By Jeanni Ritchie
An ice cream shop can be remembered for more than its ice cream.
I remember the first time I visited a Marble Slab Creamery. The energy and enthusiasm of the young employees, the excitement of choosing my favorite ice cream and watching them blend in my selected mix-ins made the entire experience memorable.
I was hooked!
So when I heard about a Marble Slab Creamery in Leesville whose manager had put up signs educating the public about her recent hire—a congenial hearing-impaired teenager—I was intrigued. I set up an interview.
Sixteen-year-old Kaidin had recently started his very first job at Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies. He wears cochlear implants to assist with his hearing, but the noise of the machines behind the counter can sometimes make it difficult for him to hear customers.
After a few misunderstandings with customers who mistook his difficulty hearing for inattentiveness or rudeness, general manager Tiffany Eleazer decided to do something about it.
She posted bright orange signs explaining Kaidin’s hearing impairment and encouraging customers to speak clearly, face him directly and repeat themselves when necessary.
“Please do not get upset with him if he asks you to repeat yourself,” the sign reads.
The message soon attracted attention on social media, with people praising the store’s commitment to supporting its young employee.
But Kaidin’s story began long before the sign appeared.
I learned from Tiffany that Kaidin, a neighbor who had been eagerly awaiting his 16th birthday so he could work at the store, was thrilled to finally have his first job.
And when I visited last week, I got to see that enthusiasm firsthand!
What struck me most wasn’t simply the store’s willingness to accommodate an employee with hearing loss, but the genuine warmth and enthusiasm among the entire staff.
“They are all like my own children,” Tiffany shared. It is obvious that affection is shared by the employees as well.
When I asked Kaidin about his favorite ice cream combination, he recommended sweet cream ice cream loaded with cookie dough, brownie pieces and Heath bar candy.
That sounded delicious, but I’m a chocoholic at heart! I kept his mix-in choices but put them in a small scoop of chocolate ice cream instead. I ordered a chocolate chip cut-out cookie topped with bright orange icing as well.
Along with Marble Slab Creamery’s homemade ice cream, customizable mix-ins, waffle cones, shakes, sundaes and ice cream cakes, customers can satisfy their sweet tooth with Great American Cookies favorites, including freshly baked cookies, brownies, decorated cutout cookies and specialty cookie cakes.
But perhaps the sweetest thing about this particular location isn’t found in the display cases.
It’s the reminder that a little understanding can make a tremendous difference—and that sometimes the simplest way to support someone is to give them the opportunity to shine.
Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies
Location: 2501-C McRae Road, Leesville, LA 71446
Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Phone: 337-238-1050
Website: marbleslab.com
