In the world of love, where sweet words and grand gestures often steal the show, Samuel McClure Taylor decided to win his future wife’s heart through pancakes. Forget about fancy dates – Taylor’s story begins in the kitchen, where he aims to impress acrobat Lindsey with a pancake recipe fit for her performances.
Yet, after searching high and low for the perfect mix and finding none to his liking, he took matters into his own hands.
Mixing popcorn flour, blue corn flour, and gluten-free options, Taylor created a pancake mix that not only satisfied Lindsey’s needs but also delighted taste buds. And just like that, Long Table Pancakes was born.
Taylor, not content with ordinary ingredients, sourced heirloom grains from ethical midwestern farmers, turning his breakfast experiment into a commitment to sustainability. With support from friends and family, Long Table Pancakes grew from a one-time idea into a thriving business in 2015.
But the founders wanted to take the business to the next height. So appeared in the popular American show Shark Tank and pitched their idea. But did the Long Table Pancakes got a deal on Shark Tank? And what happened to Long Table Pancakes after Shark Tank? Let’s find out in this article.
Long Table Pancakes is a Chicago-based pancake business founded by Samuel Taylor in February 2015. Specializing in organic, healthy, and tasty pancakes, the company offers vegan and gluten-free options, including the popular Popcorn Pancake, Blue Corn Pancake, and Gluten-Free Pancake varieties.
Complementing their pancake selection, Long Table Pancakes also produces a range of organic maple syrups with flavors like Sugarmaker’s Cut and Bourbon Barrel-Aged. Despite facing initial challenges, the business experienced significant growth, especially after Samuel Taylor’s appearance on Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 10.
While the company did not secure a deal on the show, it garnered widespread attention, leading to a surge in online orders. As of January 2023, Long Table Pancakes continues to thrive, emphasizing organic ingredients and natural methods in its pancake production.
| Company Name | Long Table Pancakes |
| Website | https://longtablepancakes.com/ |
| Episode | Season 14, Episode 10 |
| Founded | In 2015 |
| Founder | Samuel McClure Taylor |
| Required Investment | $140K for a 15% equity |
| Closing Deal | No Deal |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Current Business Status | In business |
The founder of Long Table Pancakes is Samuel Taylor. Samuel, the founder and CEO of this Chicago-based pancake and organic maple syrup business, embarked on this flavorful journey in February 2015.
With a passion for crafting organic, healthy, and delicious pancake varieties, Samuel Taylor’s dedication has made Long Table Pancakes a household name.
Long Table Pancakes operates with a meticulous production process focused on delivering organic and delightful pancake varieties.
The magic begins with the careful combination of premium ingredients, such as Organic Wheat Flour (Veet), Organic Oat Flour, and Almond Meal. What sets these pancakes apart is the thoughtful addition of waffles, creating a unique and delightful texture in each bite.
The pancake lineup includes three signature varieties – the whimsical Popcorn Pancake, the flavorful Blue Corn Pancake, and the dietary-friendly Gluten-free Pancake.
Long Table Pancakes ensures that each pancake is not just a breakfast treat but a culinary experience.
Complementing these delectable pancakes is Long Table Pancakes’ array of organic maple syrups, available in seven distinct flavors.
From the rich Sugarmaker’s Cut to the nuanced Bourbon Barrel-Aged and the exotic Ginger Root Infused, these syrups elevate the pancake indulgence.
Practicality is also at the forefront of Long Table Pancakes’ approach. Each pancake pack is designed to offer between 2 to 5 servings, making it a convenient and delicious option for various occasions.
This commitment to quality, flavor, and convenience defines how Long Table Pancakes works to bring a delightful breakfast experience to its customers.
Before making its appearance on Shark Tank, Long Table Pancakes had already carved out a distinctive niche in the culinary landscape.
Founded by Samuel Taylor in February 2015, the journey began with a delightful love story. Samuel’s quest to impress his acrobat partner resulted in the creation of the now-iconic Popcorn Pancakes.
Initially, Long Table Pancakes was a side hustle, introduced at Farmer’s Markets with an initial investment of $5,000. The company’s unique approach to crafting organic, healthy, and tasty pancake varieties garnered attention and set the stage for future success.
The turning point came in 2020 with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The closure of theaters, where Taylor previously worked full-time, looked for a strategic pivot.
Embracing the challenges, Taylor transitioned to working full-time on Long Table Pancakes. This decision, coupled with an increasing demand for home-cooked delights during the pandemic, propelled the business to new heights, doubling its profit within just two years.
To expand their business and get some sharks aboard in the journey, Samuel Taylor, the CEO decided to pitch the business in Shark Tank. And the CEO confronted the sharks on Season 14, Episode 10 of the show and gave the sharks and the world a glimpse of their business.
During the Shark Tank pitch, Samuel Taylor, the founder of Long Table Pancakes, entered seeking a $140,000 investment for a 15% equity stake, valuing the company at $1.07 million.
Actor David Schwimmer was present and vouched for the quality of the pancakes, mentioning that he gives them to his daughter every week.
The cost of production for one pack was revealed to be $3.10, with a selling price of $11.25. Long Table Pancakes had total sales of $250,000, with $20,000 in annual sales from 2015 to 2019.
Samuel Taylor explained that 70% of sales were direct to consumers, while 30% came from retail stores, and the product was available online only on the company’s website.
Despite positive feedback on the taste of the pancakes, the pitch faced challenges.
Lori Greiner expressed a lack of passion for pancakes and opted out, Barbara Corcoran cited concerns about the slowness of the business and chose not to invest.
Gwyneth Paltrow deemed the business too small for her and exited the deal, Mark Cuban cited fundamental issues and opted out. Likewise, Kevin O’Leary emphasized the necessity for a social media presence and also chose not to invest.
In the end, Long Table Pancakes did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. Despite the setback, the episode generated significant interest, leading to a surge in orders on the company’s website and a notable online presence on social media platforms.
In the post-Shark Tank scenario of 2024, Long Table Pancakes has not only sustained its presence but has also thrived in the highly competitive food industry.
Despite not securing a deal with the Sharks, the exposure on Shark Tank acted as a catalyst for Long Table Pancakes’ growth. The unique and organic pancake varieties garnered widespread attention and resonated well with consumers seeking distinctive breakfast options.
Post-Shark Tank, Long Table Pancakes strategically capitalized on the increased visibility. The company experienced a notable uptick in online sales through its official website, showcasing the power of the Shark Tank platform in driving consumer engagement.
One noteworthy aspect contributing to Long Table Pancakes’ continued success is the involvement of actor David Schwimmer during the Shark Tank pitch.
While a deal wasn’t finalized, Schwimmer’s endorsement of the quality and taste of the pancakes and waffles added a celebrity touch to the brand. This celebrity testimonial not only reinforced the product’s appeal but also played a role in elevating Long Table Pancakes’ brand recognition.
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Long Table Pancakes currently holds an estimated net worth of $1 million. This valuation reflects the culmination of eight successful years in the food and beverage industry.
Founder Samuel Taylor’s initial investment of $5,000, coupled with strategic business decisions, has propelled the company to financial success.
But that may not be the end of the growth for the company. The pancake business has a high potential in North America and in the recent past, there has a significant growth in the pancake industry. The Pancake industry is expected to grow over $1.36 billion by the year 2025.
As of January 2024, Long Table Pancakes is not only still in business but is also experiencing notable growth and success in the food and beverage industry.
The company has seen an upward trajectory in its sales, with products available at 13 retail stores in Illinois, and a focus on gradual expansion.
Long Table Pancakes remains committed to its organic and natural approach, utilizing ingredients like Organic Wheat Flour (Veet), Organic Oat Flour, and Almond Meal. The company’s headquarters is situated in Chicago, Illinois, and it currently employs 2 to 10 people.
While specific details about new products and business strategies are not explicitly mentioned, the overall growth and continued presence in the market indicate Long Table Pancakes’ resilience and success in the breakfast food industry as of January 2024.
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