Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a quirky side hustle into a million-dollar business? For one former bar manager, the answer lay in a humble yet bold idea: deviled eggs with a twist. From a home kitchen in Nebraska to a televised handshake with one of America’s most famous investors, this story is a masterclass in grit, creativity, and seizing the moment. It’s not just about eggs—it’s about dreaming big and making it happen.
From Side Hustle to Spotlight: The Deviled Egg Journey
Every great business starts with a spark. For Raechel Van Buskirk, that spark came from experimenting with unconventional deviled egg recipes. Think crab rangoon, cheeseburger, or even chicken quesadilla—all packed into a perfectly bite-sized egg. What began as a catering gig from her Omaha home grew into something much bigger, catching the eye of investors and customers alike.
In 2017, Raechel wasn’t thinking about boardrooms or TV studios. She was just trying to make a little extra cash while managing a bar. But her bold flavors stood out, and soon, she teamed up with Alexi Wellman, a business-savvy partner who saw the potential in those eggs. Together, they took a leap, launching a food trailer in 2020 that would become the foundation of Deviled Egg Co.
It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating an experience that surprises and delights.
– A food industry expert
Building a Brand, One Egg at a Time
Starting a business is like walking a tightrope. You need balance, courage, and a clear vision. For Raechel and Alexi, the food trailer was just the beginning. By 2021, they’d opened their first sit-down restaurant in Omaha, serving up deviled eggs that were anything but ordinary. Customers couldn’t get enough of the quirky menu, and the buzz started to spread.
But life threw a curveball. In late 2022, Raechel was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of slowing down, she doubled down on her dream, relocating to Texas to be closer to family. By 2023, Deviled Egg Co. had expanded to two sit-down locations and a grab-and-go storefront in the Dallas area. Today, Raechel is in full remission, and her business is thriving.
- 2017: Raechel starts catering deviled eggs from her home.
- 2020: Partners with Alexi to launch a food trailer.
- 2021: Opens first restaurant in Omaha.
- 2023: Expands to Texas with multiple locations.
The Shark Tank Moment: A Game-Changer
Fast forward to 2025, and Raechel and Alexi found themselves standing in front of some of the biggest names in business. Pitching on Shark Tank is no small feat—it’s a high-stakes stage where dreams are either made or broken. The duo asked for $150,000 in exchange for a 5% stake in their company, which had already pulled in nearly $1.3 million in revenue for 2024.
Their pitch was bold, their energy infectious. They brought samples of their most creative flavors, and the investors were hooked. One judge called the eggs “the best thing I’ve tasted in years.” But not everyone was ready to bite. Some passed, preferring to stay customers rather than co-owners. Others saw the potential but hesitated at the valuation.
These eggs are a game-changer. They’re not just food—they’re a conversation starter.
– An impressed investor
Then came Mark Cuban. In his final episode as a Shark Tank investor, he teamed up with another judge to offer $250,000 for 20% of the company. It was a deal that Raechel and Alexi couldn’t refuse. “I can’t wait to make them so much money,” Raechel said, her voice brimming with excitement. Though negotiations are still ongoing, the moment marked a turning point for Deviled Egg Co.
Why Deviled Eggs? The Power of Niche
Let’s be real—deviled eggs aren’t exactly the first thing you think of when you hear “million-dollar business.” But that’s exactly why this story is so compelling. Raechel and Alexi tapped into a niche market and made it their own. They didn’t just sell eggs; they sold an experience. From playful flavors to a memorable brand, they turned a simple dish into a cultural phenomenon.
In my experience, the best businesses often start with something small and specific. It’s about finding that one thing you can do better than anyone else. For Deviled Egg Co., it was taking a classic appetizer and giving it a modern, adventurous twist. Their success proves that you don’t need a groundbreaking invention to win—you just need to execute your vision flawlessly.
| Business Stage | Key Milestone | Revenue Impact |
| Side Hustle | Catering from home | Modest, supplemental income |
| Food Trailer | Launched in 2020 | Steady growth |
| Restaurant | Opened in 2021 | Significant revenue increase |
| Expansion | Texas locations in 2023 | Nearly $1.3M in 2024 |
Lessons from the Egg Empire
What can we learn from Deviled Egg Co.’s rise? For starters, it’s a reminder that resilience is everything. Raechel faced a serious health challenge but kept pushing forward. Her story is a testament to the power of staying focused, even when life gets messy. It’s not just about the business—it’s about the person behind it.
Another takeaway? Don’t underestimate the power of a good partnership. Raechel and Alexi brought different strengths to the table—creativity and business acumen. Together, they built something stronger than either could have alone. It’s a classic case of 1+1 equaling 11.
- Find Your Niche: Focus on something specific and do it better than anyone else.
- Stay Resilient: Life will throw challenges your way—keep going.
- Build a Strong Team: Partner with people who complement your skills.
- Seize Opportunities: A big break like Shark Tank can change everything.
The Road Ahead: Scaling the Egg Empire
So, what’s next for Deviled Egg Co.? With their Shark Tank deal in the works, Raechel and Alexi have big plans. They’re eyeing more grab-and-go locations and even exploring franchising opportunities. Their “Shark Tank Special”—a 36-egg kit shipped nationwide—is already a hit with customers far beyond Texas.
But scaling isn’t easy. Expanding a food business means navigating supply chains, maintaining quality, and keeping customers happy. I’ve seen plenty of startups stumble when they try to grow too fast. The key for Deviled Egg Co. will be staying true to what made them special: those bold, unexpected flavors and a brand that feels like a friend.
Scaling a business is like cooking for a crowd—you’ve got to keep the recipe consistent but make it work for more people.
– A business growth strategist
Mark Cuban’s Legacy: A Bittersweet Farewell
Mark Cuban’s final Shark Tank deal wasn’t just about Deviled Egg Co.—it was a fitting end to his time on the show. Over the years, he’s invested in countless entrepreneurs, helping turn dreams into reality. His emotional farewell reminded us that behind every investment is a human story. “I’m proud of what we’ve done,” he said, reflecting on the millionaires and jobs created through his deals.
For Cuban, the move to focus on his family and other ventures, like his online pharmacy startup, feels like a natural next step. But his impact on Shark Tank will be felt for years to come. Perhaps the most inspiring part? He never forgot what it was like to be an entrepreneur hoping for a break.
Deviled Egg Co.’s story is far from over, but it’s already a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you take a chance on yourself. From a kitchen in Nebraska to a deal with Mark Cuban, Raechel and Alexi have shown that even the simplest ideas can crack open big opportunities. What’s your big idea waiting to hatch?
Maybe it’s not about eggs for you. Maybe it’s a passion project you’ve been tinkering with or a side hustle you’re too scared to scale. Whatever it is, let Deviled Egg Co.’s journey inspire you to take that first step. After all, the only thing standing between you and success might just be a little courage—and a really good recipe.
