Spoonlickers Announces New Partnership And Plans For Future Growth

Blackford Capital Founder Martin Stein Acquires Regional Frozen Dessert Company

Grand Rapids, MI /PRNewswire/ - Spoonlickers, a popular West Michigan frozen yogurt company and the recent winner of "Best of Grand Rapids," today announced it recently formed a strategic partnership with local entrepreneur Martin Stein to expand the business and grow its product offerings. Stein is also the founder and managing director of the private equity firm Blackford Capital, which includes the Michigan Prosperity Fund.

Grand Rapids-based Spoonlickers delights its customers with handcrafted frozen desserts and is currently the only company in the self-serve market that provides products free of corn syrup and any artificial colors or flavors. The all natural ingredients for Spoonlickers' treats are sourced from West Michigan dairy farmers and the company strives to use fresh, locally-produced fruits and other products whenever possible.

Its frozen desserts are made with real milk, which includes zero processed formulas, mixes, or powders. More than just frozen treats, Spoonlickers also serves as the creator of a wide variety of delicious and unique toppings, with most made in their own central bakery in Eastown.

"When my family and I started Spoonlickers, we did it with every intention of eventually partnering with someone who could help us grow the business and take it to the next level," commented Spoonlicker's Founder and CEO, David Darling. "Our goal was to create a compelling brand, with healthy, one-of-a-kind products, and tremendous customer satisfaction, and then expand. Given Martin's background of working with family-owned businesses, his commitment to the state of Michigan, and his four kids' love of Spoonlickers, we found the ideal partner and are excited to see how we can grow."

With Stein's additional capital and business expertise, the partners intend to rapidly expand the brand and its offerings through the opening of new store locations, increasing the focus on corporate and private catering, and growing Spoonlickers' line of products in regional grocery stores, super centers and restaurants. 

"I believe the market for Spoonlickers lies well outside the boundaries of our own local economy," said Stein. "The story, the brand, and the products have the potential to take the self-serve dessert industry by storm. I look forward to working with David and his team to grow this Michigan-based company and promote their exceptional products."

The Spoonlickers venture is not an investment of Blackford Capital or the Michigan Prosperity Fund.