Golden Ice Cream wins 'Best of the Best' Top Performer for 2024

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — 2024 has taken the Food Patrol to some kitchens that admit they need to do better by fixing issues and putting them on their health department’s naughty list.

This year has also taken us to local spots going above and beyond to keep it clean and have earned a Top Performer sticker.

In this week's Food 4 Thought, we visited a Top Performer that stood out to us not just for keeping it clean, but for the hospitality they provide to customers and employees.

One spot, in particular, touched our hearts with how they make ice cream and who serves it.

We revisited Golden Ice Cream at 4500 North 10th St. in McAllen, an ice cream shop that hires people of all abilities.

“Golden Ice Cream is a workplace where everyone has an opportunity," said owner Sonia Marroquin. "People with and without disabilities working together and selling ice cream. When you walk into my shop, you're not going to know 100% of the time if there's someone with a disability or not. And I think people need to understand that, not be so judgmental and just be kind."

The restaurant revolves around kindness. Marroquin says the shop does not accept tips because its golden rule is to be kind.

"It just fills my heart," said Marroquin. "I just never knew it was going to do what it's doing. My whole goal was just behind that counter of giving opportunity. Seeing people come in and really appreciating what we're doing, I think, is truly amazing."

Que rico and we will see you next year!

You’re part of the Food Patrol! When you see dirty habits, please send us photos/videos and a copy of the complaint you filed to your local health department to News@KVEO.COM.