On Sunday’s episode of Shark Tank, viewers will be introduced to Sam Stephens, who is pitching her business in the tank. She’s a chef and she’s the founder of New York-based OatMeals.
Sam always had a passion for oatmeal, understanding the healthy aspect of getting oats as part of your day. When she was a student and money was tight, she would always make room in her budget for oatmeal. It was during this time she got the dream of opening an oatmeal shop.
After spending a few years in corporate banking, she decided to pursue her dream. She opened up her shop in New York in 2012, offering up to 30 different combinations.
In her shop, you can buy signature bowls, create your own, and even get pastries and beverages. Now, she has over 80 toppings to choose from. The basic oatmeal is made with steel-cut oats and water – and you add the rest.
For example, their Tropical Sunrise signature dish is oatmeal with fresh pineapple, dried mango, flaked coconut, and coconut milk. Their Antioxidant Awakening is oatmeal, Greek yogurt, dried pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate chips, chia seeds, and honey.
Some of them even add cheese, ham, poached egg, scallions, and different kinds of cheeses and oils. If you are feeling brave, you can also go for the balsamic glaze, Sriracha, sundried tomatoes, and sharp cheddar.
Sam has managed to build quite the career, even getting Quaker Oats to name her their Creative Oatmeal Officer in 2013, and she remains undefeated. Sam is also writing an OatMeals cookbook, and she’s thinking about a store expansion. This could be why she’s going into the tank.
You can get her oatmeal servings at her store in New York. Her product comes in three different sizes, baby bear, mama bear, and papa bear. The prices are $4.50, $5.50, and $6.50 respectively.
You can then add the toppings of your choosing, with fresh fruit toppings costing you $0.50 per serving, dried fruits $0.25 per serving, nuts $0.50 per serving, and her savory toppings $1.00.
Milk and spices are free. The signature bowls have set prices, coming in between $4.75 to $5.75 for the small ones, and adding $1 for a medium and $2 for the largest bowl.
It will be interesting to see how the sharks will response to Sam Stephens’ growing empire and her plans for the future.
Shark Tank airs Sundays at 9/8c on ABC.