Chapter 1 | The Smell of Waffle Cones

"Birthday Cake Remix." "Coffee Lovers Only." "Peanut Butter Cup Perfection." Not as well known, "Banana Caramel Crunch" is actually quite delicious, and don't overlook black cherries or graham cracker pie crust as mix-in options. When I'm with Mr. Fleece we usually settle on cake batter ice cream with raspberries. That's because Cold Stone Creamery has it all. Their flavors and mix-ins leave your taste buds dancing. Plus the servers sing when people tip!

To the tune of The Addams Family theme song -

"We're cheerful and we'll holler, because we got a dollar. We're thankful 'cause we all are, the Cold Stone family." 

I started working at Cold Stone the summer after my sophomore or junior year in high school. A quick 15 minute drive from my house, I have lots of memories working late, closing up, and driving home with the smell of waffle cones lingering on my clothes. I'd quietly tip toe into our house around midnight, head to the kitchen, and drink a cold glass of milk before sauntering off to bed. On a Friday or Saturday night, I remember making around $13 dollars an hour, which I saved a little, but probably spent most on movies & shopping. That good ol' high school life!

Other highlights included seeing how different flavors of ice cream were made and the one summer after my sophomore year in college when I returned to just decorate ice cream cakes. I was responsible for completing special orders and making sure the inventory was well stocked, but could essentially come in and clock my hours when I wanted. I did the whole process - build, freeze, ganache, frost, and write on cakes. It was a *sweet* gig.

It was my first time to work a cash register, first time to have coworkers, first time for work checklists, and first time providing customer service. As simple as serving ice cream can be, there were awkward conversations, long lines that didn't slow down, and your classic I-won't-be-satisfied grumpy customers. There were bathrooms to clean, floors to mop, and dishes to wash. I would be on my feet for hours on end and feel it the next day. On breaks, I'd wander next door to the Potbelly's and down a tuna sandwich or visit my best friend working at Starbucks, two stores down. Situated in the heart of a main shopping center, I would inevitably see or serve someone I knew. I always enjoyed that part too. I still remember the day Mr. Fleece & his dad came in for ice cream, surprising me :)

 It's definitely got a special place in my heart and I smile whenever I pass a Cold Stone. It was my first paycheck, after all.

- SJW