[gemorc]

Forget Carvel. Bring back a Coldstone. Their ice cream cakes were truly delicious.

The Carvel's owned a golf course and a "sort of community" of houses in Dutchess County, NY. It was called Sports City. My wife and I played golf with the Carvel's and they were wonderful people although they did not like golf carts riding in the fairways and would police them when playing. They always came to the "Jazz night" at the Dutchess County fair. Once in awhile Carvel's friends Steinberg (Yankee Owner), Fugzay (owned large fleet of Limo's in NY City) and friends would meet at his bar in Sports City. One night he suggested to the group that they pick up and go to Albany, NY (about 1 hour north) to go to a Sinatra concert. There were some quesitons as to whether they would be able to get in and Fugzay loaded up one of his Limo's from NY and they all drove to Albany. They all got in. Not many knew that Steinberg was one of his close friends.
He was a really a very down to earth person and easy to be with when playing golf, etc.

[bluedog103]

Steinbrenner. George Steinbrenner is Yankee owner. He's pretty frail now but his two sons still run the club.

[Tweety Bird]

Mama mia...you guys are VERY opinionated, but I guess that's ok in a forum format.

I personally, would be very excited to have a Carvel Ice Cream Store in the Villages or near the Villages. COME ON DOWWWWWWWWWWN! I remember the Cookie Puss and the Fudgie the Whale. Those fresh crunchies in the middle are to DIE for. Yes, I would definitely support Carvel because I absolutely love the quality and creaminess of the ice cream. Good customer Service is mandatory and if you have good and friendly customer service that would bend over backwards for you, THAT is THE key. The ice cream cakes are simply FUN and have excellent quality. I have always been impressed with them. If customer service is good, the owners will make and customize those cakes to one's specifications and the grandchildren will squeal with delight. As to answer your question, Yes, I would prefer ordering from a private person vs. a supermarket. I would prefer it customized. Oh yes...COME ON DOWN you guys!! You would have my vote! Would I buy from someone else? Of course from time to time...but, A CARVEL is a must because of the quality.

And yes, I have gone to DQ for may years. But, I am more impressed with Carvel. Very creamy and not as runny as DQ. I think Carvel ice cream would hold up 20 seconds longer in the heat than DQ. DQ is a bit runny. If I choose to have an ice cream..I don't want to think DIET. I simply just WANT IT. Thanks for posing the question.

[missypie]

Thank you for the responses. This is one venue being used to determine how we want to approach opening a Carvel.

In answer to some, Carvel Ice Cream is not a custard. Custard has a much higher fat content. Carvel is also not a soft serve ice milk.

Carvel mix is delivered through it's distributer from a Dairy that makes the Ice Cream mix.

The ice cream is made in the store into the flavors desired by most customers in the area. This can also include Fat Free or no sugar added, although there is still natural sugar in there from the milk and cream itself.

Owner operators usually work 7 days a week. The store is a lifestyle in itself. Cakes are made in the store and many are custom made.

Owning a store is truely a labor of love. It's about customer service, the people and the community.