Black entrepreneur Rhett Butler’s ice cream brand Jolie Gelato recently received funds from an investor and, as part of the Union Kitchen accelerator program, and will be stocked in freezers across five Union Kitchen stores this month.
“It makes me feel great being a Black entrepreneur sending my products into the community because I am doing this for us because at the end of the day, we have to make sure what we are doing for the community is to take care of each other and what our product does is solve the problems of those who are afflicted,” said Butler.
Butler noted his ice cream targets people with lactose challenges, offering them an alternative and delicious option. He was motivated to start the brand nearly eight years ago after being dissatisfied with the available dairy-free options.
“We have a unique product that is made for folks who have a dairy allergy, anyone who has discomfort from eating dessert, we made this for you.”
He plans to open a brick-and-mortar store next summer.