If you’re not familiar with the story of Bantam Bagels, and how the “schmear genius” idea of mini stuffed bagel balls, came to co-founder, Nick Oleksak in a dream, allow us to introduce them. Bantams are the center of the bagel, pre-filled with cream cheeses, and the most unique way to eat and enjoy New York City’s most iconic food – the bagel.
Bantams first burst into the NYC food scene six years ago, reinventing the bagel eating experience. Graduates from Columbia University, Nick and Elyse Oleksak ditched their fast paced Wall Street gigs, to open a bagel ball bakery on Bleecker Street. So many people dream of that one great idea that will lead to business success, and national television exposure, that changes their lives forever. This is the story of Bantam founders and inventors, Nick and Elyse Oleksak.
Believing whole-heartedly that the world needed to try their twist on an iconic classic (the bagel) they set their sights on opening a shop in New York City, figuring, if they can make it here, they can make it anywhere (their shop is located in NYC’s West Village, on Bleecker Street). On a mission of pure hustle, heart and bagel loving energy, the shop opened to an explosive welcome by New Yorkers and bagel lovers nationwide.
Husband and wife, Nick and Elyse Oleksak, have survived the toughest bagel critics – New Yorkers! They continue to believe if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. “By far the most entrepreneurial lesson we’ve learned is that it’s not all about selling, but actually about connecting,” Elyse said. “Food is so personal and we feel lucky to be able to connect with our customers every day in the most personal of ways through the products we take so much pride in making,” Elyse adds.
One of the most important nights of their entrepreneurial journey was their debut as featured entrepreneurs on ABC’s Shark Tank. Shark Tank was their big break. Nine million viewers across America were tuning in. They filmed in June 2014 and made a deal with Lori Greiner, who invested $275,000 for 25 percent equity of Bantam Bagels. The episode aired in January 2015 and changed everything for the couple.
Now, Bantam Bagels is excited to introduce more versions of their mini stuffed bites of iconic deliciousness. An expansion into pizza and pancakes (bite sized of course).
From their mini stuffed pancakes (hello no more waiting for the weekend to eat a great pancake), to stuffing their mini bagels with egg and cheese (at 5g of protein each nonetheless… see you later protein bars!), Bantam continues taking all the foods you absolutely love, and shrinking them down for (easy eating) on-the-go consumption!
With this roll-out, now there is finally a guilt-free, palm sized, snackable solution to every one of your iconic favorites. No more fork and knife required.
What’s new:
Bantam Pizza
Margherita (Pizza dough stuffed with marinara, mozzarella, and basil) & Supreme (Pizza dough stuffed with marinara, mozzarella, sausage & pepperoni)
Real deal NYC pizza dough, stuffed with mouthwatering marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and a variety of other fillings! These handheld pizza snacks are perfect for mobile munching. Bantam Pizza Bites are REAL pizza, REAL tomatoes, REAL cheese, REAL meat…. And the most important part? REAL deal NYC attitude.
Available exclusively at Vons and Pavilions in SoCal
February 25, 2020 – Brooklyn, NY : Bantam Bagels “margherita pizza,” photographed at Columbia Products studio in Brooklyn by Karsten Moran with food styling by Chris Barsch and art direction by Matthew Strong.
Bacon Egg Bites
Bantam Bagels, New York City’s original mini stuffed bagels, now come stuffed with soft scrambled egg, cheese, and meat! The newest member of their Egg bites line will come stuffed with bacon, for a complete hand held and protein packed breakfast.
Available Target stores only
February 25, 2020 – Brooklyn, NY : Bantam Bagels “Bacon Egg Bites,” photographed at Columbia Products studio in Brooklyn by Karsten Moran with food styling by Chris Barsch and art direction by Matthew Strong.
Bantam’s flagship shop is in NYC’s West Village, but you can find Bantams at many grocery stores nationwide. Bantam Bagels can also be ordered online at bantambagels.com
MORE ABOUT BANTAM:
Founded by husband and wife team, Nick and Elyse Oleksak, the story of Bantam Bagels is one of hustle,
authenticity and pure New York City determination. After a dream for mini stuffed bagels struck Nick in the middle of the night, Nick and Elyse started with a little shop in the heart of NYC’s West Village, determined to make their bagel dreams come true. After exploding onto the NYC food scene, collecting accolades like “Top Bagel in NYC” by the NY Daily News, being featured on the Today Show, in The Wall Street Journal, on ABC’s Shark Tank
and being named to Oprah’s Favorite Things, Bantam’s mini stuffed bagels went from a batch of bagels made in the couple’s apartment to nearly every grocery store and coffee shop in America! Living by the mantra: “say YES and make it happen”, Nick and Elyse are proud to offer authentic, real-deal and super fun products to every family and mobile muncher across America!
You can say that Bantam Bagels is quite literally a dream come true for Nick and his wife Elyse.
IG: @bantambagels
