Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour — Restaurant in Mashpee

Dear Mark and Team,

Thank you. For nearly 20 years Polar Cave has been relished by our family across three generations. We must visit 8 - 10 times each season, sometimes in groups of three, other times with all ten of us. During all our visits we’re greeted by friend staff and a delicious and homemade product. In fact, I vividly remember when my grandfather first took me to Polar Cave when I was about four years old, and I am 24 now (that's me, in the back of the selfie posted below). I have so many wonderful memories making a mess with my ice cream and him immediately rushing home to change my clothes and hide the evidence from my mother that he let me get a large ice cream all for myself.

But this evening’s visit, was particularly touching.

My beloved grandfather is now 80 years-old and suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s which has posed neuromuscular and cognitive challenges. We waited in line for a little over an hour and we took turns sitting with him at an open table since standing is challenging for him. When we it was our turn, my grandfather walked from the bench to the window to order for himself since he likes maintaining what level of independence he can. And in that moment, he lit up like I haven’t seen in months. Mark said from across the store, “It’s good to see you again. How are you?,” and greeted my grandfather with a smile. And my grandfather, who doesn’t remember much, remembered Mark, and had a huge smile.

After receiving his chocolate chip ice cream, he struggled to walk back to the table, and unfortunately, dropped his ice cream. He was so embarrassed, and upset too, that after waiting so long, he dropped it. He was frustrated with himself and quite literally shed a tear. But within seconds, Mark and the young lady at the window saw what happened, and noticed my grandfather on the ground trying to save his ice cream. While other guests helped my grandfather, Mark and team immediately sprung into action and remade his ice cream for him, this time, even putting it in a waffle cone, so that it was easier for him to hold.

My entire family is beyond appreciative and so moved by Mark’s generosity and compassion. He didn’t see dollar signs and jump at the opportunity to charge us again for another ice cream. He simply saw a person who needed help, and of course, a sweet treat. He handled the situation in a caring way that let my grandfather maintain his dignity. My heart goes out to you all for making my grandfather, my best friend, feel special and taken care of. And I should mention, the whole ride home my grandfather smiled, laughed, and reminisced about bringing Mark glass Coke bottles from places he traveled to add to his collection in the store. It's nice to know that a piece of my grandfather will always living on within the walls...

i’ll start by saying i’ve been coming here since i was a little kid with my dad. we come multiple times a year and i understand that the man who owns this business does so with HEART and passion. It is easy to tell by the cool decor in the place, the freshly made warm waffle cones, the lower prices (especially for cape cod ice cream!), and the presentation of the ice cream they serve here, that an EXTREME amount of care is put into serving the public here. I am leaving out the fifth star for now only because of the way the online ordering system has been working. i see what the goal is with this process and have much respect for the owner and employees for choosing to stay open. i understand that working like this in a pandemic is scary and confusing! i just think there is a more convenient way to serve the public during this time. i know i have no trouble waiting for this deliciousness, but the public has not been enthralled with the changes in the ordering system. as well as this, my 77 year old father struggled hard with the online ordering as he barely knows how to use the internet. i overheard other customers struggling with the confusing process as well. i feel that it would be beneficial to polar cave as well as their customers to try to jump the digital divide and possibly take orders at the customer’s cars and write them down, classic style. it’s super hard to drive by and see a wisp of what used to be a crowd outside of this place. there is so much heart here, and i just want to see it succeed! you guys are doing great, no hate, just want to see my fav ice cream place on the cape...

Been coming here for idk 12+ years. Every time I come I wait patiently for the best homemade, hot, fresh waffle cones with Cookie monster ice cream and sprinkles. I have waited 1 min or 45 minutes, it doesn’t matter the satisfaction after receiving the ice cream is immaculate every time. Not to mention, the owner has put a very entertaining and creative environment with the shops walls, shelves and everywhere you look with old coca-cola bottles throughout history. The owner is there everyday I have gone making the waffle cones hot and fresh. I read the reviews on the labor shortage and want to mention the owner is back there every single day putting his sweat in this business for people to enjoy ice cream. His comments on Fox weren’t out of line at all. He pays employees very well for an entry level high-school job like any small business owner does. I hate reading the recent negative reviews of people twisting his words and saying something he didn’t say correctly. We love it here and will never stop coming to get the amazing ice cream!!! He is absolutely correct when he said his prime hours at 7pm or past. In the food and ice cream industry that’s peak hours and for him to say he needs more help past those hours, isn’t a bad thing at all. But people make everything a big deal and want to complain. His comments were justified and I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Mark for everything you have done for this community to get us the best ice cream and...