Cold Stone Creamery — Restaurant in Visalia

Our family visits1-2 times a week for the last 4-5 years, love the taste and worth the $. When we visited last Sunday, June 9th the exterior of the store was a mess, more than usual. The trash can was overflowing and the trash was flowing into the parking stalls and sidewalk, clearly visible from inside the store and at least 100' away. When it was our turn to order I told the female clerk about 18yrs old of the problem outside. I was told the trash cans are the City's responsibility and they empty them.

I was very disappointed, as a high level manager, having worked for the military and a "City", I know this is private property and not the responsibility of the City of Visalia. I didnt say anything else as I didnt want to get into it or embarrass the staff or my family. After finishing our ice cream outside and being there about an hour, I picked up some trash, took a photo of the one can's mess, and left.

Update: I did receive a call from the franchise owner and he was very polite, apologetic for the inaction by the staff to cleaning up the overflowing trash can outside their door. He explained that it was the property management's responsibility to empty the trash cans but of course it being a weekend, his staff should have taken action, especially since the trash was from his business, outside his door. The shoppers also have a responsibility to keep our City clean by finding another trash can if one is full, don't just kep piling it up. Again, cant say enough about the great ice cream, it's 5 stars, the staff...

My wife and I stopped in for a treat at our local Cold Stone Creamery — something we enjoy doing from time to time — but tonight was extra special.

We were helped by a young man named Alec, who looked like he was just stepping into adulthood. Not only was he friendly and professional, but you could see he truly enjoyed what he was doing. Watching him make our “Founder’s Favorite” was like watching someone take real pride in their work — it was smooth, confident, and full of joy.

Alec reminded me of myself at his age. As I watched him work, I reflected on how fast life goes. I told him, “Enjoy your life and your youth — because one day you’ll blink and be 40.” He looked at me with a confident smile and simply said, “Oh, I will.” And the look on his face told me he truly meant it. That moment stuck with me.

This was the first time I’ve taken notice of a team member at Cold Stone who really stood out — someone with a spark, a genuine personality, and a way of making the whole experience fun. Alec turned a simple stop for ice cream into a memory.

To Alec: I hope you have an amazing life. You made our night. Keep shining.

Thank you, Cold Stone Creamery, for having such a bright light...

They need to work on their customer service. All this teens working makes my family and I the worst annoying experience. I have two toddlers almost the same age I get them a toddlers ice cream size every time. Today a young lady lit gave a tablespoon of ice cream to one of my toddler I could tell the difference from the other cup, and the other times I've been here. Please make sure they give the right amount is embarrassing asking or fighting for ice cream. I'm pretty sure the lady was being petty. She gave me a large bowl to the first ice cream, I ask "if it was a toddlers size", again I ask to make sure I was getting the toddlers size not to overspend, she said for it not to spill, which I thought it was nice of her. But I noticed she got offended.?? She continued with the other ice cream and she gave me a tablespoon of ice cream, even my toddler noticed. I just didn't wanted to make a big deal. We waited the whole day for that ice to get the sadness experience just bc of a teen...