Baton Rouge Company Poised to Revolutionize Frozen Dessert Industry with Innovative Machine
Jason Hugenroth, CEO of Cremmjoy, stands beside a milling machine, a key component in the development of their groundbreaking machinery, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. After years of dedicated research and strategic fundraising, this Louisiana-based company is nearing the launch of a product set to redefine the frozen dessert experience. Cremmjoy has engineered a novel soft serve ice cream and slush machine that eliminates the cumbersome and time-consuming disassembly and cleaning typically required of existing frozen dessert equipment.
A New Approach to Frozen Dessert Technology
Over the past five years, Hugenroth and his team have diligently pursued the development of prototypes, secured patent protection for their innovative technology, and successfully raised nearly $3 million in funding. The core of their innovation lies in a radical departure from the established methods of soft serve production, dating back almost two centuries. Instead of traditional components, the ice cream mix is contained within a disposable plastic bag housed inside the machine, preventing contact with other parts and negating the need for extensive cleaning procedures.
“It’s a pretty radical departure from what's been done for ice cream in general for about 180 years,” Hugenroth stated during an interview at the company’s recently established headquarters on Beaumont Drive. This new approach promises to significantly streamline operations for businesses serving frozen treats.
From Inventherm to Cremmjoy: A History of Innovation
The genesis of Cremmjoy can be traced back to Hugenroth’s earlier venture, Inventherm, a research and development company initially founded in 2006 after he completed his Ph.D. and became a technology development consultant. Inventherm was a tenant at the LSU Innovation Park, providing a fertile ground for technological exploration. A pivotal moment arrived in 2019 when Inventherm concluded a project focused on developing a countertop ice cream machine for a client, leading to several prototype iterations. Observing the laborious cleaning processes of commercial soft serve machines – reminiscent of those found at popular chains like Dairy Queen or Yogurtland – sparked an idea for a more efficient solution.
Recognizing the significant operational challenges associated with cleaning existing machines, Hugenroth began investigating the industry's shortcomings. This research revealed a substantial need for a system that eliminated the need for disassembly and sanitation, presenting a considerable market opportunity. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized the potential of this technology, awarding Cremmjoy a $750,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant to facilitate the development of a functional prototype. The company employed a word-of-mouth fundraising strategy, attracting individual investors and showcasing the invention's capabilities.
Testing and Future Plans
Cremmjoy is currently focused on rigorous testing of the product in test kitchens over the next year. The company anticipates launching the machines commercially in 2027. In a recent “Talking Business” interview, Hugenroth discussed product development strategies, company objectives, and the move to their new headquarters. He highlighted the enthusiastic reception from investors, noting that demonstrations effectively illustrate the benefits of the innovative design.
Looking ahead, Hugenroth envisions Cremmjoy disrupting the industry, transforming a technologically stagnant sector with a revolutionary product poised for significant financial success. The company’s long-term goals include exploring various exit strategies, such as mergers, acquisitions, or an initial public offering, while prioritizing continued development and revenue generation. Beyond soft serve ice cream, Cremmjoy’s technology has potential applications in the production of frozen beverages like daiquiris, and the company plans to expand its product line to encompass a range of sizes, from countertop systems to large-scale machines suitable for major chains.
