The founders of Press Waffle Co. — Bryan and Caleb Lewis — had the sharks from ABC’s television series, “Shark Tank,” in a frenzy during Sunday’s episode when the brothers pitched their Dallas-based fast casual concept. “Being fans of the show, we have seen how vicious the sharks can be to young companies, so we were prepared for some tough questions,” Bryan Lewis said in a company press release. “But what really surprised us was how excited the sharks got about our product and our brand, and the fact that we very quickly had four great offers to choose from.” Four competitive offers were on the table, and after negotiating in the Tank for over an hour, the brothers chose to partner with Barbara Corcoran, who offered $300,000 for 15 percent of Press Waffle Co. — the amount needed to fund the brand’s nationwide franchising rollout. In addition to being the first Dallas-based restaurant to be funded on Shark Tank, Press Waffle Co. is one of only a handful of businesses that Corcoran has invested in through the show.  “We definitely went in with our eye on Barbara,” Caleb Lewis said. “We have seen how she has helped restaurant brands like Cousin’s Maine Lobster and Tom & Chee grow exponentially after Shark Tank, and we knew that she would be the right partner to help us accomplish the goals we have for this company.” Press specializes in authentic Liege waffles — dough-based waffles with a brioche-like texture, loaded with caramelized clusters of Belgian pearl sugar. Customers may order their waffles with a variety of fruits, sauces and house-made whipped creams. Press also offers monthly specials and savory selections like its bestselling Chicken & Waffles, according to the release. There are now three Press locations: they are in Plano’s Legacy Hall, Fort Worth’s Food Hall at Crockett Row and Baybrook Mall in Friendswood (Houston), with a fourth location coming soon to Oklahoma City’s The Collective Kitchens + Cocktails. Following its successful “Shark Tank” airing, however, the company is looking for fellow waffle lovers and motivated individuals who share its vision of expanding the brand across the country, according to the release. The brothers will talk about their brand at this year’s Fast Casual Executive Summit. – Source: Fast Casual.