CHICAGO — In a decidedly make-or-break moment for the business, the 22-year-old founders of Quevos, a healthy snack startup, pitched to a panel of multimillionaire investors on national television adorned in matching chicken costumes.

“That was our thing to spice things up,” said Nick Hamburger, co-founder and chief executive officer of the Chicago-based company.

Less than two years after launching the brand, he and co-founder Zack Schreier landed the opportunity to appear on “Shark Tank” to sell an equity stake in exchange for capital and invaluable mentorship and connections from one or more of the program’s high-profile venture capitalists. The episode aired Jan. 22.

Quevos manufactures egg white crisps featuring flavors such as sour cream and onion, honey mustard and dill pickle. Schreier, a Type 1 diabetic seeking low-carb snack options, created the concept, inspired by the crispy pieces of an omelet leftover on a pan. Products are sold online and in more than 1,000 retail outlets. The brand was on pace to generate $1.3 billion in sales in 2020, Hamburger said.

Prior to the taping, the pair hoped to score a deal with Lori Greiner or Mark Cuban, both of whom have completed a number of transactions in the consumer products sector. To the founders’ surprise, Greiner revealed she already was a fan of Quevos products.

But serving as a guest judge on the panel was a pioneer in healthy snacking, Daniel Lubetzky, the founder and chairman of Kind Snacks.

“Once we found out Daniel was a guest for the day, he became our priority,” Hamburger said.

Lubetzky, impressed by the founders’ entrepreneurial spirit and friendship-turned-partnership, offered $200,000 in cash and a $200,000 line of credit in exchange for 10% of the business. Kevin O’Leary offered $200,000 for a 2.5% stake and a royalty of 10¢ per bag until $400,000 is paid.

The other investors declined to extend a deal, but Robert Herjavec told them, “I think you guys are two of the youngest, most impressive people we’ve ever had out here.”

Following brief deliberation and a couple counter offers, the founders accepted Lubetzky’s terms.

“I am excited to help Nick and Zack fulfill Quevos’ potential,” Lubetzky said. “They have created a very cool and differentiated product with huge mainstream appeal. And I love that they’ve been best friends and partner entrepreneurs since childhood.”

Hamburger and Schreier look forward to leveraging Lubetzky’s expertise in scaling his snack startup into a multi-billion-dollar health and wellness brand. Kind Snacks was acquired in a deal reportedly valued at $5 billion by Mars, Inc. late last year.

“We are most excited for his retail connections and experience there,” Hamburger said.

The brand also plans to expand beyond chips eventually, he added. He mentioned puffs and protein cookies as possibilities.

“We want to become a healthier high-protein, more-fiber, filling version of snacks across the board,” Hamburger said. “All egg white-based.”