Please don't feed the trolls!
Boycott ’em all. Let God sort it out.
Thanks for posting this, Joe. Arizona needs all the attention we can get.
I've had a hard time finding out if the Sutherland's are still involved in Cold Stone Creamery. They did appear on Oprah in January 2008 describing the history of the company and hawking their ice cream.
Is there a list somewhere I can view to tell me who I am supposed to be boycotting and why?
I am having a hard time keeping track.....
Cold Stone Creamery should be boycotted regardless.
Awww damn it. Now what am I supposed to eat after the movies?
both companies contribute to the obesity epidemic by downplaying the sugar and fat content of their products. avoid this junk, and take better care of your body.
Ice Cream never tasted so bitter...
That place sucks regardless of their politics.
oh fuck it honey... you can't boycott everybody.. and i'm certainly not giving up my coldstone for anyone thank you... they got this great flavor called cookie batter or dough batter or baby batter i can't figure it out or they used to.. it was so good... but cold stone is divine no matter what...
F#CK! Why are all my favorite brands run by bigots?!?
I love both Bolthouse and Cold Stone. Curses!
The store that WAS here in Berkeley went belly up a couple months ago. I do miss getting the banana ice cream with walnuts and black cherries. I guess that's a forced boycott then?
Since their ice cream tastes like toilet paper, it's always been easy not to eat it. Now I just have more reason.
Jake... lol...
Yeah, I love me some ice cream, but have never been that into Cold Stone. Besides, it's hard enough to keep my ass from taking over the upper midwest... I'm glad that there's yet another reason not to eat the stuff.
There's a Coldstone right in the heart of Boystown in Chicago. Protest and picket anyone?
Coldstone Creamery sucks. I only went into one (in NJ) and it was pricy and tasteless. And the whole fucking "novelty" of watching them custom mixing stuff into my ice cream wore off fast ("Just give me the cone, honey...I haven't got all day.") Worst of all, the young people behind the counter sang which I guess was supposed to be entertaining.
I'd prefer to go to the supermarket and just pick up Breyers.
Tried it once. Cold Stone, you are no Haagen Dazs.
Thanks for providing the link to the donor's list. Still, it's been somewhat of an eyopener for me to page through the list since I live and work in Tucson. Just a quick glance has revealed a few co-workers and other collegues of mine. Damn... kinda heartbreaking.
No More
Cold Stone Bigotry for me.........
Their ice cream is one big, expensive disappointment.
I noticed that anti-Bolthouse demonstrators have been stepping up their activities. They were handing out fliers outside Whole Foods over the weekend. Whole Foods and Trade Joe's sell their products.
Isn't that just eating fat? Never been there...
thank God I'm lactose intolerant.
How fucked-up is this?!! We have a Cold Stone Creamery in the heart of Boystown here in Chicago.
The Sutherlands founded Cold Stone Creamery in 1988. In May 2007, Cold Stone Creamery was acquired by Kahala, and since that time, the Sutherlands have not been involved in the business. However, as the founders of a well-know ice cream brand, they are called upon from time to time to tell the history. While Cold Stone Creamery does not involve itself in political matters, we can assure you that Cold Stone Creamery welcomes all ice cream lovers in our stores.
Cold Stone,
Nice blog work. Now tell us: Do the Sutherlands still have a financial interest in the Creamery? Do they (or does any entity they control) own stock in the company or otherwise benefit from its success?
With a name like Bolthouse you would think it's the official drink of IML.
Band,
The Sutherlands no longer have a financial interest in the brand.
Cold Stone,
Forgive me, but I'm finding the use of the word "brand" in your response off putting.
Do Donald and Susan Sutherland have any financial interest in the holding company, Cold Stone • Kahala? (Which, JMG readers may like to know, also owns other well known food franchises, including Blimpie, Cereality, Frullati Cafe & Bakery, Great Steak & Potato Co., Johnnie’s New York Pizzeria, NRgize Lifestyle Cafe, Ranch 1, Rollerz, Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill, Surf City Squeeze, and Taco Time.)
The combination of Cold Stone and Kahala in 2007 was universally described as a merger, so you'll forgive me if I find it hard to believe that the founders of Cold Stone did not retain a considerable stake in the combined, privately owned, entity.
Also, since you are obviously a Cold Stone employee (or PR person on retainer), it would probably be more professional for you to sign your posts here with a name and position. Perhaps even some contact info.
Thanks.
Cold Stone Creamery, that name kind of freaks me out.
It reminds me of tombstones, mortuaries, and cremation.
It's pretty c--ppy ice cream anyway. Tried it once, didn't like it. So this is just another reason not to spend a dime there. Don't forget Dominos, Bolthouse Farms (sold @ Costco!), and the two biggest contributors against gay marriage - the Catholic & Mormon churches.
Band,
My intention is not to offend you but rather to bring clarity to the readers of this blog.
The Sutherlands have no financial interest in the holding company either.
The term merger was used to describe the coming together of the two companies; however the legalese was that of an acquisition.
You can reach me directly at jclark@kahalacorp.com.
Jami
I never went to Coldstones because I couldn't afford it...NOW I don't go because I'm 'Politically Conscious'.
Ms. Clark,
Forgive me if my comment suggested offense. I was not offended, merely uncertain of the exact meaning of your reply. I very much appreciate you clearing up the matter and disclosing your name and email address.
It is unfortunate that Kahala is being targeted for boycott in response to the Sutherlands' private donations in support of Proposition 102.
In order to correct any misconception the public may have due to this situation, has Kahala corporate considered making its commitment to equality clear?
1) Have the company considered making a donation to the campaign against Prop. 102 in an amount equal to the Sutherlands' donation of $10,000?
2) Does Kahala have a non-discrimation policy? If so, in addition to race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, veteran status, and disability, does that policy also specifically prohibit discrimination based on perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity? If so, could you share with us here your exact non-discrimination policy? If not, would Kahala consider moving to add those two categories to its list of protected classes immediately?
3) Does Kahala currently extend full (or any) spousal benefits to employees with same-sex domestic partnerships? If not, would you consider a commitment to rolling out same-sex partner benefits within the next year?
I'm sure you will agree that taking any of those steps would be a positive way for Kahala to put the taint of the Sutherlands' donation behind it and publicly affirm the company's commitment to equality.
We would appreciate your response to those question, and consideration of those proposals, and look forward to Kahala's response.
Best regards.
I knew there was a reason I didn't like Cold Stone...it's really not all that it's supposedly cracked up to be, imho.
Keep at it band. Don't let them off the hook so easily.
We have at least on cake a month from this place for work birthdays...Not anymore.
Great job Band...Very diplomatic like.
And you never once called them Cunts as surely I would have.
Shit! How can I boycott COld Stone now? lol...I love their pumpkin ice cream and their caramel banana...Love it size! hahahah shit its fucked up they would do that. U cant boycott everyone but once u hae knowledge of something u really cant ignore it because that would be voluntary ignorance.
I always thought Tom Carvel was cooler anyway and he keeps Kosher!
Oh Lord! Listening to Tom Carvel on the radio and in those crummy, low budget TV commmercials was one of the great delights of my NYC area childhood! I'm smiling just thinking about it.
And if you turn Fudgy the Whale upside down, he becomes Santa Claus! (Hands up everyone who knows what I'm talking about!)
According to Jami Clark at the Kahala Corporation:
"The Sutherlands founded Cold Stone Creamery in 1988. In May 2007, Cold Stone Creamery was acquired by Kahala and since that time the Sutherlands have not been involved in the financial side of the business. However, as the founders of a well-known ice cream brand, they are called upon from time to time to tell the history.
While Cold Stone Creamery does not involve itself in political matters, we can assure you that Cold Stone Creamery welcomes all ice cream lovers in our stores."
In a follow-up email, she confirmed that the Sutherlands are not on the board, and do not receive any income from Cold Stone Creamery.
Okay, just saw Band's communication with Ms. Clark... nice to see I wasn't the only one who sought clarification.
I’m happy to share this information with you to further clarify Kahala’s position as it relates to equality and inclusion.
1) While Kahala and Cold Stone Creamery believe each individual has the right to get involved in causes they feel passionate about, the company does not endorse ballot initiatives or contribute to political causes. The personal beliefs of the Sutherlands as well as those of past and present franchisees, crew members and employees are not representative of the company. Cold Stone Creamery welcomes all ice cream lovers into our stores.
As previously discussed on this thread, the Sutherlands have not been store owners, shareholders, employees or otherwise involved in the management of the business since the time Cold Stone Creamery was acquired by Kahala in May 2007. However, as the founders of a well-known ice cream concept, they are naturally called upon from time to time by the media and others, but never paid by Kahala, to tell the brand’s history.
2) We are committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our business. In addition to following mandated equal opportunity laws, the company provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship status, pregnancy, medical condition, or any other protected status. This applies to all areas of employment including hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, compensation, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with our company's core values.
In addition, at our corporate headquarters, Kahala employees have spearheaded two different organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the company, Juntos and the Women’s Professional Network. For the purposes of this discussion, I will focus on Juntos. The 15-member committee is focused on upholding our commitment to inclusion by celebrating and promoting diversity amongst our employees, franchisees, customers, area developers and suppliers. Juntos celebrates the unique talents, strengths and perspectives of our diverse community as we strive to make Kahala a global organization. This mission is carried out through the establishment of goals, education, employee relations and community outreach.
Thanks to the efforts of the Juntos committee, Neil Giuliano, president of GLAAD, recently was at our corporate office as a guest speaker to educate our employees on the issues that affect the LGBT community.
With all that said, we do recognize that our diversity commitment does not currently include gender identity as a protected class, but at your suggestion and the recommendation of the Juntos committee, we will make this amendment as soon as possible.
3) Kahala does indeed extend full spousal benefits to same-sex domestic partnerships. Cold Stone Creamery started offering these benefits in 2004. As soon as possible after the acquisition, Kahala adopted the same policy and began offering these benefits to its employees
It’s important to note that while the benefits and policies I’m referring to are that of the corporate entity, each store is individually owned and operated by a local small business owner. As small business owners, it’s up to each franchisee to implement their own human resources practices and obey all mandated laws.
Thank you, again, for allowing us to share our position and commitment to diversity and inclusion with you.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to me directly at jclark@kahalacorp.com.
Your company's riches comes from these jerks. If you really believe in equality as you say you do, why not shut us all up and donate some money to balance out the struggle for all Californians to have access to marriage?
This is rotten fruit from the rotten tree you bought. You should have bought out Amy's Ice Cream (an identical ice cream chain from Texas.) You don't get involved in political causes? Too bad, you're involved in one now.
Match what they spent. Match what they spent. Match what they spent.
Until then, I'm eating at Amy's Ice Cream. Cold-Hearted Stone can get the Cold Shoulder from me.
How many of Cold Stone's employees get any health care, much less same sex spousal benefits? These poor guys have to sing crappy songs for tips.
There is a Cold Stone right in the heart of Boystown, the Gay heart of Chicago, I can guarantee nobody is eating there right now.
Hello ~
I am an owner of Cold Stone Creamery. My partner and I (yes, we're gay) have been together for 9 1/2 years and have two small children. We own four Cold Stones in the Midwest. Blogs like this can be very harmful; especially when people (like I first did) just read the headline and don't read on to see the other comments. I know this was started about a month ago, and I'm certain it will continue to circulate.
As an owner, with my entire livelyhood invested in my business, I'm outraged that people would form an opinion and determine to boycott a business because of the actions and small-mindedness of ONE person. Clearly, I DON'T support the views of the Sutherlands. Nor do I feel discriminated against by anyone at CSC Corp. or Kahala.
Doesn't boycotting add fuel to the essence of discrimination? I'm all for standing up for your rights and what you believe in. Just please be sure that the target of your "words" is correctly aimed. Not the innocent bystanders; or in my case, the owners out here trying to make an honest living in a business that I truly love. . . . I mean, I get to make people (regardless of sex, age, race, sexual orientation, national origin, etc.) happy and play with ice cream for a living!
Thank you for your time reading my comments!
Lesbian, owner and fan of Cold Stone Creamery
As an owner of 2 Cold Stone Creameries in San Diego CA - I must tell you that I view the donation of funds by the Sutherlands with mixed emotions. I am not in favor of discrimination by anyone on anyone at any time - but I am also in favor of a freedom of speech (what makes America great)
I strongly urge everyone to understand that we are small business owners and the Sutherlands have severed their Cold Stone ties. Please do not boycott our stores as you are not hurting the Sutherlands - but small business owners in your town
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