Creamistry—a California-based chain that specializes in made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream using all-natural and organic ingredients with more than 60 flavors and toppings—recently opened its first franchise location in China. With currently more than 55 successful locations operating across the United States, Creamistry is setting out to transform China’s frozen dessert industry with plans to open over 100 stores over the next four years.

Located at No. 3, Section 4, South Renmin Road, B249 Shop, B2 Floor in Chengdu, the new Creamistry opened on August 3 and is owned and operated by HZ America Corp., a veteran international management company with decades of experience in restaurant management. With aspirations to make Creamistry China’s leading liquid nitrogen ice cream concept, HZ America Corp. signed a development agreement, owning the rights to the Greater China Region.

“We are thrilled to launch Creamistry in an untapped market such as China with phenomenal brand area representatives,” says Jay Yim, Founder and CEO of Creamistry. “Our experience with premium quality product coupled with the operations infrastructure in place positions us perfectly to get Creamistry up and running in China. As we continue to grow, we look forward to opening 100 Creamistry locations and beyond.”

Here’s how Creamistry works: Customers choose a portion size, then an ice cream base (premium, organic, vegan coconut, or non-dairy sorbet), one of 30+ flavors, and then toppings from a list of 35+ options that include candy, cookies and cereal, fruits, and sauces. The ice cream is made right before the customer with a lot of billowing smoke thanks to the flash-freezing process. When the liquid nitrogen (-321° F) hits the base it freezes so fast that ice crystals don’t have a chance to develop, resulting in a decadently rich and luxuriously creamy ice cream with virtually no overrun.

Creamistry of Chengdu will offer special, localized flavors including:

  • Spicy Yolk: Made with Salty Duck Egg Yolk and a combination of spices, offering a flavor profile that is currently trendy in China. Salty Duck Egg is a traditional Chinese specialty commonly added to rice porridge or stirfry dishes.
  • Chengdu: Made with a famous Chinese liquor called Luzhou Laojiao, which is in itself slightly sweet with notes of peaches and pears.
  • Rice Wine: Made with real fermented rice liquor

“Creamistry is far more than just an ice cream shop – it truly is an experience,” adds Yim. “The brand’s wild success and rapid growth is a testament to the completely customizable product and unique atmosphere, which has proven to appeal to consumers worldwide. HZ America Corp. will play an instrumental role in further establishing our brand throughout the Greater China Region.”

Creamistry was founded in 2013 after founder Jay Yim was first introduced to liquid nitrogen ice cream when he spotted a street vendor making it during a trip to South Korea in 2003. Born into a family of Korean bakers, Yim and his wife, Katie, made their first homemade ice cream using liquid nitrogen with the help of his father as the quality control “chemist.” Over the next two years, the team experimented with over a hundred flavors and combinations, the best of which eventually became an integral part of Creamistry’s menu today.

Franchising, News, Creamistry