Cold Stone Creamery — Restaurant in Memphis

I’ve always been a fan of Cold Stone Creamery. For some reason, many of their locations had shut down over the years, so I was thrilled when a new one recently opened in the Memphis area. We couldn’t wait to check it out.

The first time I went, it was so packed I couldn’t even make it inside. I tried again another day—still a long line, but this time I waited it out and finally made it to the counter.

When it comes to ice cream, I keep it pretty straightforward. I usually go for dark chocolate or whatever chocolate flavor they have available. They used to carry a fudge flavor I really liked, but that seems to have been a limited edition. So this time, I went with their regular chocolate and had it mixed with brownie chunks, almonds, and fudge, all served in a waffle cone.

The portion was huge, though I found the ice cream a bit sweeter than I remembered. It’s definitely a treat that leans indulgent—and not exactly ideal if you’re watching calories. But let’s be honest, who counts calories when eating ice cream?

Now, just to set expectations: Cold Stone isn’t trying to be exotic or gourmet. It’s your classic run-of-the-mill chain ice cream shop. You pretty much know what you’re getting—comforting, sweet, and familiar. It’s not expensive, and you shouldn’t expect anything extraordinary or artisanal. That said, it’s still a solid pick for when you’re craving a fun, customizable scoop.

Also, a nice bonus: they now offer ice cream made with Almond Silk, which is great if you’re lactose intolerant. So everyone can enjoy a...

I was happy with the quality and flavor of my ice cream. Glad to have this option in our area. I used to be a frequent flyer at Cold Stone in other states where I lived.

Tonight I ordered cake batter ice cream with the "Boston Cream Pie" mix-ins. Instead of charging me for a signature creation (it's an old one from the early 2000s), they charged for extra toppings so it was expensive. I will push this with them next time I go.

The main reason for 4/5 and not 5/5 is that the workers, although working hard and obviously new, were inconsistent in the quantities they used. My previous Cold Stone experiences have always been marked by heaping mounds/servings. This experience was not that. Bummed.

But it still hit...

For dessert, a friend and I decided to finally try Cold Stone Creamery. When I heard that Cold Stone was getting built in Memphis, I was so excited. Luckily, when we got there, we were able to get in and get out before it got too busy. All the workers were patient with us, trying to decide what to get. I pick out the Apple Pie a la Cold Stone ice cream flavor to try. It was a celebration in my mouth. The vanilla Ice cream with the apple pie filling was an easy combination. Of course, with the pie crust, caramel, and cinnamon also bringing...