interview by JORGE PEREZCHICA
Follow Perfect Pint on social media and you will be instantly welcomed by the now familiar hyper-greeting: “Gooooooood morning Ice Cream Fam!” With more than 30 years of combined restaurant experience, Perfect Pint power couple, Gabby Nagengast and Jordan Panaiotov understand three important things: quality, service and experience. Founded in less than a year ago as COVID-19 took a toll on the restaurant and hospitality industries, the duo are on a mission to become the most premium ice cream brand in California. Coachella Magazine reached out to CEO and co-founder Jordan Panaiotov for a closer look at how it all started — from Bulgaria to California to ice cream magnate.
Backstory – Jordan, you’re originally from Bulgaria. What was the transition like moving to a new country, facing challenges and seeking new opportunities?
I was born in communist Bulgaria, December of 1983. When the Berlin wall fell, my family and I left our lives in Bulgaria and sought political asylum in Germany. Five years later, my family was granted green card immigrant status and emigrated to the US. The most difficult part of the process was learning English at age 12, in 1995 – but there was the opportunity! In grade 8, I decided to read The Fountainhead – an incredible work by Ayn Rand, and my free-spirited entrepreneur side was born.
Who is The Perfect Pint?
The Perfect Pint is comprised of the perfect Ice Cream Power Couple – Gabrielle and Jordan. Gabby is our frozen custard queen, a culinary school grad of the Art Institute. Jordan, a Sommelier trained at The Sommelier Society of America in Manhattan has been a lifelong employee of the restaurant industry, working as a consultant, sales rep and Fine Dining Server. Due to the brutal and crushing effect of COVID-19, the Power Couple lost their jobs working at the absolutely gorgeous Pink Cabana Restaurant in Indian Wells and had to figure out some way to keep paying the rent. Thus, Perfect Pint was born January 2021.
What goes into creating the “Perfect Pint” flavors?
The Process of creating flavors is one of the most fun things about owning an Ice Cream company! Many of the flavors are inspired by past experiences – Black Forest Cake is from my childhood living in the Southern Part of Germany. Tropical Cobbler (Apricot Ice Cream base) was created drawing on the prevalence of Apricots in Bulgaria and the nostalgia of childhood Ice Cream experiences. Banana Cream pie with nilla wafers draws on Gabby’s family roots, in Atlanta GA – Nanner Puddin’ with Nilla wafers is a staple in the south and Gabby was often served this at Family reunions. Perfect Pint try to create familiar flavors with a twist – something familiar, yet brand new. The newest flavor, Pistachio with Raspberry Swirls and White Chocolate Chunks is an absolute smash hit and was created through lots of brainstorming and at least 10 R&D batches… There is no formula for creating the Perfect Flavor. But there’s definitely a personal touch to every flavor.
I read on your social media page of plans to open a store front shop soon. What details can you share?
Our store has been heavily delayed by Covid-19 licencing problems, construction troubles and equipment manufacturing issues, but should be open to the public by early to mid-October. Our new location will be 42-575 Melanie Place, Suite F, Palm Desert, CA and we will announce a grand opening celebration as soon as we know exactly. (Big Party Incoming!!!)
What is the secret to your success?
It is a fun and rewarding business, but it is certainly not easy. This is a very competitive, saturated space. The secrets to our success are simple – we only have three: Work, work, work. Hyper focus and accountability are key factors, but there are no shortcuts in life. While this has been excruciatingly difficult to get off the ground for so many reasons, it has been the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done and we wake up daily inspired to work even harder.
You stay active on social media posting a daily greeting: “Gooooooood morning Ice Cream Fam!” What keeps you inspired and motivated?
My personal motivation comes from my parents – they’ve given up so much and worked so hard to provide my sister and I with the opportunity to have a better life than we could ever have in Bulgaria. Currently, Bulgaria is the poorest country in the European Union and has a declining population. The minimum wage of about $500 per month is laughable when you consider the most necessary products – such as gasoline – can cost up to 20% more than they do in Southern California. This amazing place of opportunity is a true Utopia when compared to where I was born, I want to live out the American Dream.
What else are you working on?
We are absolutely astounded by how well our small frozen custard brand has been received by the community, and we will work even harder to create now flavors and ways of people to get them. We will be expanding into Dairy Free lines, Half Pints and even Gallon containers. Our goal is to serve the high-end food industry – and truly become the most Premium Ice Cream brand in California.
What five words describe you best?
1. Unrelenting 2. Focused 3. Optimistic 4. Obsessive 5. Grateful.
social media: @PERFECTPINT760