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What happened to Baby’s Badass Burgers after Shark Tank?
Baby’s Badass Burgers, a popular burger joint, caught the attention of viewers when it appeared on the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” The founders, Erica Cohen and Lori Barbera, were seeking a $250,000 investment for a 30% stake in their business. However, their decision to transition from food trucks to brick-and-mortar restaurants left the sharks skeptical. So what happened to Baby’s Badass Burgers after their appearance on Shark Tank? Let’s dive into their journey and find out.
The Shark Tank Experience
During their pitch on Shark Tank, Cohen and Barbera faced tough questions from the sharks. They were asked why they wanted to move from their successful food truck model to brick-and-mortar locations with only $250,000 in investment. The Sharks expressed concerns about the financial viability of opening and operating brick-and-mortar locations.
Despite their passion and vision for expanding into restaurants, Cohen and Barbera left the show without a deal. The Sharks, including Kevin O’Leary and Daymond John, felt that investing in more food trucks would have been a wiser choice.
Post-“Shark Tank” success
Although Baby’s Badass Burgers did not secure an investment on “Shark Tank,” the exposure from the show has had a positive impact on their business. Cohen mentioned in a post-episode interview that their emails and phone calls increased significantly, and they received numerous requests to book them for events. Their event business doubled and tripled in the month after the episode aired.
In 2014, Cohen and Barbera appeared on Restaurant Startup, where they convinced MasterChef’s Joe Bastianich and Tim Love to invest $250,000 for a 50 percent stake in their brick-and-mortar storefront. However, despite the investment, the planned storefront never materialized.
Achieving the dream
Fast forward to 2022, and Baby’s Badass Burgers finally realized their dream of opening a brick-and-mortar location. They became part of Local Kitchens, with a location in Palo Alto. They also opened a location in the Colab Public House in Vista. Although they no longer have brick-and-mortar locations in New Orleans and Houston, they continue to operate four food trucks in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Ventura.
Menu expansion and evolution
Over the years, Baby’s Badass Burgers has evolved and expanded its menu. While still offering their signature burgers, the menu now includes a turkey burger, a veggie burger, and a vegan option called the Cali Girl, made with a Beyond Meat patty. At the Collab Public House location, customers can also enjoy chicken sandwiches, salads and flatbread pizza.
The company has actively engaged with customers through social media, regularly posting tantalizing photos of their burgers and fries. They have a strong following on Instagram and Facebook, with thousands of followers. In addition, they have expanded their offerings through 3B Events, a company co-owned by Cohen and Barbera that acts as a liaison between their food trucks and event organizers.
Customer Feedback and Outlook
Customer reviews of Baby’s Badass Burgers are generally positive, with more recent reviews reflecting an improved customer experience. Owner Lori Barbera makes it a point to respond to nearly every review, demonstrating her commitment to customer satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Baby’s Badass Burgers continues to evolve and expand its presence. With a successful transition to brick and mortar locations, they are poised for continued growth and success in the competitive burger industry.
In conclusion, Baby’s Badass Burgers faced challenges and skepticism after appearing on “Shark Tank,” but they persevered and found success in their own unique way. Their journey shows the resilience and determination it takes to succeed in the restaurant business. As they continue to evolve and expand, Baby’s Badass Burgers remains a popular destination for burger lovers throughout California.
FAQS
Did Baby’s Badass Burgers get a deal on “Shark Tank”?
No, Baby’s Badass Burgers did not get a deal on Shark Tank. The sharks were skeptical of their decision to transition from food trucks to brick and mortar locations.
Did being on “Shark Tank” help Baby’s Badass Burgers?
Yes, being on “Shark Tank” had a positive impact on Baby’s Badass Burgers. They experienced a significant increase in emails, phone calls and event bookings after the episode aired.
Did Baby’s Badass Burgers successfully open a brick and mortar location?
Yes, Baby’s Badass Burgers finally achieved their dream of opening a brick and mortar location. They became part of Local Kitchens and have locations in Palo Alto and Colab Public House in Vista.
How many food trucks does Baby’s Badass Burgers have?
Baby’s Badass Burgers currently operates four food trucks in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Ventura.
What is the menu at Baby’s Badass Burgers?
Baby’s Badass Burgers offers a variety of burgers including a turkey burger, a veggie burger, and a vegan option. They have expanded their menu to include chicken sandwiches, salads, and flatbread pizza at their Collab Public House location.
What is the customer feedback for Baby’s Badass Burgers?
The customer feedback for Baby’s Badass Burgers is generally positive, with more recent reviews reflecting a better customer experience. The company actively engages with customers through social media and strives for customer satisfaction.