Oyster Master Guild

Name

Oyster Master Guild

Legal name

Oyster Master Guild

Website

https://oystermasterguild.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Oyster Hospitality Education & Certification

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Aquaculture (11251)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Cooking Classes & Chef-Led Workshops (THAJAGAI)

Keywords

• Oyster hospitality education
• Culinary certification courses
• Online learning platform
• Hospitality staff training
• Professional oyster service

Headquarters

HQ city

Brooklyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Course Sales: One-time purchase of online courses (ranging from $58 introductory masterclasses to $395 professional-level courses). Payment plans available (4 monthly installments of ~$105). Revenue recognized at point of purchase or over access period.
2. Annual Membership Subscription: $99/year recurring subscription. Includes How to Speak Knowledgeably About Oysters masterclass ($58 value), Oyster Educators Summit 2025 access ($58 value), Guild Studio 40+ hours of content, 10% off certification courses, community access, networking, and partner discounts.
3. Team Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions for hospitality teams at tiered pricing: Small (12 students, $195/yr), Medium (25 students, $395/yr), Large (60 students, $595/yr). B2B recurring revenue model targeting restaurants, bars, and retailers.
4. Event Tickets and Registrations: Annual Oyster Educators Summit generates ticket revenue: Members $250, Non-members $350 (includes 1-year OMG membership). Optional Night Tide Tour add-on at $50. Limited to 100 attendees.
5. In-Person Training and Consulting: One-hour virtual or in-person server training (starting at $500), three-hour intensive workshops (starting at $1,500), and private consulting for oyster program tune-ups. One-time professional services engagements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Oyster Master Guild is an online education and certification platform that delivers a four-level progressive curriculum for oyster hospitality and service expertise, sold directly to individual hospitality professionals, enthusiasts, and hospitality businesses. The company sells self-paced video courses (How to Speak Knowledgeably About Oysters, Level 1-3 certification courses, Oyster Ready server training), qualification exams, an annual $99 membership unlocking 40+ hours of Guild Studio on-demand content, team subscriptions for hospitality businesses, bespoke in-person/virtual training workshops, and the annual Oyster Educators Summit held in Seattle.

Product overview

Oyster Master Guild operates a multi-level online certification platform for oyster hospitality education, built on the LearnWorlds LMS and organized into four progressive certification levels. The core portfolio includes: Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals and Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation (self-paced courses leading to Certified Oyster Ambassador and Certified Oyster Specialist credentials); Level 3 Oyster Service Excellence and Level 4 Oyster Master Educator (professional and master-level credentials for Certified Oyster Shucker, Sommelier, and Master designations); plus the introductory 'How to Speak Knowledgeably About Oysters' masterclass and the 30-minute 'Oyster Ready: How to Sell & Serve' server training. Supporting the course ecosystem are: the Annual Membership ($99/year) which provides free access to the Guild Studio (40+ hours of on-demand expert content) and certification discounts; the Oyster Educators Summit (annual in-person event); team training programs for hospitality businesses; and free resource tools (OMG Oyster Tasting Wheel, OMG Merroir Framework, Caviar Tasting Wheel). The product suite is complemented by qualification exams, a scholarship program with the Jetty Rock Foundation, and an online directory of certified professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Guild Studio: On-demand oyster education hub with 40+ hours of educational content including webinars, live sessions, and expert discussions.
• OMG Merroir Framework
• OMG Oyster Tasting Wheel
• OMG x Wulf's Fish Caviar Tasting Wheel
• OMG Oyster Merroir Map

Products and services

• How to Speak Knowledgeably About Oysters Introductory 1-hour masterclass on oyster species, history, health benefits, and sustainability, taught by co-founders Julie Qiu and Patrick McMurray. Sold standalone ($58) or included free with the Annual Membership ($58 value). For individual hospitality workers and oyster enthusiasts who want a foundational introduction.
• Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals Entry-level certification course (6 hours, 6 modules, 12-month access) covering oyster history, biology, North American species, basic production, and opening/tasting techniques. Successfully passing the Level 1 Qualification Exam earns the Certified Oyster Ambassador designation. For beginners and hospitality staff entering the oyster category.
• Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation Advanced certification course (8-10 hours, 400 minutes of video, 12-month access with virtual classroom discussions) covering merroir analysis, sensory skills, global appellations, advanced shucking techniques, and pairing principles. Passing the Level 2 Qualification Exam earns the Certified Oyster Specialist designation. For intermediate professionals seeking to deepen technical expertise.
• Level 3 Oyster Service Excellence Professional-level certification course (15 hours, 450 minutes of video, 7 modules, 24-month access) focused on advanced oyster product expertise, hands-on service skills, and business strategies for hospitality professionals. Leads to Certified Oyster Shucker, Oyster Sommelier, or Oyster Master credentials. For experienced hospitality professionals.
• Level 4 Oyster Master Educator Highest-level OMG certification recognizing deep expertise in oyster culture, history, regional diversity, sustainable practices, and service excellence. Requires an Oyster Master thesis, written and practical assessments, 50 Experience Credits, and a Level 3 Oyster Master Certification. For graduates becoming leaders, mentors, and trainers in the oyster world. Targeted launch Spring 2027.
• Oyster Ready: How to Sell & Serve 30-minute self-paced server training covering oyster handling, freshness, service scripts, flavor descriptors, and sales tips. Includes printable server checklist, oyster FAQs, and a digital certificate. Sold as individual pass ($39, 3-month access) or team subscriptions (12-60 students at $195-$595/year). For hospitality workers and frontline service teams.
• Annual Membership $99/year recurring membership providing free access to the How to Speak Knowledgeably About Oysters masterclass, Guild Studio (40+ hours of on-demand educational content), Oyster Educators Summit recordings, 10% off certification courses, community forum, WhatsApp group, partner discounts, and a professional online profile. For individual oyster professionals and enthusiasts seeking ongoing community and content access.
• Oyster Educators Summit Annual flagship in-person event for oyster hospitality professionals featuring panels, presentations, breakout workshops (merroir tastings, competitive shucking, cocktail pairing), a Night Tide Expedition, and a culinary reception. 2026 edition held January 21, 2026 in Seattle, WA with member pricing at $250 and non-member at $350 (includes 1-year OMG membership).
• Team Training Programs Customized team training for hospitality businesses including Oyster Ready team subscriptions (12-60 students), one-hour front-of-house server training (virtual or in-person, starting at $500), three-hour intensive oyster service workshops (in-person, starting at $1,500), private consulting for oyster program tune-ups, and team discounts for certification courses (starting at 25% off for 2 students). For restaurants, bars, seafood markets, hotels, catering companies, and retailers.
• OMG x Jetty Rock Foundation Scholarship Program Annual scholarship program co-funded with the Jetty Rock Foundation (501(c)(3) nonprofit) awarding 8 recipients per year a 1-year OMG membership plus free access to the Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals course and Level 1 Qualification Exam. For aspiring oyster professionals, hospitality workers, and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Qualification & Competency Exams (Levels 1-2) Certification exams covering Level 1 Qualification Exam (80 questions, 60-minute time limit, 85% to pass — Certified Oyster Ambassador), Level 2 Qualification Exam (100 questions, 75-minute time limit, 85% to pass — Certified Oyster Specialist), and Level 1 Competency Exam (for individuals with existing knowledge to bypass Level 1). Retake fees $25-$40. For candidates who have completed the corresponding course or demonstrate prior expertise.

Quantifiable outcome

• 68% of members are industry professionals; 24% are Level 2 certified
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Baja Shellfish FarmsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Sales & Marketing Director Emiliano Guevara from Baja Shellfish Farms is listed as a featured speaker. Represents a key Pacific Mexican oyster producer in the OMG ecosystem.
• Chelsea FarmsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar GM Amilia Forsberg and Farm Director Shina Wysocki are featured speakers. Pacific Northwest producer with an oyster bar and farm operation.
• Ford's GinminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor providing special beverages for the Night Tide Expedition event. Contributes to the experiential nature of the summit's add-on event.
• Hama Hama Oyster CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. VP of Shellfish Lissa James Monberg leads a merroir workshop on the Pacific Northwest. Represents a prominent Pacific Northwest oyster farm.
• Holdfast OystersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Represents a growing oyster producer in the sponsor ecosystem.
• Island Creek OystersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Island Creek Oysters is a well-known premium US oyster brand.
• Jetty Rock FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026OMG's most significant strategic partnership. Jetty Rock Foundation (501(c)(3) nonprofit protecting oceans and waterways) co-funds the annual OMG x Jetty Rock Foundation Scholarship — awarding 8 recipients per year with 1-year OMG membership and Level 1 course + exam access. Supports underrepresented oyster professionals, hospitality workers, and entrepreneurs.
• Neptune SeafoodminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Seafood distributor partner contributing to the summit's industry ecosystem.
• Pop-Up Oyster BarminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Owner/West Coast Operations Davin Rowe-Grout is a featured speaker. Represents the pop-up and experiential oyster service model.
• Taylor Shellfish FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Primary venue and programming partner for the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Hosted at their Seattle location (SURF Incubator, 999 3rd Avenue). Director of Sales Tom Stocks delivers the keynote. Night Tide Expedition hosted by Taylor Shellfish Samish crew. Culinary Reception at Taylor Shellfish's Pioneer Square Oyster Bar. Premier Pacific Northwest producer and major supporter of OMG programming.
• PCSGA (Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Executive Director Margaret Pilaro is a featured speaker. Represents the Pacific Coast shellfish industry trade association.
• Alaska Mariculture AllianceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Oyster Educators Summit 2026. Representing Alaska's developing mariculture and oyster farming industry.
• SURF IncubatorminorOthers · 1 January 2026Host venue for the Oyster Educators Summit 2026 in Seattle, WA (999 3rd Avenue, Suite 700). Provides the physical space for panels, workshops, and networking.
• Shucker Paddy Oyster Knife (Patrick McMurray Design)minorOthers · 1 January 2026Patrick McMurray designed the Shucker Paddy Oyster Knife, which is manufactured and distributed globally by Swissmar. Featured in OMG programming and curriculum as the recommended shucking tool.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wine Folly: Niche beverage education and community platform offering courses, free tools (including a tasting wheel analog), and a strong enthusiast/professional subscriber base. Structurally the closest analog to OMG — specialty category education with free resource funnel into paid certifications.
• ChefSteps: Online culinary education platform offering video courses, tools, and a community for cooking enthusiasts and professionals. Comparable online culinary course format and content-library approach (now operating under Breville ownership).
• MasterClass: Premium online education platform offering expert-led video courses across specialties including culinary and beverage categories. Closely comparable subscription + à la carte course model and aspirational, expert-driven positioning aimed at enthusiasts and professionals.
• Rouxbe: Online culinary school offering professional certifications for cooks and chefs via self-paced video courses with credentialing. Comparable online certification delivery model targeting culinary professionals and team-training use cases.
• Court of Master Sommeliers: Prestigious hospitality credentialing body offering multi-tier sommelier certifications and an annual induction ceremony. Analogous tiered-credential approach and industry-recognition playbook in a parallel specialty (wine).
• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): Globally recognized specialty beverage credentialing body offering progressive multi-level certifications. Direct structural analog to OMG's tiered oyster certification model, including course-and-exam progression and global recognition among hospitality employers.
• International Sommelier Guild: Specialty sommelier credentialing body offering multi-level certifications across multiple countries. Comparable progressive certification model and instructor-led workshop format in hospitality education.

Broad incumbents

• The Culinary Institute of America (CIA): Established culinary education institution offering professional certifications and degree programs. Broader and longer-tenured incumbent; OMG is a niche specialty alternative operating alongside, not in direct competition with, traditional culinary schools.
• Institute of Culinary Education (ICE): Established culinary school offering both professional and recreational tracks with structured certifications. Comparable in providing structured culinary credentials, but with a broader scope and brick-and-mortar delivery model.

Others

• Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA): Industry trade association representing Pacific Coast shellfish producers that conducts industry education and outreach. Adjacent ecosystem player — OMG is a sponsor/partner and the association represents producer-side interests rather than competing as an educator.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oystermasterguild
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oystermasterguild

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

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 Oyster Master Guild