Shivangi Sinha
Food experiences often spark curiosity because flavors, textures, and cultural influences vary so widely, drawing people in and inspiring new ideas. This constant evolution of food creativity made the arrival of Edible Architecture on season 17, episode 7 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ especially interesting. They had an innovative approach that blended culinary artistry with structural imagination and gave a fresh perspective on how food can be both functional and visually striking. They presented their bid for an investment and made a case for why they have a bright and brilliant future ahead of them.
Edible Architecture: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Avital Ungar had once envisioned a completely different path for herself. She began studying Art History and French at UCLA in 2003 and thrived in her coursework. In 2006, she eagerly accepted an opportunity to attend Université Paris-Sorbonne to earn a diploma in Superior French Language. Living in the charming town of Aix-en-Provence exposed her to unforgettable culinary experiences that left a lasting impact. Later, she moved to Shanghai, China, where she worked as a Development Manager at Integrated Fine Arts Solutions. Though she had been a gallery associate and cataloguer during her final year, graduation made her realize she wanted to apply her skills in a more meaningful direction.
After returning to San Francisco, California, Avital immersed herself in the local food world, guiding chocolate and wine tours with Gourmet Walks and sharing her growing passion for culinary storytelling. She later stepped into the arts sector as Operations Manager at the Performance Art Institute, where she coordinated exhibitions, led interns, and contributed to shaping strategic plans. However, her love for food pulled her back. In 2011, she launched Avital Food & Drink Experiences, a company offering progressive food tours, immersive dining events, and later virtual culinary programs across major US cities. In 2021, during her company’s holiday party, she organized a charcuterie assembly activity for her employees and their families and got her idea. In 2022, Avital embarked on a new creative chapter by founding Edible Architecture and debuted with a playful Charcuterie Chalet Kit.
Edible Architecture’s signature creation is a playful, grown-up twist on gingerbread houses. They are charcuterie kits designed for adults who love food art. Instead of candy and icing, their builds feature curated meats, cheeses, crackers, and savory elements typically found on traditional charcuterie boards. Alongside this venture, Avital has continued expanding her influence in the food world. She has served as a judge for the Good Food Awards, the International Chocolate Salon, and the Best of the West Rib Competition, and has appeared on major platforms like the Travel Channel, CNN, and USA Today. Together, these experiences have helped her grow her brand and elevate her culinary footprint.
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Edible Architecture: Where Are They Now?
Edible Architecture is built around the festive holiday spirit and offers a creative outlet that customers can purchase directly from their website, with nationwide delivery available. As their popularity has grown, the brand has also expanded into retail, securing placements across multiple regions and even internationally. World Market now carries their products nationwide, while Pittman and Davis offer them through its online store. Their kits can also be found in select retailers throughout the East and Northeast, the South and Southwest, the Midwest, Mexico, the West, and the Pacific Northwest. A full list of participating stores and regions is available on their website.
Edible Architecture currently offers four different kits. Their main Charcuterie Chalet Kit is priced at $29.99, while a smaller Mini Chalet Kit is available for $19.99. Customers can also choose the Charcuterie Tree Kit for $19.99 or opt for the Chalet-and-Tree Combo for $48.99. Each kit includes items like brie, grated parmesan “snow,” fruits, nuts, salami, savory crackers, olives, and more, along with a step-by-step instruction guide. The crackers can even be purchased separately, with the Classic House Crackers three-pack costing $19.99, and decoration items can be added according to one’s needs. The kits are quick to assemble and make for a great holiday tradition.
These charcuterie kits can double as festive holiday centerpieces, making them both a fun activity to assemble and a delicious treat to enjoy afterward. In November 2025, the company announced free shipping on orders over $35 and even launched a giveaway featuring their 10-pack cracker set. These promotions have helped attract new customers, draw attention to their unique concept, and boost their overall visibility. Together with their creative products and growing retail presence, Edible Architecture continues to build momentum and expand its reach.
