From Beams to Bowls
Where It All Began — 1992
Lynn and Bonnie Rogers invented Coach’s Oats in their home kitchen in 1992. Lynn was the head women’s gymnastics coach at California State University, Fullerton, where he was known by most as “Coach.” During his 24 year tenure, he led the Titans to 7 Regional Championships, a National Championship and 66 All American awards.
Bonnie also was no stranger to success, previously serving as the swim team captain at the University of Illinois and running her own successful graphic design company. She and Coach met at a gymnastics coaching camp and married soon after.
It was winter, so they decided to make a special holiday breakfast for their friends. Coach and Bonnie loved steel cut oatmeal, but it took too long to cook, and rolled oats turned mushy and pasty, so they did what Coach taught his athletes to do: They went back to basics.
Where It All Began — 1992
Lynn and Bonnie Rogers invented Coach’s Oats in their home kitchen in 1992. Lynn was the head women’s gymnastics coach at California State University, Fullerton, where he was known by most as “Coach.” During his 24 year tenure, he led the Titans to 7 Regional Championships, a National Championship and 66 All American awards.
Bonnie also was no stranger to success, previously serving as the swim team captain at the University of Illinois and running her own successful graphic design company. She and Coach met at a gymnastics coaching camp and married soon after.
It was winter, so they decided to make a special holiday breakfast for their friends. Coach and Bonnie loved steel cut oatmeal, but it took too long to cook, and rolled oats turned mushy and pasty, so they did what Coach taught his athletes to do: They went back to basics.
The Cracked n’ Toasted™ Difference
Coach and Bonnie experimented by grinding, sifting and cooking whole oats called groats. After a lot of hard work, they tried something new. They put the oats into the oven before grinding them and something unexpected happened. The oatmeal was textured, nutty and flavorful. It didn’t become soggy or pasty, and it took only a few minutes to cook.
Coach’s gymnasts volunteered to help with the party, serving Coach’s pancakes, Coach’s eggs and … “Coach’s Oats.” The Rogers’ family and friends loved the oatmeal, and before long, Coach and Bonnie were grinding oats all weekend just to fill their friends’ orders.
The Cracked n’ Toasted™ Difference
Coach and Bonnie experimented by grinding, sifting and cooking whole oats called groats. After a lot of hard work, they tried something new. They put the oats into the oven before grinding them and something unexpected happened. The oatmeal was textured, nutty and flavorful. It didn’t become soggy or pasty, and it took only a few minutes to cook.
Coach’s gymnasts volunteered to help with the party, serving Coach’s pancakes, Coach’s eggs and … “Coach’s Oats.” The Rogers’ family and friends loved the oatmeal, and before long, Coach and Bonnie were grinding oats all weekend just to fill their friends’ orders.
From Home Cooking to a Global Brand
One admiring friend introduced the oats to a representative from Roman Meal Milling Company, now Dakota Milling and Blending. Coach and Bonnie patented their oatmeal in 1996, and the Fargo-based mill began producing Coach’s Oats.
Dakota MB has worked alongside Coach’s Oats ever since. Coach’s Oats is appreciated by millions around the world for its uncompromising quality and convenience.
From Home Cooking to a Global Brand
One admiring friend introduced the oats to a representative from Roman Meal Milling Company, now Dakota Milling and Blending. Coach and Bonnie patented their oatmeal in 1996, and the Fargo-based mill began producing Coach’s Oats.
Dakota MB has worked alongside Coach’s Oats ever since. Coach’s Oats is appreciated by millions around the world for its uncompromising quality and convenience.
An Ongoing legacy of Success
Today, Coach’s Oats remains family owned and operated. Coach and Bonnie are joined by their sons, Nolan and Calvin, who followed in their mother’s footsteps as NCAA Division I college swimmers.
Together, the Rogers family remains committed to delivering the same innovative oatmeal invented by a college gymnastics coach and his wife in their home kitchen more than 30 years ago.
An Ongoing legacy of Success
Today, Coach’s Oats remains family owned and operated. Coach and Bonnie are joined by their sons, Nolan and Calvin, who followed in their mother’s footsteps as NCAA Division I college swimmers.
Together, the Rogers family remains committed to delivering the same innovative oatmeal invented by a college gymnastics coach and his wife in their home kitchen more than 30 years ago.
COACH’S OATS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MORE THAN JUST OATMEAL
It represents our family's commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle. We don’t just have customers; we have fans and we are forever grateful to those fans who share our commitment.
Coach Lynn Rogers
Founder & CEO