Kodiak Cakes was founded in 1982 as a family brand. In the 1990s the two brothers from the same family incorporated their family's business, but met with limited financial success.[2][3] In 2014, the brand was featured on an episode of the American television show Shark Tank, though the company declined to make a deal with the show's hosts. The company's sales subsequently increased, leading to the brand being cited, as an example of a company that benefited from not reaching an agreement with the popular show.[4][2][5][6][7]
After appearing on Shark Tank in 2014, Kodiak Cakes' sales rose from $3.6 million in 2013 to $6.7 million in 2014. Additional revenue allowed the company to focus on product innovation and expanding its consumer base, leading to the development of a frozen line of pancakes and waffles, as well as graham bites, oatmeal, and granola bars.[8] L Catterton, a private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in Kodiak Cakes in May 2021.[9]
Company founder, Joel Clark, and Kodiak Cakes were featured on the podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz in 2020.
By 2024, actor and lifestyle guru Zac Efron became a Brand Ambassador for the company.[10]
