The Be Hive Llc

What The Be Hive Llc does

The Be Hive LLC is a privately held, Tennessee-domiciled plant-based food company founded in 2011 by Ben Stix. It manufactures and sells seitan-based vegan deli meats and cheeses, including pepperoni, bacon, roast beef, pastrami, gyro slices, buffalo chxn, Nashville hot pepperoni, breakfast sausage, taco meat, and garlic chz shredz. The company's underlying technology is a proprietary seitan formulation—mixing vital wheat gluten with liquids, spices, and natural seasonings to achieve meat-like texture—developed since 2011 and now covering a broad catalog with parallel retail 6-pack and foodservice 10-lb bulk SKUs. The company operates a 15,000 sq ft owned manufacturing facility in Donelson, Nashville, with a 2,000 sq ft freezer and expanded dock/elevator infrastructure from a 2021 buildout.\n\nThe Be Hive generates revenue through four channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce on its Shopify storefront (with a 10% subscription discount and gift cards), retail wholesale through Whole Foods, Central Market, PlantX, Turnip Truck and independents, foodservice wholesale via national distributors (UNFI, Sysco, US Foods) plus regional distributors (Greco and Sons, Shamrock, Ace Natural) and the WebstaurantStore marketplace, and physical retail through company-owned vegan delis and markets in East Nashville (2414 Gallatin Ave) and Austin, TX (2200 Aldrich Suite 120). Catering (with free local delivery on $250+ orders in Nashville) and branded merchandise (t-shirts, hoodies) round out the model.\n\nThe company serves three primary customer segments: foodservice operators (restaurants, pizzerias, cafes, bars, caterers), grocery retailers (natural chains and independents), and direct-to-consumer buyers (vegans and meat-reducers purchasing 6-packs, Build Your Own Variety packs, or the Ultimate Sandwich Kit). It also pursues corporate catering as a secondary segment. No external institutional investors, parent companies, or disclosed funding rounds appear in the source material; ownership is founder-led with organic growth from community roots—vegan potlucks hosted 2008-2009 by the band Born Empty—to a multi-channel national CPG operation.

Name

The Be Hive Llc

Legal name

The BE-Hive LLC

Website

https://www.thebehive.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Be Hive LLC, founded in 2011, is a Nashville-based plant-based food company that manufactures seitan-based vegan deli meats and cheeses, distributes nationwide through retailers and foodservice distributors (UNFI, Sysco, US Foods, Whole Foods), and operates two company-owned vegan delis in Nashville and Austin serving retail, catering, and e-commerce customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plant-Based Meats and Cheeses

NAICS

Food Manufacturing (311), Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers (42447), Meat Retailers (445240)

SIC

Sausages & Other Prepared Meat Products (2013), Meat Packing Plants (2011), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Deli Meats & Luncheon Meats (Sliced/Portioned Cold Cuts) (AFANAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refrigerated Meat & Seafood (Processed/Packaged) (CRADACAK), Butcher Shops & Meat Markets (CRAHAHAB), Frozen Plant-Based & Vegetarian Meals (CRADADAF)

Keywords

• Plant-based meats
• Vegan deli meats
• Seitan products
• Plant-based foodservice
• Vegan cheese alternatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce: Online sales through company website with standard retail pricing for 6-packs and bulk 10lb cases. Offers subscription model with 10% discount for recurring monthly deliveries.
2. Retail Distribution: Wholesale relationships with grocery retailers including Whole Foods, Central Market, PlantX, Turnip Truck, and independent retailers. Products sold through distributor networks nationwide.
3. Foodservice/Distributor Sales: Bulk product sales to restaurants, pizzerias, and foodservice operators through distributor partners including UNFI, Sysco, US Foods, Greco and Sons, and Shamrock. Volume-based pricing with wholesale accounts.
4. Company-Owned Deli Operations: Two deli and market locations in Nashville and Austin offering dine-in/takeout sandwiches, market retail products, and catering services
5. Catering Services: Corporate and event catering with free local delivery for orders over $250 in Nashville area
6. Merchandise: Branded apparel including t-shirts and hoodies sold through e-commerce

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The BE Hive manufactures and sells plant-based seitan deli meats and vegan garlic cheese shreds in 6-pack retail and 10-pound foodservice formats under its own BE Hive brand. It operates two company-owned vegan deli and market locations (Nashville, TN and Austin, TX) for dine-in and takeout, ships DTC nationwide via temperature-controlled e-commerce with a subscription option, and supplies restaurants, pizzerias, and grocers through national and regional distributors. Branded merchandise, catering, and gift cards are ancillary offerings.

Product overview

The Be Hive LLC is a plant-based food company founded in 2011 by Ben Stix, specializing in vegan deli-style meats and cheeses made primarily from seitan (wheat gluten). The product portfolio consists of two core retail product lines: (1) Meats & Chz — a range of seitan-based deli slices (Pepperoni, Roast Beef, Bacon, Pastrami, Deli Slices, Breakfast Sausage, Taco Meat, Sliced Trky, Soy Chxn, Nashville Hot Pepperoni, Gyro Slices, Buffalo Chxn Slices, Chipotle Chorizo) and vegan Garlic Chz Shredz, sold in 6-pack retail formats; and (2) bulk/foodservice counterparts of all meat products in 10-lb cases for restaurants and commercial kitchens. A customizable Build Your Own 6-Pack bundle ($48) and an Ultimate Sandwich Kit ($99) bundling all seven deli slice flavors are also offered. Beyond packaged goods, the company operates two physical deli and market locations (Nashville, TN and Austin, TX), provides catering services, and sells branded merchandise. The company ships nationwide with temperature-controlled packaging and sells through retailers including Whole Foods, Central Market, and WebstaurantStore.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pepperoni (6-Pack) Seitan-based vegan pepperoni made with sun-dried tomatoes, fennel seeds, and smoked paprika, sold in retail 6-pack format for home use on pizzas, sandwiches, and charcuterie.
• Italian Crumbles (6-Pack) Vegan Italian seitan sausage crumbles seasoned with sage, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes, designed for pasta, pizza, and calzones. Sold in 6-pack retail format.
• Soy Chxn (6-Pack) Plant-based chicken substitute made from soy, packaged in 6-pack retail format for use as a dinner protein.
• Chipotle Chorizo (6-Pack) Vegan chipotle chorizo made with seitan, sold in 6-pack retail format for tacos, scrambles, and other applications.
• Nashville Hot Pepperoni (6-Pack) Fiery Nashville Hot twist on the classic vegan pepperoni, spiced with cayenne and hot sauce blend, retailed in 6-pack format.
• Buffalo Chxn Slices (6-Pack) Buffalo-flavored vegan chicken slices with cayenne, vinegar, and hot sauce blend, retailed in 6-pack format for wraps, stacks, or snacking.
• Gyro Slices (6-Pack) Vegan gyro slices seasoned with oregano, thyme, garlic, and red wine vinegar, designed for piling into pitas and other Mediterranean applications.
• Deli Slices (6-Pack) Classic deli-style sandwich slices ready for stacking, seasoned with onion, garlic, and black pepper.
• Bulk Pepperoni (10 lbs) Bulk-format vegan pepperoni packaged as four 2.5 lb vacuum bags (10 lbs total), priced at $112 per case ($100.80 wholesale), for restaurant and foodservice use.
• Bulk Italian Crumbles (10 lbs) Bulk vegan Italian seitan sausage crumbles packaged in four 2.5 lb vacuum bags (10 lbs total), sold at $100 per case ($90 wholesale) for food service use.
• Chz Shredz (Garlic) - 6-Pack Vegan shredded cheese made with organic soy milk, coconut oil, and tapioca starch, infused with garlic powder for a melty, stretchy cheese alternative, sold in 6-pack retail format.
• Bulk Chz Shredz (10 lbs) Bulk-format vegan garlic cheese shreds (10 lbs) for food service operators.
• Build Your Own 6-Pack Customizable 6-pack bundle allowing customers to mix and match from available vegan meat and cheese products, priced at $48 (10% off for monthly subscribers) and rated 4.92/5 across 66 reviews.
• Ultimate Sandwich Kit Full lineup of seven deli slice flavors (Pepperoni, Pastrami, Roast Beef, Trky, Buffalo Chxn, Gyro, and Deli) with two packs each, totaling fourteen packs for $99, including exclusive recipe cards.
• Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in denominations starting at $20 for online store purchases and deli use.
• Merchandise (T-Shirts and Hoodies) Branded apparel including T-shirts ($24-$30) and pullover hoodies ($50-$56) featuring 'Life is Tight' and 'BE11' branding.
• Nashville Deli & Market Physical plant-based deli and market in East Nashville at 2414 Gallatin Ave, open Mon-Sun 11am-9pm, offering dine-in/takeout sandwiches, charcuterie, and specialty vegan meats and cheeses market.
• Austin TX Deli & Market Physical plant-based deli and market in Austin, TX at 2200 Aldrich Suite 120, open Mon-Sun 8am-9pm, featuring drip coffee and specialty vegan meats and cheeses.
• Catering Services Catering service for office parties and events in Nashville, with free local delivery on orders of $250 or more, featuring menu options including boxed lunches built around the company's vegan meats and cheeses.

Quantifiable outcome

• Products freeze well for up to 18 months
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UNFIcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational natural and organic food distributor enabling BE Hive products to reach retailers and foodservice customers across the country through UNFI's extensive distribution network
• SyscocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor broadline food service distributor providing BE Hive access to restaurants and institutional customers nationwide
• US FoodscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational food service distributor offering BE Hive products to restaurant and hospitality customers
• Whole FoodscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational natural grocery chain retail partner for BE Hive consumer products
• Central MarketcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional natural grocery chain featuring BE Hive products in plant-based sections
• Greco and SonsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional food distributor serving independent restaurants in distribution area
• ShamrockminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional food distribution partner for restaurant and retail customers
• Ace NaturalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional natural food distributor
• WebstaurantStorecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline restaurant supply marketplace enabling foodservice operators to purchase BE Hive products directly
• Tony Boloney'sminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant featuring BE Hive products on menu
• Prime PizzaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPizza restaurant using BE Hive products
• Pagliacci PizzaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPizza restaurant featuring BE Hive products
• 5 Points PizzaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal Nashville pizza restaurant using BE Hive products
• Green DistrictminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant featuring BE Hive products
• MadMutzminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant featuring BE Hive products

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Beyond Meat: Public plant-based meat company (NASDAQ: BYND) offering burgers, sausages, and ground products. Most direct large-scale peer in the plant-based meat category; competes for the same foodservice, retail, and DTC channels as BE Hive.
• Impossible Foods: Private plant-based meat company with broad foodservice and retail penetration, including deli-applicable SKUs. Comparable to BE Hive in serving restaurants and grocers with branded plant-based protein.
• Tofurky: Long-standing plant-based deli meat, sausage, and tempeh brand with national grocery and foodservice distribution. Directly competes in deli slices, pepperoni, and bulk foodservice SKUs.
• Gardein (Conagra Brands): Plant-based meat brand owned by Conagra producing tenders, nuggets, deli slices, and grounds. Comparable across grocery, foodservice, and DTC with broader CPG marketing support.
• Lightlife (Maple Leaf Foods): Plant-based meat brand (owned by Maple Leaf Foods) producing deli slices, hot dogs, sausages, and burgers. Closely comparable in deli-slice and pepperoni-style SKUs, foodservice placement, and grocery distribution strategy.
• Sweet Earth Foods (Nestlé): Plant-based brand owned by Nestlé producing frozen and refrigerated meat alternatives including deli-style items. Comparable grocery and foodservice footprint with global CPG backing.
• Field Roast (Maple Leaf Foods): Grain-meat/vegan deli brand owned by Maple Leaf Foods, including Chao cheese and Chao slices. Highly comparable product format and category positioning to BE Hive.
• Upton's Naturals: Chicago-based seitan and plant-based protein company (chicken, Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon). Same wheat-gluten seitan technology base and small-batch specialty positioning as BE Hive.

Broad incumbents

• MorningStar Farms (Kellanova): Long-established plant-based brand owned by Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) with broad frozen/ refrigerated portfolio. Overlaps BE Hive at retail in plant-based sections and at foodservice menus, though wider category focus.

Emerging players

• Hungry Planet: Emerging plant-based meat company focused on plant-based chicken, beef, pork, and seafood for foodservice. Smaller-scale emerging peer targeting the same restaurant and institutional channels as BE Hive.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/TheBEHiveTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/thebehive
• Instagraminstagram.com/thebehive
• TikToktiktok.com/@bethehive

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Be Hive Llc