30 Apr Jevo- Sweet Solution to a Sticky Mess

10-minute jello shots are on the way..

Jello shots are a crowd favorite, but because of the time, refrigerator space, and mess it takes to make them, bar managers and bartenders can be hesitant. In a perfect world there is a machine that cranks out “adult” cups of jello, at an incredible speed and with even better flavors. This dream machine is coming to life at the beginning of 2016 thanks to Food and Beverage Innovations. Their Jevo machine is what they call, “an innovative profit center,” because it makes edible cocktails—fast.

With their propriety Jevo flavor pods, the machine gives off a Keurig feel. Popping in a pod eliminates many steps for the user. The Jevo machine can fit right on the counter behind the bar and can produce 20 jello shots in ten minutes. No need to pinch yourself, it’s real.

Making jello shots with the Jevo machine is as simple as it gets. First, pour your choice of spirit in one of the machine’s two reservoirs, capable of holding a combined 50 ounces of liquid. Exactly half an ounce of the selected spirit will be control poured by the machine per individual jello shot. Next, choose a propriety gelatin mix and the flavor barcode will automatically be recognized by the machine. Of course, this technical advance comes along with locking you into the Jevo brand system, because the machine will only work with their pods (you may recall the rash of consumer complaints over the new Keurig machines only programmed to work with Keurig-licensed K-Cups.)

The advantage to choosing the liquid as well as the flavor of Jevo gelatin powder is that users can mix and match a nearly endless variety of edible cocktails. For example, mixing Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with apple-flavored gelatin creates a “spiked apple pie” jello shot. With a final push of a button, Jevo does all the sticky work for you, in just ten minutes. The machine will keep inventory and automatically re-order gelatin pods to ensure there is never a lack of flavors when you need them. While the Jevo machine is primarily marketed for jello shots, it also has the ability to produce an assortment of quick-chilled shots, eliminating the need for a separate quick-chill machine. This capability monitors sales and controls liquor costs using precise pour technology. As a result, this machine makes life easier for both bartenders and managers.

The Jevo machine not only produces shots, but the machine front can also display digital ads for brands you’re serving as well as on premise specials. Though we found the screen a bit far away for this to be a compelling feature.

With the Jevo machine any staff member can pop in a pod, choose a liquor of choice, and have shots to be passed around or even made to order—no refrigeration space required. The machine is also self-cleaning, making the maintenance less labor intensive at the end of the night. Most importantly, you’re not guessing at demand. You can make batches to order, and always have just enough.

Food and Beverage Innovations’ CEO, Jeff Jetton, wants their audience to know that this machine isn’t just for alcohol drinkers. You can make these shots with or without alcohol, so they can instead be considered desserts, with emphasis on flavors like Coffee Bean and Banana Cream Pie. The company even imagines bringing the machine to hospitals and assisted living establishments for administering medicine-laced jello shots.

If jello shots are something you’ve considered for your bar, but aren’t sure the rate at which they would sell, something less committal like pre-packaged jello shots might be a practical solution to get started. Companies like Ludlows Cocktail Co. are selling multi-flavored, pre-packaged jello shots in liquor stores or for wholesale. The other alternative is to re-invent your bar’s jello shots with the jello syringes you have probably seen making the rounds at places like Jelloshotz.

Right now pre-order for the Jevo machine is available to chain restaurants, bars, nightclubs, major casinos, family entertainment establishments, and craft-cocktail locations around the world. The machine is priced at $3,995.00, or can be leased to own for $99 per month over a 48 month period. At a rate of $3.00 per shot, and a few hundred shots sold per weekend, the full cost of the machine could be recovered in less than a month.  The remarkable rate at which jello shots can fly off the server’s tray is because they are a playful, classic and easy way to consume alcohol. If you want to be prepared to distribute a large quantity of these gelatin treats at any given time, a jello shot machine may be your investment that pays for itself, and then some. More information about the Jevo machine, its capabilities, and purchasing information can be found through their web site www.jevomaker.com. Happy jello-ing!—Amanda Webber