sorry Chocolate Shoppe, hard pass! Save your money and head to Sugar Rae’s about a mile or two away in Forest Glen. The owner welcomes you as soon as you walk in and the portions of ice cream are generous, delicious and affordable! The place is bright, cheery and next door to a park with swings and slides - perfect to take the kids to...