Massachusetts Ice Cream Owner’s Viral Post Sparks Global Support for Teen Workers
October 8, 2026
Coldstuff Ice Cream in Blackstone, Massachusetts, is witnessing a surge in patronage following a viral social media post by one of its owners. Dave Forgit, who runs the ice cream shop with his brother Kevin Miller, took a stand after an incident involving a teenage employee and a disgruntled customer.
Coldstuff Ice Cream
The catalyst for Forgit’s online message was a small dispute over a 25-cent price discrepancy that left a 16-year-old worker facing an irate customer. In response, Forgit turned to Facebook to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of treating young employees with kindness and understanding.
“They are children,” Forgit expressed. “This job, for most of them, is their first. They are going to make mistakes.”
He further advised that minor errors should be handled more graciously, writing, “This can all be fixed with a smile and a positive attitude. It’s ice cream for crying out loud. Grow up and act your age.”
Contrary to any negative feedback they might have anticipated, the brothers witnessed an overwhelming wave of support. The post garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and was shared widely, resonating with many who recalled their early job experiences.
A supportive commenter noted, “I wish I had a boss that had my back when I was a screw up of a teenager at my first job.”
The positive sentiment extended beyond social media, as customers began flocking to Coldstuff Ice Cream to express their support in person, resulting in a noticeable uptick in business for the newly opened establishment.
Miller highlighted the real motivation behind the post, which was to address the emotional impact on young employees when faced with harsh criticism from customers. He recounted the distress observed in a young worker’s eyes, questioning their mistake’s gravity.
“When a 16-year-old looks at you with like puppy dog eyes and is like, ‘Did I really screw up that bad for someone to treat me like that?’” Miller explained.
Echoing the shop’s namesake product, Miller responded, “No, this is ice cream.”
The incident underscored the significant role customers play in shaping young workers’ experiences. As they navigate their first jobs, these teenagers are developing essential skills under pressure. A little patience and kindness from customers can go a long way in fostering their growth.
