The glorious purpose of coworking is that it brings together professionals of all kinds to share the same resources and ideas as one community–allowing them to collectively do what they all do best in their various disciplines, fields, and seasons of business from under the same roof. One thing we know for sure is that Common Desk would be nothing without the hard-working, game-changing members that comprise our community. Our members are doing amazing things across Texas and the globe, and they each have an amazing story to be told.
In this month’s Member Highlight, we’re excited to introduce you to a company whose incredible product is changing our idea (and standard) of waffles forever. We’ve loved getting to know Bryan and Caleb Lewis of Press Waffle Co. and are excited to share their incredible story with you. Mentally prepare yourself for a tasty story! (Disclaimer: you may be enticed to stop what you’re doing and sprint to the closest Press Waffle Co. after learning about their out-of-this-world waffles).
A little background on Press Waffle Co. and how it all began:
You may be surprised to hear that brothers Bryan and Caleb had no culinary experience prior to starting their endeavor to create Press Waffle Co. Press Waffle Company was born out of pure passion for the product. Before there was ever a business, there was simply a love for waffles (which we can all relate to). But for Caleb and Bryan, their passion wasn’t just for any waffles…it was for life-changing waffles.
That’s what Bryan Lewis experienced in the summer of 2013 as he and his fiancé were traveling through Europe. Bryan tasted the Liege waffle for the first time during this trip, and little did he know that his life would never be the same thereafter. Upon returning to Dallas, and failing to find these glorious waffles anywhere, the wheels began to turn in Bryan’s mind. He tinkered in the kitchen for over a year before he was finally able to perfect the recipe and re-create the waffle that set him on this wild ride in the first place. Out of a desire to share his waffles with everyone he could, Press Waffle Co. was born.
Not long after, Bryan’s brother–Caleb–joined the team, and after a very successful Kickstarter campaign, the two opened Press Waffle Co. as a food truck in 2016.
After experiencing wild success from the start (plus a feature on the popular television show, Shark Tank), Bryan and Caleb now own and operate 4 brick-and-mortar stores and have plans to open more this year.
Now, let’s get to know a little bit more about the brothers who are changing the waffle game as we know it!
Give us the elevator pitch on Press Waffle Co.!
Press Waffle Co. specializes in fully customizable, authentic Belgian sugar waffles. We currently have 4 shops and are looking forward to many more!
Who would you say you are in 5 words or less?
Two brothers making dope waffles ((respect))
Why did you choose to join Common Desk as members?
Amazing culture, beautiful spaces, Dallas-based.
How has coworking changed your business?
After a few months of working from home with the dogs and the babies, it was time to get a bit more serious. Being able to have a place to go where all we have to do is show up and do what we do is great.
Tips for others looking to do what you do?
Get ready for a wild ride! Things will never go as you plan, and the life of an entrepreneur is a life of constant change and uncertainty. But we wouldn’t have it any other way!
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
Problem-solving. Owning restaurants involves so many different skill sets, and we are constantly finding new things to learn, new ways to improve our business, and new ways to infuse creativity into what we do. Whether it’s a food truck, one shop, 4 shops, or an entire franchise program, there is always a “next step,” and every time we take a new step, it’s like starting all over again.
What do you think really sets you apart?
Our waffles themselves are our core differentiator, but from a business perspective, it’s our flexibility. We’ve created a model that can go into just about any location and be run by just about anyone.
Tell us a random fun fact about you!
I (Bryan) lived on a glacier for a month in Alaska.
All-time favorite quote?
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Emerson
Anything else we should know?
Know someone that wants to open their own waffle shop? Send them our way!
Press Waffle Co. currently has locations in Plano, Fort Worth, Houston, and Oklahoma City! If you’re close to any of these locations, run (don’t walk) to one of their shops and give Bryan and Caleb’s incredible waffles a try. A few of our personal favorites include the House (for anyone who has a weakness for sweets), Southern Belle (super light and refreshing), and the Soulman (because who doesn’t love chicken and waffles?).
We’ve loved getting to have Bryan and Caleb in our member community, and can’t wait to sit back and watch as they take over the waffle world as we know it!
To find out more about Press Waffle Co. click here, and stay tuned for more member stories coming your way soon!
