Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Yim.
Jay, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born into a family of Korean bakers, Jay spotted a street vendor making ice cream with liquid nitrogen during a trip to South Korea in 2003. He briefly thought about launching a similar concept in America, but scrapped the idea when he returned home, immersing himself in the family business.
His father, Charlie, ran five Crown Bakery locations in Southern California. Since the age of 12, Yim had worked in the bakeries doing everything from sweeping floors to making raisin dough bread. With knowledge and background in the restaurant business, Jay eventually launched a successful online restaurant equipment business, giving him an early look at what’s trending in the food industry.
In 2010, Jay and his wife, Katie, made their first home-made ice cream using liquid nitrogen with the help of Charlie as the quality control “chemist.” Over the next two years, the team experimented with over 100 flavors and combinations, the best eventually becoming an integral part of Creamistry’s menu today.
The first Creamistry opened in September 2013 in Irvine, CA, becoming Orange County’s premier made-to-order, liquid nitrogen ice cream shop. Lines started to form within only thirty minutes of its soft opening. Over 800 guests were served that day and sales had to end early due to low inventory. Lines out the door have been a regular occurrence at Creamistry ever since.
Since its first opening in Irvine, Creamistry Franchise, Inc. has opened its doors to franchisees looking to introduce the brand and its unique product offerings to their local communities. As of January 2018, Creamistry boasts over 50 independently owned and operated franchise locations in four states and three countries, with hundreds more in various stages of development around the world.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing a company always has its ups and downs but it has been an enjoyable experience overall. Some of the struggles we have faced has been building infrastructure to keep up with our growth, building our team, relationships with our franchisees, vendors and continuing to increase our brand presence in the market. We try to be innovators of our industry. Staying on top of trends and continuing to improve our products, services, and customer experience.
Please tell us about Creamistry.
Creamistry handcrafts customizable ice cream right in front of the customer using fresh, premium ingredients and a blast of liquid nitrogen. With four bases (Signature Premium, Organic, Dairy-Free Sorbet, Vegan Coconut) and more than 60 flavors and toppings to choose from, the combinations are almost endless! Creamistry also offers a selection of specialty items including Creamistry Creations™, Nitroshakes™, Nitrofloats™, and Affogatos. Non-dairy and vegan options are available. Creamistry pushes the boundaries of art and science and deliver a unique and beautiful creation that is truly one-of-a-kind for each of our customers.
Our rapid and unique freezing method and top selection of premium offerings allows us to craft the most decadently rich and luxuriously creamy ice cream. Since we also freeze our creations in individual batches, we can provide a completely customizable experience for our customers that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Creamistry has established ourselves as an integral part of our local communities, and the perfect spot for celebrating and bringing value to the little moments that matter.
With a focus on consumer needs and commitment to innovation, we are relentlessly perfecting the art of ice cream to deliver an experience that defies expectations of what ice cream should be. We are continuously growing and innovating our brand to deliver the newest and top quality frozen treats to sustain the long-term satisfaction of our customers.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Working at my father’s bakery and learning the ropes of running a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: creamistry.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creamistry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Creamistryinc/
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