Bantam Bagels Shark Tank: A Delicious Journey From NYC To Your Freezer

Angelo Koch

31 Jul, 2025

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Have you ever thought about a tiny, cream cheese-filled bagel, ready to pop into your mouth? It's a pretty neat idea, right? Well, that's exactly what Bantam Bagels brought to the world, and their story really took off after a very memorable appearance on a certain popular business show. This is that kind of tale where a simple, yummy concept meets big-time opportunity, showing just how far a good idea can go.

For anyone who loves a good success story, especially one involving food, the journey of Bantam Bagels is just fascinating. It shows how passion, a clever product, and a willingness to put yourself out there can lead to something truly amazing. We're talking about a small business that, you know, completely changed its path after one pivotal moment, becoming a household name for many folks.

So, we're going to talk all about how Bantam Bagels charmed the Sharks, what made their product so special, and what happened next for this truly delightful company. It’s a story, you see, that really captures the spirit of American entrepreneurship, with a delicious twist. You might be surprised by just how much their world changed, almost overnight, after that big TV moment.

The Seed of an Idea: Before the Tank
Stepping into the Shark Tank Spotlight
The Bantam Bagels Product: What Made Them Special?
Life After the Deal: Growth and Expansion
A Sweet Acquisition: The Next Big Step
The Enduring Appeal of Bantam Bagels
Frequently Asked Questions About Bantam Bagels

The Seed of an Idea: Before the Tank

Before the bright lights of the Shark Tank, the idea for Bantam Bagels actually started in a very personal way. Nick and Elyse Oleksak, the couple behind this tasty treat, were just trying to figure out how to make their busy lives a little bit easier, you know, especially when it came to breakfast. They both loved bagels, like many New Yorkers, but the full-sized ones could be, well, a bit much sometimes, and quite messy too. So, they started thinking about a smaller, more manageable version.

Their thought was, what if you could have all the deliciousness of a bagel and cream cheese, but in a bite-sized, less messy package? It was a simple question, really, but it sparked something big. They began experimenting in their own kitchen, trying out different doughs and fillings, just perfecting the little wonders. It was a lot of trial and error, as a matter of fact, but they were determined to get it just right.

They opened a small shop in New York City's West Village, which was a pretty brave step, you know, for two people with a new food concept. This little spot was where they first introduced their mini, filled bagels to the public. It was a cozy place, and people started to really like their unique offerings. They built up a loyal following, and that initial success gave them the courage to think bigger, perhaps even about taking their idea to a national audience. It was a very exciting time for them, a real leap of faith, in a way.

Stepping into the Shark Tank Spotlight

When Nick and Elyse decided to bring Bantam Bagels to Shark Tank, they were pretty much putting everything on the line. It's a huge stage, and the Sharks are known for being, well, quite tough with their questions and their critiques. They went in there hoping to get an investment of $275,000 for a 15% stake in their company. That was their big ask, you see, a substantial amount for their growing business.

During their pitch, they showed off their adorable, cream cheese-filled mini bagels, explaining how they were a convenient and delicious breakfast or snack option. They really emphasized the unique aspect of their product, how it solved a common problem for bagel lovers. The Sharks, as you might expect, had a lot of questions about their sales, their margins, and their plans for scaling up. It was a very intense back-and-forth, with the couple having to, you know, defend their numbers and their vision.

After some serious negotiation, and a lot of discussion among the Sharks, they actually secured a deal with Lori Greiner. She offered them $275,000, but for a 25% stake in their company. It was a higher percentage than they initially wanted to give up, but the opportunity to partner with someone like Lori, who has a proven track record of helping businesses grow, was just too good to pass up. This moment, really, changed everything for Bantam Bagels, setting them on a completely different path.

The Bantam Bagels Product: What Made Them Special?

What really made Bantam Bagels stand out, and still does, is their clever take on a classic. Instead of a regular bagel that you slice and then spread with cream cheese, their bagels come pre-filled with the good stuff. This means less mess, less fuss, and a perfectly portioned bite every time. It's a very simple concept, but incredibly effective for people on the go.

They offered a pretty wide variety of flavors too, which was a big part of their appeal. You could find sweet options, like the "Cookies & Milk" which had a chocolate chip bagel with a cookies and cream filling, or more savory ones, such as the "Hot Pretzel" with a cheddar cream cheese. They really thought about different tastes and preferences, offering something for just about everyone. This variety, you know, made them quite exciting to try.

The size was another key factor. These are "bantam" bagels, meaning they are small, just like bantam chickens are a small variety of fowl, typically weighing between 16 and 30 ounces as adults. These little bagels were perfect for a quick snack, a light breakfast, or even for sharing. Their small size made them very versatile and appealing to a broad audience, from kids to adults looking for a controlled portion. It was a very smart move, actually, to focus on that convenient, bite-sized experience.

Life After the Deal: Growth and Expansion

After their Shark Tank episode aired, Bantam Bagels experienced what many businesses dream of: the "Shark Tank effect." Their sales pretty much exploded overnight, and they saw a massive increase in demand for their unique product. It was a really exciting time, but also, you know, a very challenging one, as they had to quickly scale up their production to meet this sudden surge.

With Lori Greiner's guidance and investment, they began to expand their reach far beyond their small New York City shop. One of their biggest achievements was getting their products into national grocery store chains. This was a huge step, allowing people across the country to easily find and buy Bantam Bagels in their local freezer aisle. It meant going from a niche product to something much more accessible, which is that kind of growth every small business hopes for.

They also started selling their bagels on QVC, which is another platform Lori Greiner is very familiar with. This gave them even more exposure and helped them reach a different segment of consumers who enjoy shopping from home. The brand just kept growing, adding new flavors and expanding their distribution networks. It was a very impressive display of how a Shark Tank deal can truly transform a business, propelling it into the national spotlight.

A Sweet Acquisition: The Next Big Step

The story of Bantam Bagels took another very significant turn a few years after their Shark Tank appearance. In 2018, the company was actually acquired by T. Marzetti Company, which is a subsidiary of Lancaster Colony Corporation. This was a pretty huge milestone for Nick and Elyse, marking the culmination of all their hard work and dedication. It showed just how much their small idea had grown into a truly valuable brand.

This acquisition meant that Bantam Bagels would have even more resources and a much larger distribution network at its disposal. Being part of a bigger food company meant they could reach even more homes across the country, making their delicious mini bagels available to a wider audience than ever before. It was a logical next step, you know, for a company that had seen such rapid growth and success.

For Nick and Elyse, this was, in a way, the ultimate validation of their vision. They had taken a simple concept, nurtured it from their kitchen to a small shop, then launched it onto a national stage with Shark Tank, and finally saw it become a part of a major food corporation. It’s a very inspiring example of what can happen when you have a great product and the determination to see it through, even when things are, you know, a bit tough.

The Enduring Appeal of Bantam Bagels

Even today, in late 2023, Bantam Bagels still holds a special place in the hearts of many food lovers and Shark Tank fans. Their journey from a small, local shop to a nationally recognized brand is a pretty powerful reminder of the American dream. It shows that with a unique product and a lot of grit, you can truly make a big impact, and that's just a wonderful thing to see.

The convenience and deliciousness of their filled bagels continue to appeal to busy individuals and families looking for a quick, satisfying bite. They solved a real problem, after all, making bagels easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Their story, you know, really resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of turning their own ideas into something big. It’s a testament to the power of innovation, even in something as simple as a bagel.

So, the next time you're in the freezer aisle of your grocery store, you might just spot those familiar little packages of Bantam Bagels. Perhaps you'll pick some up and try them for yourself, or maybe you'll just remember their amazing journey from a tiny New York City kitchen to a Shark Tank success story. It’s a pretty cool reminder that, you know, big things often start very, very small.

Learn more about small business success stories on our site. You can also explore other food innovations that have made a splash.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bantam Bagels

What are Bantam Bagels?

Bantam Bagels are small, bite-sized bagels that come pre-filled with various cream cheese flavors. They are designed for convenience and a less messy eating experience, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. They offer both sweet and savory options, so there's usually something for everyone.

Did Bantam Bagels get a deal on Shark Tank?

Yes, they absolutely did! Nick and Elyse Oleksak, the founders of Bantam Bagels, appeared on Shark Tank and secured a deal with Lori Greiner. She invested $275,000 for a 25% stake in their company. This partnership was a huge turning point for their business, leading to massive growth and national distribution.

Where can I buy Bantam Bagels today?

After their success on Shark Tank and subsequent acquisition, Bantam Bagels became widely available. You can typically find them in the freezer section of many major grocery store chains across the United States. They are often sold in boxes containing a variety of flavors, so you can try a few different kinds at once.