HYATTSVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) — A Black entrepreneur in Hyattsville is re-envisioning the classic ice cream.
Rhett Butler wants to use organic ingredients to create plant-based frozen desserts for people with dairy allergies.
“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,” Butler said.
Butlers’ Black-owned business is called Jolie Gelato.
For nearly eight years, Butler has been perfecting his frozen desserts. His specialties are premium plant-based gelato and sorbets which are organic.
“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.”
Sherri Roberts Lumpkin is the president of the Mount Ranier Business Association in Prince George’s County. Her organization helps start-up businesses like Jolie Gelato get on their feet.
“Rhett is a shining example of a good business. He created something from scratch that is healthy and it’s authentic and it’s tasty and lot of people appreciate the fact that it’s healthy.”
Butler told DC News Now he received funds from an investor in the county and he is ready to take his business to the next level.
Jolie Gelato is in the Union Kitchen accelerator program. All of Butler’s frozen desserts will be on the shelves of five Union Kitchen grocery stores in October.
“Most Black folks have a lactose intolerance and as most of us know we are not supposed to be eating or drinking animal products, no disrespect for those who use dairy milk products, but our desserts will make it safe for anyone with dairy allergies,” Butler said.
Butler is planning to open a brick-and-mortar store next summer.
