Lev Mark
Google
ICE IN MILKSHAKES?!? For more than 12 years, my family has enjoyed the Preston-Forest Paciugo location. The new owner-operator, however, is conspicuously stingy with his product compared with the prior two. My wife commented that he gave her smaller scoops of gelato than she'd ever had (and we've also frequented the Paciugo Northpark mall location, not to mention the one next door to the Magnolia theater).
Which left me pondering why my Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel milkshake seemed much less flavorful than ever before. Consequently, on a return visit, I watched while my milkshake was made. First came three rather begrudging scoops of gelato, and then (surprise, surprise!!) a substantial HANDFUL OF ICE went into the blender just before the milk.
Aside from giving me a WATERED DOWN PRODUCT, Mr. Stingy (who resembles the main character of the Despicable Me movies) was using the same bare hands for grabbing ice that he had used for handling cash. Even fast food cooks cover their hands when directly touching food.
WHAT A RIP!! So congrats on saving maybe 20 cents on food costs. You surely got me. In the short run, that is.
When I called the corporate office, pressing 4 or whatever for customer service took me right to voicemail, where I left a message concerning product quality at that specific location. Days later and still NO RETURN CALL!! So apparently corporate doesn't give a rip.
Moral of the story: avoid at least the Preston-Forest store, and watch the others who may not be carefully monitored for product consistency and safe food handling.
