SL
Sabrina Lancaster
Jul 18, 2025
My three young daughters were so excited to visit Dairy Queen for the very first time after seeing videos on TikTok. We drove 35 minutes out of our way to support the Coral Springs location, and sadly, it turned out to be a disappointing experience that left us all feeling hurt and unseen.
When we arrived, the restaurant was clean, well-lit, and fully stocked with cakes and frozen treats. A few customers were seated, and some kids were enjoying their desserts. It looked promising. Upon entering, I approached the counter and asked a team member named Sarah if there was a restroom. She didn’t respond. Another young lady came to the front, and I waited again for a reply, but still, no one acknowledged me.
I urgently needed to use the restroom, so I left my daughters at the counter and asked them to look over the menu. When I returned, two young men — who had entered after us — were already being served. We continued waiting at the front, hoping to be acknowledged, but were met with silence. I understand the team may have been busy, but even brief eye contact or a simple “we’ll be with you shortly” would have made all the difference.
We stood there waiting — me and my three little girls — and not one staff member said a word. I tried to establish eye contact with multiple team members, including Sarah who returned to the front four times. Still, nothing. My 8-year-old looked up at me and asked quietly, “Mommy, are we invisible?”
That question broke my heart.
When Sarah finally asked what we’d like to order, I calmly asked if she was the manager. She said no and went to get someone. A young man named Carlos came to the register, and I asked my daughter to repeat the question she had asked me. I explained to him how painful and uncomfortable it was to be overlooked like that, especially for my children — this was supposed to be a joyful memory.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel Carlos truly understood the weight of what I was saying. We were the only Black family in the restaurant, and while others chatted and enjoyed their treats, my daughters left feeling dismissed and invisible.
I told Carlos we would not be supporting the business that evening, but I sincerely hope the staff can take this as a learning moment. I’m not here to bash anyone — this was our first time visiting, and I trust the employees are good people beyond this experience. But tonight, they missed the mark.
From one mama bear to another: please be mindful. Your actions — or lack thereof — matter, especially to little hearts who were just excited to try their first Blizzard.