Chef Liz Rogers is behind America’s new ice cream, Creamalicious, based on four generations of family-owned recipes that mainly originate in the South. Rogers worked diligently with food scientists to create the flavor profiles and recipes while maintaining ownership of her brand. Courtesy Photo/Creamalicious Ice Cream
The various ice cream flavors at Creamalicious Artisan Ice Cream first open the eyes and water the mouth— Slap Yo’ Momma Banana Pudding; Thick as Thieves Pecan Pie; and Right as Rain Red Velvet are just to name a few.
While a great story stands behind those and the many other flavors, perhaps the most inspiring is the person behind the treats.
Chef Liz Rogers has proven to be more than just a master in the kitchen and few can claim they’re more resourceful, creative, and innovative. And, judging by the national attention and the shelf placements of Creamalicious ice creams, few can lay claim to such historic gains in an otherwise Caucasian-dominated business.
“It’s really hard to break into this market but I wanted to do it for my family and me, and to encourage people to go for their dreams,” Rogers said. “Fear paralyzes us. Live life to the fullest and make it happen.” Rogers said the idea behind Creamalicious is none other than the four generations of family-owned recipes that mainly originate in the South.
“It encompasses our history of love and family stories of growing up, and being with my grandparents and my mom, and being able to home in on the history of the South,” Rogers explained. “Each of one the flavors have their own story, and I’m super-excited about Creamalicious.” For instance, her Porch Light Peach Cobbler represents the hospitality of southerners.
“We always left the porch light on to say that you’re welcome and that this house is safe,” Rogers recalled. “I remember my mom making 20 peach cobblers and lining them up on the table and giving them out to people in the neighborhood.”
There is also Uncle Charles Brown Suga Bourbon Cake Ice Cream, which Rogers called “really cool.” “It has brown butter ice cream with bourbon-infused in there,” Rogers exclaimed. With more than 55 flavors, it’s challenging to have a favorite, she insisted.
Grandma Gigi’s Sweet Potato Pie and Aunt Poonie’s Caramel Pound Cake, Rogers fondly recalled her Auntie making pound cake in a cast-iron skillet. She noted that “Aunt Poonie” was her godmother, from whom she also learned a great deal.
The Red Velvet Cake also counts as another popular flavor. Rogers says there is much history there as well. “Red Velvet Cake has been a celebration cake in the South when African Americans regained their freedom,” Rogers asserted. “It’s a go-to cake.” On the business side, Rogers said she worked diligently with food scientists to create the flavor profiles and recipes while maintaining ownership of her brand.
“When I went in to do this, I wanted my intellectual property. The one thing I can say is that when we are doing business in the culinary world, we should make sure that we have something on our own,” Rogers demanded. “It’s not always okay to put your label on someone else’s brand because you don’t always have control.” Rogers also cautions against naysayers.
“I was told not to bother approaching Walmart and how you needed a broker or someone to make contact,” Rogers noted. “I did it by myself without a broker, and my brand is now in Walmart.” Rogers said she’s “walking in my purpose.” “This is my passion,” she said. “Money is important, and success is important. But what’s most important is that you have to work smarter.” For more information about Creamalicious Artisan Ice Cream, visit https://www.socreamalicious.com.