Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co., the all-natural, three-ingredient alternative to frozen yogurt and ice cream, announces the company's national expansion plan and a $2.5 million investment by key strategic partners. The capital infusion is led by Jesse Itzler, co-founder of Marquis Jet Partners, and supported by his 100 Mile Group which includes Amar'e Stoudemire and other notable influencers that have joined him in past ventures, including Sheets and ZICO Coconut Water. Retailing expert, Jay Margolis, also invested in the round.
The investment facilitated Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co.'s expansion within the tri-state area to six locations, supported national expansion via shipping, and will help promote its continual growth in creating new storefronts and building wholesale accounts. Furthermore, as the "soft serve fruit" culinary category continues to grow, Co-Founder Chloe Epstein's first name has been added to remind consumers of the company's original roots and better reflect the personal connection the brand has with its customer.
"We are both proud and excited to have Jesse as an investor and board member as we look to expand upon the burgeoning success of Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co.," says Michael Sloan, co-founder and CEO of Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. "Jesse not only has a keen marketing sense, but also embodies Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co.'s mission to seek better living through high-quality eating. We believe Jesse's energy and passion will be a big asset to the company."
Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. has grown quickly to become a New York favorite, operating three retail locations, two in Manhattan and one in the Hamptons. Beginning in June 2012, national two-day shipping became available to deliver directly to consumers in the continental U.S. That same month, the brand also negotiated a variety of wholesale partnerships in the greater New York area – Bagel Boss in Roslyn and Golden Pear Cafe in the Hamptons (Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton). The company plans to continue growing its wholesale portfolio and corporate store footprint over the course of the next year and beyond.
"After my first taste of Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co., I was eager to find a way for my company to join forces with Michael. Our goal is to seek out unique products and companies that align with our healthy lifestyles, and Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. was a unanimous choice," says Jesse Itzler, founder of The 100 Mile Group.
"As an athlete, I believe it is important to maintain a well-balanced diet consisting of foods with all-natural ingredients," says professional basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire. "I'm excited to join and support a local New York business like Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. as we both know the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle – on and off the court."
Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. is known best for its soft serve fruit varieties, a simple three-ingredient product made with real fruit, filtered water, and a touch of organic cane sugar. Soft serve fruit is free of dairy, gluten, fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and contains less than 90 calories in a 3.5 oz serving. Varieties change seasonally and include Tangerine, Banana, Mango, Strawberry, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Apple, and the newest creation, Dark Chocolate, made purely from the cacao and other fruits.