About this project
What's Happening
As many of you know, Nice Cream has encountered some challenges recently. We have recently learned Nice Cream, together with all other small-batch artisans, may be subject to strict state regulations which appear to be intended for large-scale manufacturers. We use production methods accepted in the industry for small-scall operations. We're tenacious in following these rules - but they don't match the State's requirements, based on larger operations. The regulations that would change the kind of ice cream we make and could potentially end artisan ice cream in Illinois.
Our Story
Nice Cream has been in business since November of 2008. Back then, Nice Cream was sold in one small, local grocery store. Today, over 25 stores and farmer's markets in Chicago carry our ice cream. Even though we have grown bigger, we are still a very small company of only three employees. We still handcraft every pint with fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
Our Plan
This phase of our project will run from our Kickstarter launch date until December 1. We believe we can accomplish the following steps:
1. Craft a proposal - We have been advised to write a proposal to the governor's office explaining that our pasteurization process is already consistent with the standards of dairy licensing in Illinois. IN order to write this proposal, we need to meet with legal experts, food scientist, and representatives of government agencies, and enlist their help in putting together this new plan.
2. Sell Nice Cream at Farmer's Markets though the end of the season. Nice Cream is currently available at local farmer's markets in the Chicago area. This is okay by the regulators. We would like to sustain and expand this practice, and your contribution will help us meet customer demand while we take these next steps.
3. Scale up our operation. We believe the state standards can be reformed to meet our small manufacturer methods. Even if we are able to change the regulations to better fit artisan ice cream, we still may need to invest in new production facilities and equipment.
More information can be found on our website: nicecreamchicago.com
Photo above by Eric Futran for the Chicago Reader
FAQ
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We know, we know! We're sorry - but ice cream is really tough to ship! If you pledge and you are from outside of the Chicago area we will totally do something super nice for you and send it to you in the mail - promise! In fact, we created a reward category just for you!
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Maybe? We just don't know. We don't know yet how long this will take or how many resources we will need. We picked the $5000 number because we know it will help and we think we can raise it. Kickstarter only pays out projects that meet their goal and we feel confident we can meet this one.
However, this is why it's important to keep giving even if we do reach our goal! Believe us, that money will be put to good use!
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
237
Backers
$7,626
pledged of $5,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 10, 2011.
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A shout out on our twitter feed! Plus Kickstarter updates on our progress.
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Out of Towners - Pick this reward if you don't live in Chicago! We'll totally send you something nice!
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A big thanks and a limited edition "Save Chicago Ice Cream!" button with your name on it! Okay, it won't actually have your name on it, but you know what we mean.
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Two free scoops and a high five at the Logan Square Farmer's Market! OR a free ice cream sandwich and a high five at the Andersonville Farmer's Market!
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A pint of Nice Cream hand delivered to your Chicago doorstep by us! Really, we can make house calls!
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Your own custom flavor of Nice Cream! You think up a flavor and we'll churn it out! Bananas and waffles? Bacon and Bourbon? Whatever you dream up, we can do it.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
A super fun awesome Nice Cream party for you and your friends! You provide the party, we'll provide all the ice cream and cones. Plus a handwritten thank you note from the youngest member of the Nice Cream family.
Project By
Connected as Kris Swanberg (574 friends)
Kris Swanberg started making ice cream when she received an ice cream machine as a wedding present, and decided to start Nice Cream in November of 2008. She is also an independent filmmaker and a teacher, and a brand new mom.
