Where Is Press Waffle From Shark Tank Today?
In Season 10, Episode 18 of "Shark Tank," brothers Bryan and Caleb Lewis promoted their company, Press Waffle, which offers Liege waffles, aka Belgian waffles. They're made from yeast dough (not batter, as waffles usually are) in a waffle iron or press with very deep indentations to hold lots of yummy ingredients. The waffles are then topped with pearl sugar for a sweet crunch.
Bryan Lewis visited Europe in 2013 and discovered that he loved Liege waffles. But in Texas, he couldn't find this type of waffle anywhere, so he decided to provide it himself. "I'd never tasted anything like this in my life," Bryan Lewis said to Restaurant Business in 2019. "I ate them all summer. We wanted to have a waffle bar at our wedding, but we couldn't find anyone who could make them. So, we started making them in my kitchen."
The Lewises started a food truck in 2016 after a Kickstarter campaign with the slogan "A New Way to Waffle." The food truck was part of the Hub Streat Food Truck Derby in Plano in 2017, per the Plano Star-Courier. The company moved into a permanent storefront in 2017.
Press Waffle was in high demand on Shark Tank
When brothers and Press Waffle cofounders Bryan and Caleb Lewis appeared on "Shark Tank" in Season 10, they wanted a $200,000 investment in exchange for an 8% stake in the company (via YouTube).
With three offers from the Sharks, a lot of negotiation went back and forth. Barbara Corcoran offered either a $200,000 investment for a 15% stake or a $400,000 investment for a 30% stake. Kevin O'Leary offered a $200,000 loan (not investment) in exchange for a 3% stake. Robert Herjavec offered a $400,000 investment for a 20% stake. The Lewises presented Corcoran with a counteroffer for a $300,000 investment for a 15% stake, and they shook on the deal.
Press Waffle is still in business and has three locations in Texas, with a fourth on the way. There are also Press Waffle locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Colorado.
Where is Press Waffle now?
After Bryan and Caleb Lewis appeared on "Shark Tank," Press Waffle gained press attention from the Dallas Observer, Forbes, Eater Dallas, the Franchise Times, and more. And since its cofounders' "Shark Tank" appearance, Press Waffle has added new menu items, including locally roasted coffee, savory sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and more. There's even a Press Waffle "merch shop" with gear including sneakers and T-shirts.
Press Waffle customers can also build waffle creations with toppings including fruit, sauces, ice cream, and whipped cream. Some of the restaurant's savory offerings include Monte Cristo sandwiches made with ham, turkey, and American cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. There's also the "American" sandwich, which is made with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg.
In terms of expansion, Press Waffle is focused on franchising, with a $100,000 minimum cash investment required. (The total estimated initial investment is between $200,000 and $400,000.)