Since 1934, sweet-lovers have been flocking to this retailer for ice cream cakes, cones, cookies and more.

by Robyn Galbos

In Short
Tom Carvel was inspired to found a freestanding ice cream store after his ice cream truck suffered a flat tire and he began selling his melting inventory from the roadside. Today, Carvel products can be found in grocery stores and at franchises throughout the country. Specialties include ice cream cakes in a variety of shapes for just about any occasion. Other sweet treats include ice cream cones, shakes, sandwiches and sundaes.

07/17/08

Excellent service & Delicious Ice Cream!

by maureen3b

I often go to this Carvel and have always been happy with the service!

The other day I was picking up an ice cream cake that I had ordered at 9pm the night before - the teenager taking the order was very friendly and polite - and it was ready when I went to pick it up the next afternoon. The manager/owner was really helpful, too. It was still in the back and she went out of her way to volunteer this information to the teenager looking for the cake and she went and brought it out for me.

We have had team parties there and after game ice cream nights and have always been happy with the service and the ice cream is always delicious!

07/14/08

Beyond Customer Service!

by SouthernMom

I usually don't write reviews, but I had to make the effort to talk about my experience with Carvel on Providence Road. I had special ordered a cake for my husband's birthday bash. I had never ordered an icecream cake before. Well this was the most delicious cake I ever had. The ice cream was creamy and smooth, and you could tell that this cake was just made fresh, especially for me. The owner of the store who special designs all of the cakes took so much time in working with me. After chatting with the owner for a while, she proceeded to tell me that I could bring my daughter's girl scout troop to the store for a tour and ice cream making demonstration. I was tickled, and immediately arranged for the girls to tour the facility. Well, they simply had a blast. The girls received credit for doing something that was not only educational but fun. It's a pleasant change to see local businesses taking such an intereest in the community. Thank you Carvel for your warmth and professionalism!

• Pros: Clean, cheery environment, fun

07/11/08

The real deal

by nyncmom

I grew up in NYC where I have enjoyed Carvel since I was a child. When Carvel came to Charlotte 2 years after my family moved here, we decided that that was the only place we would ever get ice cream. I wanted my children to have the same childhood experiences as I do. As a member on city search I often browse stories over places I go to. I came to vixenchristine's story on carvel and realized that I had been there when that event occurred. Allow me to correct what really happened. When this lady first came in to order her ice cream she told the employee that she wanted nuts on her sundae. The employee, a young lady, informed her that nuts would be extra. This woman then complained that she always got them for free as the employee tried to explain that there must have been a miscommunication to other employees about what comes on a sundae. This woman gave this poor girl a hard time. Then she asked for a lid to her sundae. The employee couldn't find one and by this time the woman was being down right rude, the employee about to cry. She went to the back and got the owner. The owner, a nice woman who has done cakes for every birthday in my family came out and was immediately chewed out by this woman. The owner went to the back and got some saran wrap and was practically shaken from being talked to so harshly. The woman then yelled at her that it was dirty and demanded a lid that they obviously didn't have. People run out of things. Its called LIFE lady. So finally the owner nicely put the sundae in a cup used for other types of sundaes and placed it on the table. As she was trying to walk away this woman told her that she was terrible with people. I have spoken with the owner before and think she is a charming lady who we love to order cakes from. So Vixenchristine, when you are perfect let me know! Also know that you have no right telling the owner to enroll in charm school when you should obviously be enrolling in weight loss & anti biotch school

07/02/08

ICe Cream Store owner needs customer service schooling.........

by vixenchristine

I purchased Wednesday-is-Sundae this evening at the Providence Rd store, and asked for the 2nd sundae to go (for my husband, who was not with me). The employee could not find a lid for it, and I needed one, as I was traveling with a friend and did not want to get dripping ice cream in her nice car. After searching for a lid and not finding one, she went to get assistance. A middle aged woman, obviously harried, came out, searched as well, and finally started to wrap the sundae in saran wrap. She could not keep the saran from sticking to itself, and tried to pick it apart on a dirty counter and then try to put the dirty film of saran on my sundae. The right thing to do would have been to offer to refund my money, or offer to make a new one in a cup for which she had a lid. I very nicely told her that the saran option was not acceptable, that she had to find something that would not leak to put it in, when she began flailing her arms in exasperation, RAISED HER VOICE AT ME, and said, "This saran wrap IS your option. What do you want me to do?" At this point, I asked if she was the manager to which she barked, "No, I'm the OWNER." the owner unceremoniously dumped the existing sundae into what I think was a drink cup, and slammed it on the counter. I was embarassed for HER behaviour, and told her, "As the owner, you're not exactly leading these teenage employees by example," and she stormed to the back of the store. My husband and two of our friends and I had gone to that store 3-4 times/week for the last several months but tonight was the last trip for me. I can not believe that the owner of a store would treat a loyal customer so poorly, and she is an abominable example for all of the teenage help working there, and a business woman devoid of common sense to have lost customers for her own unfounded nastiness. I suggest the owner of the franchise at 11508 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 enroll in charm school.