The NYC Bagel Shop That Blew Up Thanks to 'Shark Tank' Just Got Acquired for $34 Million Bantam Bagels won funding from Lori Greiner to expand its business to retail.

By Stephen J. Bronner Edited by Dan Bova

Courtesy Bantam Bagels

Five years after Nick and Elyse Oleksak pursued a literal dream of stuffed bagels to found Bantam Bagels, the couple have sold the business to T. Marzetti Company (owned by the publicly traded Lancaster Colony Corporation) for $34 million.

The Oleksaks got their first big break after appearing on Shark Tank in 2014 and scoring a $275,000 investment from Lori Greiner. They then appeared on QVC.

"When you're an entrepreneur, you learn to live gut first," the Oleksaks said in a statement to Entrepreneur. "And finding the right business partner is kind of like picking the next member of your family. … With Marzetti, we will have the infrastructure and strategic support to grow Bantam exponentially, while being able to preserve the genuine authenticity that makes Bantam so great."

Related: This Bagel Shop Now Sells Products in 9,000 Stores Thanks to 'Shark Tank' and QVC

Along with a shop in New York City, Bantam's product line includes frozen bagels, pancakes and egg bites, which are sold in more than 9,000 retail locations, including Starbucks. Bantam Bagels' annual net sales are approximately $20 million.

The Oleksaks will stay on board with the company to run day-to-day operations and handle product development at Bantam, Lancaster said. The acquisition closed on Oct. 19.

"Part of what makes Bantam Bagels so great is the energy, authenticity and fire behind Nick, Elyse and the entire Bantam team," Dave Ciesinski, Lancaster Colony's CEO, said in a statement. "In acquiring Bantam Bagels, it's our goal to truly partner with them, enhancing the business where we can, but allowing Bantam and its products to flourish within the Lancaster Colony family. Food is so personal, and keeping Nick and Elyse and their founder's passion involved in the ongoing growth and development of Bantam is incredibly meaningful to us."

Stephen J. Bronner

Entrepreneur Staff

News Director

Stephen J. Bronner writes mostly about packaged foods. His weekly column is The Digest. He is very much on top of his email.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Why Your Old Marketing Tactics Are Killing Your Growth in 2025

Using marketing tactics from a couple of years ago doesn't just put you behind — it makes you disappear.

Business News

Microsoft Executive Says Using AI Has Saved $500 Million in Productivity Costs, as the Company Conducts Mass Layoffs

Microsoft is leveraging AI tools for cost savings in various departments, including customer service.

Business News

Here's When the New Apple iPhone 17 and MacBooks Are Being Released

Apple also has a home device in the works. Here's when to expect a new lineup of Apple products.

Business News

Manhattan Co-op Board Denies Cash Offer in the Millions From a Top Influencer — Even in This Real Estate Market

Former LSU gymnast and social media star, Olivia "Livvy" Dunne, says she was one week away from getting the keys to her new apartment — but was rejected by the co-op board.

Side Hustle

They Started a Side Hustle Producing an 'Obvious' Food Item. It Hit $300,000 Monthly Revenue Fast — On Track for Over $20 Million in 2025.

When Jason Rosenbaum and Hailey Swartz couldn't find the product they wanted to see on grocery store shelves, they took matters into their own hands.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.