Gelati Celesti Ice Cream — Restaurant in Richmond

Now it pains me to give this place 4 stars, I will address this later in this review. To start I’d like to focus on the positives, just a stellar ice cream establishment with a diverse range of flavors that will make you want to come back to try them all, but wait that is not possible because they have a frequent ever changing selection of gelato specials of the month that will peak you curiosity each time you travel here. This would be a great place to bring your kids to, kids would love trying all the flavors. Each flavor I’ve tried is amazing, super creamy, soft and flavorful, great textures too! So now to the reason for my 4 star review…the first time I came here…as an aside, I had just moved to this state and the state I had previously resided was a very pet-friendly state, had very liberal policies in this matter…so as a new Virginia-er I had no idea of the dog/pet policies here! I didn’t know the law that makes it illegal to bring pets into public establishment interiors…I brought my dog with me the first time I visited, the reason for the 4 star review is because I was met with very rude behavior on the staffs side about this, they pretty much yelled at me for bringing my dog! I didn’t know this wasn’t allowed so a friendly reminder of the local dog law wouldve sufficed and I would’ve left without question and given a 5 star review, but due to this rude behavior that first time I went to this place I have to give a 4 star review, every previous visit I went here the staff was amazing and kind so their management is doing a great job and, to be Frank, it pains me to give a 4 star review as I can tell this place now hires only kind people but nonetheless here we are. I will still come back and will continue to recommend my comrades to come here for...

The gelato was 5 stars, the customer service a 1 star. The cashier and especially the man running what appeared to be the curbside pickup were very condescending and spoke loudly at me across the room.

There was one group of 3 standing in the corner and my small group in the entire place. No one was ordering at the front after a few minutes of everyone standing around (very far from counter), so I made my way up to check out the selection. After I looked at the selection this man pops up out of no where and speaking to me and the other group behind me in a rude loud voice about us not crossing paths and only one group allowed at a time at the stand. Everyone is confused because we are all distanced from each other? Everyone is respecting the others space. He proceeded to QUESTION the other group if they all lived with MY group of friends?! Who asks stuff like that?? &Ironically, after the man and cashier go off on us, I receive my ice cream at an arm’s length from the girls serving the ice cream (they were kind) and made my payment to the cashier (who was rude) at even less than arm’s length.

*the point is, if you are going to be ultra strict and condescending toward customer actions about distancing but don’t practice it yourself with the very same customer you reprimand, then expect to have a very frustrated customer! I am not upset about rules, however I do not appreciate being approached in a hostile manner, especially when spending money somewhere! **i have worked in restaurant/customer service for 10 years

This was my first time ever visiting this place, and I will not return again solely based on the...

update: Nice reply, Gelati. I responded to your request for my info and emailed you my info including phone and email.... Silence. No contact. So, I maintain my original suggestion to all you Ice Cream fans.... Go somewhere where your business is wanted Original review: A great time at the River Rock Festival was thwarted by a poorly trained “manger”. My little boy and I were standing in line for about 4 minutes (we were last in line) and the person in this photo came out of the truck and said her friends in front of us were her last customers. We simply wanted a junior cup and had been established in line. I explained this to her and she refused service saying they wanted to go home (it was 8:40). I asked for a manager and she said she was it. I asked for her name and she refused to give it to me. There was no one else behind us and she was extremely rude, condescending, and disrespectful. Nice management training you got there Gelati Celesti. I’ve had my last scoop from you and will be sure to encourage others to...