Bleni Blends on 'Shark Tank': Where and how to buy these fruity 60-second healthy smoothies?
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: When Wynnewood natives Peter and Stuart Shapiro set out to create Bleni Blends in 2019, they wanted to dispense ready-to-eat smoothies in just one minute out of a vending machine. Four years later, the brothers will present their brand on the next episode of ABC's hit reality show 'Shark Tank' in the hopes of landing a seasoned investor. The founders of Bleni Blends possess a wealth of experience and expertise in the food and beverage industry, as well as contactless delivery. They have collaborated with some of the most innovative minds to develop a unique retail experience that offers mouth-watering and healthy smoothies prepared with real fruit within a minute.
Their knowledge base encompasses a broad range of topics, from emerging market trends and consumer preferences to effective corporate operations and sales strategies. In addition, they have in-depth knowledge of machine maintenance and self-service kiosk solutions, gained through their extensive experience with comparable unattended retail technologies. All of these factors make the founders of Bleni Blends a formidable force in the industry. Their pitch to Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, and guest shark Daniel Lubetzky will be featured in the upcoming episode.
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What is Bleni Blends?
Allow us to introduce Bleni Blends, a groundbreaking concept in vending machines that combines convenience, health, and taste with a touch of technology. Bleni Blends represents the pinnacle of smoothie vending machines, serving refreshing, healthy, and delicious smoothies in just 60 seconds. The company's primary objective is to make it easy for customers to enjoy freshly blended smoothies wherever and whenever they want. With a user-friendly touchscreen interface, customers can choose from a plethora of enticing flavors, including Strawberry Banana, Tropical, Green Powder, Berrylicious, Coffee Bean, Mocha Coffee, and Pink Dragon. Bleni Blends prides itself on using only real fruit in its smoothie blends, ensuring an authentic and rich taste in every cup. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to source products that minimize its carbon footprint compared to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. By utilizing eco-conscious practices, Bleni Blends is revolutionizing the way consumers enjoy their favorite smoothie concoctions. Peter and Stuart have joined forces, leveraging their diverse skills and experiences to create Bleni Blends, a unique and refreshing addition to the smoothie industry. With their passion for innovation and unwavering commitment to providing customers with a delicious, healthy, and convenient smoothie experience, Bleni Blends is on the verge of transforming the vending machine landscape.
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Who are the founders of Bleni Blends?
The geniuses behind this product line are Wynnewood natives Peter and Stuart Shapiro.
Peter Shapiro: Peter Shapiro began his illustrious career in academia at Tulane University in New Orleans. In his capacity as Vice President of Enrollment Management, Peter oversaw a team of 30 professionals in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Peter returned to his hometown of Philadelphia to help his family with their distressed asset recovery business. In 2006, Peter founded Four Seasons Investments, LLC, which specializes in purchasing and liquidating distressed receivables. Since then, Four Seasons Investments has successfully purchased and liquidated over $40,000,000 of receivables. In 2015, Peter partnered with Stuart Shapiro to acquire short and long-term rental properties in the scenic Pocono region of Pennsylvania. Over the next four years, Peter and Stuart expertly managed and sold 15 rental properties in the picturesque Pocono Mountains. In 2016, Peter and Stuart once again joined forces, this time to create Robotic Desserts, LLC, an owner-operator of Reis & Irvy's frozen yogurt robot in the Greater Philadelphia area. The venture has been a smashing success, providing customers with delicious and unique frozen treats. Peter's academic credentials include a BSM in Management and Finance from Tulane University (class of 2000) and an MBA from Temple University (class of 2008). Peter's wealth of experience and expertise across diverse fields has paved the way for his success in the business world.
Stuart Shapiro: Stuart Shapiro launched his professional journey at Shapiro Law Office PC, his family's law firm that specializes in creditors' rights. He began as a legal assistant, rising through the ranks to eventually head the negotiations department after serving as accounts receivable manager. In 2015, Stuart and Peter Shapiro joined forces to purchase short and long-term rental properties in the Pocono region of Pennsylvania. Over the next four years, they adeptly owned, managed, and sold 15 rental properties in the scenic Pocono Mountains. In 2016, Stuart and Peter teamed up once again to establish Robotic Desserts, LLC, which owns and operates Reis & Irvy's frozen yogurt robot in the bustling Greater Philadelphia area. The business has quickly become a favorite among customers seeking unique and delicious frozen treats. Stuart earned his BSM in 2007 from Tulane University, where he honed his business acumen and gained invaluable skills to propel him to success in the business world. With his expertise in law and business, Stuart has proven to be a valuable asset in any venture he embarks on.
Where to buy Bleni Blends from?
Bleni Blends has nearly 20 locations in the Philadelphia region. To buy a 'blend' one has to visit these locations physically as it is a vending machine. Bleni Blends currently operates 17 vending machines throughout the wider Philadelphia region, primarily focused on the area's expansive healthcare facilities. All of the vending machines are cashless and accept credit, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and some college campus cards as payment. Here is a list of locations they operate in:
ANOVA uCity: 3700 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Ben Taub Hospital: 1504 Ben Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
Bleni Headquarters: 712 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083, US
Case Western Reserve: Tinkham Veale University Center at 11038 Bellflower Rd.
Chester County Hospital: 701 E. Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380, US
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
City West Place: 2103 City West Blvd Houston, TX 77042
Cleveland Institute of Arts: 11610 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, US
Cooper University Hospital: 1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 8103, US
Dan's Fresh Market: 2029 Fort Union Blvd Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Denver Health: 777 Bannock St Denver, CO
Denver Lutheran Hospital: 8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
East Cooper Medical Center: 2000 Hospital Dr, Mt Pleasant, SC 2946
Einstein Elkins Park: 60 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027, US
Einstein Main Hospital: 5501 Old York Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19107, US
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center: 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, US
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, US
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Pavilion: 1 Convention Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, US
Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital: 4401 Garth Rd, Baytown, TX 77521
Houston Methodist Sugarland: 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugarland, TX 77479
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital: 18220 TX-249, Houston, TX 77070
Jefferson Hospital: 111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, US
Jefferson Stratford Hospital: 18E E Laurel Rd Stratford, Nj 08084
Lankenau Medical Center: 100 E Lancaster Ave, Wynnewood, PA 19096, US
Mercy Hospital: 4300 West Memorial Road Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Methodist Dallas: 1441 N. Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX 75203, US
Methodist Richardson Medical Center: 2831 E.President George Bush Hwy Richardson, TX 75082
NASA JPL-Cafe 190: 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109
NASA JPL-General Store: 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109
Nemours Children's Hospital: 1600 Rockland Road, Wilminton, DE 19803, US
Ogden Athletic Club: 1221 E. 5800 S., South Ogden, UT 84405, US
Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health: 1200 Children's Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
OU Heath: 700 NE 13th st Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phield House: 814 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, US
QVC Studio Park: 1200 Wilson Dr., West Chester, PA 19380, US
Ripley's Aquarium: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V3L9, CAN
Saint Joseph Hospital: 1375 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Santa Clara Convention Center: 5001 Great America Pkwy. Santa Clara, CA 95054
Santa Rosa Hospital: 3070 Colorado Cove, San Antonio , TX 78253, US
Sentry Insurance Headquarters: 1800 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481
Sky Lakes Medical Center: 2865 Daggette Ave Klamath Lakes, OR 97601
Snowbird Center: 9385 S Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, UT 84092, US
Snowbird Cliff Lodge: 9320 Cliff Lodge Dr., Snowbird, UT 84092, US
Snowbird Iron Blosam: 9121 Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, UT 84092, US
Southern Robotic Foods (Private): 16565 NW 15th Ave., Miami, FL 33169, US
Texas Children's Hospital - The Woodlands: 17580 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384
Texas Health Dallas: 8200 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, TX 75231
Weber State University: 3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 33169, US
YMCA Haverford: 891 N Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083, US
YMCA Spring Valley: 19 W Linfield-Trappe Rd., Royersford, PA 19468, US
YSC Sports: 224 County Line Rd., Wayne, PA 19087, US
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Where is Bleni Blends now?
Stuart and Peter embarked on their Bleni Blends venture in 2019 under the umbrella of Unattended Solutions Inc. Drawing on their extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, the duo set out to create a new and innovative smoothie vending machine that would use real fruits and natural ingredients to produce delicious blends. After launching in 2019, Bleni Blends quickly gained traction, and by February 2022, the machine had made its way to Weber State University and Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Later in September 2022, the founders showcased their product at Compass Group USA, cementing their status as a rising star in the vending industry. With a current estimated value of $1.3 million, Bleni Blends is still going strong as of March 2023. In March 2021, Nik Wright became the exclusive operator of the company, bringing his own extensive experience in the food and beverage industry to the table. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Nik has played an instrumental role in driving the growth and success of the brand. With its official headquarters located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bleni Blends currently employs between 3-10 people, all of whom are dedicated to delivering a top-notch smoothie experience to consumers.
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Who will steal the deal?
The success and ingenuity of Bleni Blends make it an attractive prospect for investors. With a track record of profitability and significant expansion, it's likely that both Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary will be eager to seize the opportunities presented by the Shapiro brothers. Bleni Blends has demonstrated impressive growth and a commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients, making it a highly desirable investment in the food and beverage industry.
'Shark Tank' Season 14, Episode 18 will air on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC.