The Red Trolley

This place is really rockin' my socks.  Even though they don't promote it, the Red Trolley is definitely a leader in "green" local business.  And the favors, dear god, the flavors!!  (I've even heard rumors of bacon flavored ice cream...)  It's a super kid-friendly environment with cheerful counter staff.  I'm diggin' being a customer here.

Pros:

* Locally sourced milk, honey, & ROOTBEER!

* Locally roasted coffee by Novo.

* They make their own granola! (This is featured in their all-you-care-to-eat $5 cereal bar!!)

* Vegan deserts labeled!

* Waffle cones made in-house

* Gelato, pasteries, cakes, & ice creams are homemade, all-natural, & from scratch

* Everything is high fructose free!

* Gluten-Free ice cream cones available (not made in-house)

* Oh yeeeeahh: they recycle.

* Ecologically preferable purchasing decisions like wooden sample spoons (biodegradable, renewable resource) &  bulk sugar dispensers (low waste)

*...and I feel kinda crazy saying this, but I keep hearing local music being played there too!

Cons:

* For some reason the upper management seems unaware of their "green-ness" -making me confused and uncomfortable like I just got an ethical rug pulled out from under me. Perhaps they are distant from operations and/or perhaps employees just have a lot of autonomy and have spearheaded initiatives. I would love to know some of the history behind their purchasing decisions. I can't hold this unawareness against them, though b/c you can't expect everyone to be aware of everything, even if they're at the top.

* Oh and do note that upper management doesn't have the most warm/friendly/RESPECTFUL of attitudes.  As cute, warm, and fuzzy as Red Trolley is on the outside, I wouldn't do business with them personally until there's a change in management that doesn't make me feel like absolute crap for merely talking with them.

Today I visited The Red Trolley for the first of what will be many times! They serve delicious Novo Coffee with a strange-but-amazing artisian machine (ask Daniel, he'll explain it) I also got to sample several of the gelato and ice cream flavors. Wow! The cinnamon is delightful and the dreamsicle is ... probably the best gelato I've had since my trip to Italy. You must try these frozen desserts - flavorful without being overly sweet. They make everything they can in-house, with natural ingredients and no high-fructose corn syrup. You can also take home pints of the goodies, and word is they'll start serving breakfast soon. The Highlands Neighborhood is so lucky to have the Red Trolley!