Honey & Hive Artisanal Ice Cream — Restaurant in Maplewood

I've checked your Instagram and seen you on TikTok. You seem to release versions of flavors from other shops including Englewood's famous Cookie Monster. If you want to be seen as artisanal and stand out, you can't keep copying other shops, originality is key. I'm hoping the shop owners won't take this the wrong way. As your store becomes more known, proving originality as an artisan shop is something to consider. Crafting your own path rather than closely following others can make a difference. As an ice cream enthusiast, I was excited to try this spot after seeing it on TikTok. However, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It seems like they're drawing inspiration from a beloved artisanal ice cream shop in Bergen County that I've visited multiple times. Unfortunately, their ice cream lacked originality and didn't do justice to the original. To stand out, ice cream shops should focus on creating unique flavors rather than copying others. If you're going to borrow a concept, make sure to execute it exceptionally well.

To answer your feedback-

I'm a big fan of ice cream, and the store in bergen county is one of my go-to shops in New Jersey. I have to say that the similarities to the other store were noticeable, in concept and flavors, such as matcha cookies and cream and ricotta fig with walnut and even ube vegan. As a paying customer, I'm providing feedback that might be helpful, it's not personal, but rather a suggestion for how you can stand out in a...

The ice cream itself was great! Loved the flavor and texture. However, there are a few things that could be improved. The servings seemed small for the price. I wish they’d filled the cup up completely instead of essentially serving a small in a medium cup.

I was very disappointed about the lack of gluten free ice cream flavors. They did offer sorbet, but I walked in expecting to be able to eat more than 2 flavors of ice cream. I also wish they made it more clear on the flavor board that only the vanilla and lavender flavors are gluten free. Also, something I think should be changed is the way the flavors are listed. It’s very visually confusing, because it looks like certain flavors are individual flavors rather than a combination. I’m really hoping they add more gluten free options in the future as I would definitely come back...

the ice cream was good, but expensive and they charge extra for a cone. We arrived at 8:40 pm and the place said it was closed even though the hours are until 9pm. I knocked and she let us in saying that yes it does close at 9pm, but that we can only get the ice cream to go and can not sit at a table. there were many other people sitting , so not clear as to why we could not. I don't think they should have a closed sign 20 min before the shop closes. not friendly service at all. I will not be returning.

This is to reply to owner: I am not sure what you are referring to ( must be a different night). We were a party of THREE not 15. this was on Tuesday 5/28. Also why did the store have a Closed...