Sandra Lee
Google
TERRIBLE NEW OWNERS - RACIST
As a Wellesley native, I grew up on Truly's. It was a staple in my childhood – warm, welcoming, and always buzzing with neighborhood charm. Gary, the previous owner, brought a kind of magic to the place that made it feel like home. So when I recently visited from NYC and took my mom out for a nostalgic trip to Truly's, I was genuinely excited. Sadly, the experience was nothing short of upsetting.
We ordered a kiddie twist and a raspberry mini, and while they accidentally gave us the wrong size for the raspberry, I didn’t mind – honest mistakes happen. But what really rubbed me the wrong way was the treatment my mom received from the new owner, a member of the Marcus family (pictured below - the man in the hat - found online), who rang us up.
After my mom paid and we turned to walk away, he pointedly motioned at the tip screen – as if to shame her for not tipping. Let’s be clear: this is a counter-service ice cream shop, not a sit-down restaurant. Tipping isn’t required, especially when the service is curt and impersonal. His reaction? He made a rude face, muttered something to the cashier next to him, and scoffed – loud enough for us to hear.
I’ve worked in customer service. I understand the grind. But this was flat-out disrespectful – especially towards a loyal local returning to a once-beloved neighborhood spot. As a person of color in a predominantly white town, I couldn’t help but wonder if the treatment we received was about more than just tips.
It’s devastating to see how far Truly's has fallen from its community-centered roots. What was once a friendly, joyful place now feels cold, transactional, and frankly, unwelcoming. This is not the Truly's I grew up loving.