Massachusetts Ice Cream Owner’s Viral Defense of Teen Staff Raises $5K

Key points

• David Forgit, co-owner of Coldstuff Ice Cream in Blackstone, Massachusetts, posted on Facebook after a customer yelled at a 16-year-old employee over a 20-cent overcharge on a $9 sundae.
• The post, which included strong language defending the young workers, gained over 300,000 likes and increased the shop’s Facebook following from 1,200 to 37,000.
• Forgit launched a GoFundMe for his six teenage employees, raising more than $5,000 toward a goal of $5,500, with proceeds to be split based on work hours.
• The shop, opened in August 2026, employs only workers aged 18 and under, and Forgit noted that verbal abuse was directed specifically at the children rather than adult staff at his nearby restaurant.

Background

This incident highlights ongoing public discourse regarding workplace respect for young employees. While unrelated to the recent San Antonio child abandonment cases in our archive, it reflects broader societal tensions around how service workers, particularly minors, are treated by consumers.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and The Independent focused on the specific incident of the 20-cent error and the owner’s defense, emphasizing the emotional impact on the teen. Boston.com provided additional context on the business operations, noting that Forgit and his brother own a smokehouse across the lot and that the GoFundMe goal was raised from $3,000 to $5,500. All outlets agreed on the viral nature of the post and the financial support generated, but Boston.com uniquely detailed the merchandise sales and the specific demographic of the staff (all 18 or under).

Why it matters

The story illustrates the power of social media in amplifying workplace issues and the potential for rapid community mobilization to support small business employees facing harassment.

What to watch

Forgit plans to distribute the raised funds proportionally to the six teenage employees based on their weekly hours. The shop continues to sell branded apparel featuring slogans from the viral post.