Are waffles the next big thing in food? If you ask the panel of investors from ABC’s Shark Tank, the answer is a resounding yes. Brothers Bryan and Caleb Lewis had the sharks in a frenzy over their Dallas-based brand, Press Waffle Co., as they pitched nationwide development of their company on last night’s episode of Shark Tank.
“Being fans of the show, we have seen how vicious the sharks can be to young companies, so we were prepared for some tough questions,” Bryan Lewis says. “But what really surprised us was how excited the sharks got about our product and our brand, and the fact that we very quickly had four great offers to choose from.”
Four competitive offers were on the table, so who got the deal? After negotiating in the Tank for over an hour, the brothers chose to partner with Barbara Corcoran, who offered $300,000 for 15 percent of Press Waffle Co.—the amount needed to fund the brand’s nationwide franchising rollout.
In addition to being the first Dallas-based restaurant to be funded on Shark Tank, Press Waffle Co. is one of only a handful of businesses that Corcoran—one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country—has invested in through the show.
“We definitely went in with our eye on Barbara,” Caleb Lewis says. “We have seen how she has helped restaurant brands like Cousin’s Maine Lobster and Tom & Chee grow exponentially after Shark Tank, and we knew that she would be the right partner to help us accomplish the goals we have for this company.”
A one-of-a-kind concept, Press Waffle Co. meets the demand for unique, customizable, indulgent offerings that customers crave. Following its successful Shark Tank airing, Press is looking for fellow waffle lovers and motivated individuals that share its vision of expanding the brand across the country. You can find out more about their upcoming openings and franchise opportunities at ownapress.com.
Press specializes in authentic Liege waffles—dough-based waffles with a brioche-like texture, loaded with caramelized clusters of Belgian pearl sugar in each and every bite. Every waffle is fully customizable and can be served with a variety of fruits, sauces and house-made whipped creams. Press also offers unique monthly specials and savory selections like its bestselling Chicken & Waffles.
There are currently three Press locations: In Plano’s Legacy Hall, Fort Worth’s Food Hall at Crockett Row and Baybrook Mall in Friendswood (Houston), with a fourth location coming soon to Oklahoma City’s The Collective Kitchens + Cocktails.