Behind The Counter: What It's Like to Work at The Chocolate Ox
If you find yourself visiting Nisswa, Minnesota, one local attraction you absolutely can’t miss is The Chocolate Ox. This iconic ice cream and candy shop has become a must-visit destination for families exploring the Brainerd Lakes Area. Whether you’re stopping in on a summer vacation, a weekend getaway, or a classic Minnesota road trip, The Chocolate Ox offers a nostalgic, joy-filled experience.
I’m Monte Schott, a senior in college and a long-time barista, and this summer I traded coffee beans for ice cream scoops and candy jars at The Chocolate Ox. What started as a fun summer job has quickly turned into an experience I’ll never forget, filled with lessons in customer service, community, and the magic of simple pleasures.
The Magic of The Chocolate Ox
From the moment you step into our Nisswa candy shop, your senses are instantly awakened. The air is filled with the sweet scent of chocolate and sugary treats, colorful candy displays line the walls, and the freezers are stocked with locally loved ice cream flavors ready to be scooped.
One of the best parts of working here is seeing how The Chocolate Ox connects generations. We welcome everyone—local regulars, first-time visitors, and families who return year after year to recreate their summer memories in Nisswa.
A Memory I’ll Never Forget
One of my favorite experiences happened while working at our Grand View Lodge location. I was scooping cones for a large family who was clearly having the time of their lives. As I chatted with them, the grandparents shared a story that gave me goosebumps.
They remembered visiting this same Nisswa ice cream shop decades ago, back when it wasn’t even known as The Chocolate Ox. Their tradition of grabbing cones during family trips was so meaningful that they returned this summer with their children and grandchildren—three generations of memories, all tied to a scoop of ice cream.
It was a beautiful reminder that The Chocolate Ox is more than a candy and ice cream store. It’s a place where family traditions live on, laughter is shared, and vacations become unforgettable.
Sweet Treats & Sweeter Connections
At the end of the day, working here is about more than serving ice cream and candy. It’s about being part of someone’s story—their birthday trip, their annual summer vacation, or their very first visit to Nisswa. Every scoop, every chocolate, every bag of gummies is a piece of the joy we get to create.
So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Nisswa, MN, or just craving a sweet treat during your Brainerd Lakes vacation, make The Chocolate Ox your next stop. Come for the ice cream, stay for the memories, and see why generations of families keep coming back.
With love,
Monte Schott
