The Redmond-based company whips up interesting flavors like Curry Up, PB&J and Cherry & Chia Oatmeal—all available in portable, 12 ounce containers with see through lids for the added convenience of breakfast on the go.
Bartelson launched the gourmet oatmeal company in September 2011 and since then, she reports that sales have increased 5,000 percent, and oatmeal production has increased to more than 11 tons in volume each month. The oatmeal has been so successful that in May 2013, the company added the new Muesli product line in three flavors, which is also now available at retailers nationwide and online.
Patricia and her husband Tony Bartelson have always been passionate about eating healthy and making delicious food for their two sons, Caleb and Ethan. Caleb has dairy allergies which challenged Patricia to create quick, healthy and nutritious meals for a busy family on the go, and oatmeal was always a staple in their house. They loved creating new flavors to take camping, hiking and to soccer games.
Soon enough, family and friends encouraged them to share their delicious creations with the world. Patricia tapped her background as a nurse and Tony drew on his manufacturing career in the cereal industry, and Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods was born. Together they combined their food knowledge and nutritional expertise to bring the innovative, gourmet oatmeal to the marketplace.
“We are thrilled with the positive response we’ve received from our products,” said Patricia. “We have really passionate fans throughout several different communities—from triathletes to mountain bikers and vegans to people with gluten intolerances—it’s been quite incredible.”
The original gourmet oatmeal in a cup is available in 12 flavor varieties, using real food ingredients, no additives or preservatives, with vegan and gluten free options available. Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods products can be found locally at Whole Foods, Newport Market, Ray’s, Dutch Bros., Thump coffee, Bellatazza, Back Porch Coffee, Tumalo Coffee, Bom Dia, Green Plow, COHO Coffee, Rocket Coffee, Silver Leaf at Eagle Crest and also purchased online at www.strawpropellergourmetfoods.com. The price for a cup of gourmet oatmeal or muesli ranges from $2.75 – $3.50, depending on the retail location.
Patricia is also extremely passionate about giving back to the local community, so she has implemented two paid days off each year for employees to get a chance to spend time giving back to a charity of their choosing in Central Oregon.
“We really try to foster teams and giving back to the community is incredibly important to us as a company,” Patricia said. “When our employees return from the charity work, they often feel invigorated and they share their experiences with us, and we all have an opportunity to learn about causes that are important to them.”
But of all the surprising discoveries she has experienced with running the business, Patricia said the most inspirational has been a unique group of people who are benefiting from their products.
“We have had many people write or call us and share that either they themselves or one of their loved ones are going through cancer treatments, and Straw Propeller is the only thing that they can eat. It’s incredible how many people we’ve heard from with a similar testament, and it’s particularly good to hear coming from a medical background. Knowing that our product is supporting people at such a difficult time in their lives has been a blessing to us more than we can even express.”
Sarah Williamson owns SWPR Group, a public relations firm based in Central Oregon that works with entrepreneurs both large and small to help build their brands. You can reach her at 541.306.3613 or sarah@swpr-group.com. Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods www.strawpropellergourmetfoods.com 541-526-5677
