Bantam Bagels acquired by Lancaster Colony

Fast-growing frozen breakfast product company, Bantam Bagels LLC, has been acquired by T. Marzetti Company, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Lancaster Colony Corporation, for $34 million.

Bantam Bagels is a producer and marketer of frozen breakfast products including mini stuffed bagels and mini stuffed pancakes sold to both the retail and foodservice channels. Their products can be found across the US in Starbucks and grocery stores including Target and Costco.

The acquisition will enable the entrepreneur-founded company, which currently has net annual sales of around $20 million, to expand its range of production, increase capacity and new marketing.

New York based Bantam Bagels is noted for “reinventing the bagel” and explosively growing its distribution from one small shop in New York City’s West Village to nationwide distribution.

Husband and wife Nick and Elyse Oleksak founded Bantam Bagels in 2013 and will continue to lead the business post-closing with the same entrepreneurial drive, hustle and heart they have demonstrated since day one.

Dave Ciesinski, Lancaster Colony’s CEO, said: “We are extremely excited to add Bantam Bagels to our specialty foods business.  Bantam Bagels is a fast-emerging company that provides us with an entry into the large and growing frozen breakfast category.  Their established relationship with Starbucks in the foodservice channel is another positive that positions Bantam Bagels for future expansion.  We are thrilled to welcome Nick, Elyse and Bantam Bagels to our family of Lancaster Colony companies and look forward to a successful future together.”