Atlas Monroe Shark Tank Update | Atlas Monroe Net Worth

Atlas Monroe is a pioneering enterprise in plant-based cuisine that made its national debut on Shark Tank Season 11, Episode 2. Co-founded by the dynamic duo Deborah Torres and Johnathan Torres, the company presents a remarkable offering – vegan fried chicken that is both healthy and exceptionally flavorful.

Atlas Monroe’s product is a vegan alternative to fried chicken that mimics the texture, taste, and visual appeal of the traditional dish without using animal products.

The company’s signature product, made of organic, non-GMO wheat protein, both satisfies cravings and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Consumers who want to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing their favorite foods will find this appealing. 

Atlas Monroe’s vegan fried chicken has made waves for its ability to replicate the authentic flavors of deep-fried poultry. To achieve this, the plant-based chicken is marinated with a secret blend of spices and herbs, then breaded and deep-fried to create a crispy, golden brown coating indistinguishable from traditional fried chicken.

The company has managed to recreate the distinct crunch and satisfying mouthfeel of chicken while the inside remains juicy and tender.

Atlas Monroe’s commitment to sustainability and healthy living extends beyond its products. Their ethos of producing better food for people and the planet is evident in their choice of organic, non-GMO ingredients and their commitment to a production process that minimizes environmental impact.

In a world increasingly conscious of their dietary choices’ health, environmental, and ethical implications, Atlas Monroe’s vegan fried chicken offers a compelling alternative to traditional meat products.

The restaurant caters to vegetarians and vegans seeking healthier alternatives without sacrificing the taste or experience of beloved dishes. Atlas Monroe is designed to meet the needs of modern consumers for these reasons and more.

What Is Atlas Monroe?

Atlas Monroe is a food company that specializes in vegan comfort food. They are known for their plant-based fried chicken, made from a combination of seitan and jackfruit. Deborah Torres and Jonathan Torres founded the company.

They are based in the United States and are known for their plant-based comfort food, particularly vegan fried chicken. The founders developed a unique recipe combining seitan (a wheat-based protein) and jackfruit to create a meat-like texture and flavor.

Atlas Monroe vegan fried chicken gained popularity for its crispy coating and juicy interior, resembling traditional fried chicken. Atlas Monroe also offers other vegan comfort food items such as macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and collard greens.

They focus on using high-quality, natural ingredients and avoiding common allergens such as soy, nuts, and GMOs.

Who Is The Founder Of Atlas Monroe?

Atlas Monroe was co-founded by Deborah Torres and her son, Johnathan Torres. Deborah Torres, the main force behind Atlas Monroe, has a unique and compelling story. Before founding the company, she worked in the real estate industry.

However, her life took an unexpected turn when her father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Driven by a desire to help him reclaim his health, Torres began exploring the world of plant-based diets and their potential health benefits.

She knew she had to create meals that were not only healthy but also flavorful and satisfying to encourage her father to adopt this new diet. 

Atlas Monroe was born in this process of experimentation and discovery. Torres successfully reverse-engineered the taste and texture of fried chicken using wheat protein, creating a plant-based version that was indistinguishable from the real thing.

This recipe was a hit within her family, and her father’s health improved remarkably after adopting the plant-based diet. Inspired by this success, Torres decided to bring her creation to the wider public, leading to the establishment of Atlas Monroe. 

Johnathan Torres, Deborah’s son, is another key figure in the company’s formation and growth. With a graphic design and marketing background, he has been instrumental in building the company’s brand identity and reaching a broader audience.

The journey of Atlas Monroe’s founders is a testament to their commitment to health and sustainability, demonstrating how personal experiences can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

The company’s story illustrates the potential of plant-based diets to improve health and offer delicious and satisfying alternatives to traditional meat dishes.

Before their appearance on Shark Tank in 2019, Atlas Monroe was already creating waves in the vegan community with its innovative approach to plant-based food.

The company was founded in 2017 by Deborah and Johnathan Torres and quickly gained attention for its unique product: vegan fried chicken that replicated the taste and texture of traditional poultry. 

Their product hit vegan festivals and food events across the United States. Their vegan fried chicken won the Best Fried Chicken award at the National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans in 2018, beating out traditional, non-vegan competitors. This achievement, among others, garnered them considerable attention and a growing customer base.

Atlas Monroe operated primarily through their website and festival appearances, providing nationwide shipping to cater to the demand. Despite the growth and accolades, the founders knew they needed a boost to take their business to the next level.

This led to their decision to apply for and ultimately appear on Shark Tank, aiming to secure the capital and business acumen of the show’s experienced entrepreneurs. 

Their pre-Shark Tank journey demonstrated a successful proof of concept, as they were able to carve out a niche in the competitive food industry and win over customers with their innovative product.

The journey provided valuable experience and exposure, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges that would come with their appearance on Shark Tank.

How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Atlas Monroe?

The founders of Atlas Monroe, Deborah and Johnathan Torres, appeared on Season 11, Episode 2 of Shark Tank, broadcasted on October 6, 2019.

From the outset, the Torres duo confidently pitched their unique product – vegan fried chicken, which they touted as indistinguishable from traditional fried chicken in terms of taste and texture.

They began by sharing the story behind the creation of Atlas Monroe. Deborah explained how her father’s diabetes diagnosis sparked her exploration of plant-based diets, developing their unique vegan fried chicken recipe.

She emphasized the health benefits of their product and its potential to revolutionize food choices for people seeking healthier, sustainable alternatives to meat.

The founders then invited the Sharks to sample their vegan fried chicken. The Sharks were impressed with the taste and texture, noting how closely it resembled actual chicken.

Deborah and Johnathan also mentioned that their vegan fried chicken had won the Best Fried Chicken award at the National Fried Chicken Festival, beating out traditional, non-vegan competitors – a testament to the quality and appeal of their product.

For their business, the founders asked for an investment of $1 million in exchange for a 10% equity stake in Atlas Monroe, placing the company’s valuation at $10 million. This high valuation and the large investment ask were contentious during the discussion.

The presentation of Atlas Monroe stood out because of its unique product, the founders’ passion, and compelling backstory. However, their ambitious valuation led to rigorous debate and negotiation with the Sharks.

The pitch showcased both the potential of Atlas Monroe’s product in the plant-based food market and the founders’ dedication to promoting healthier, sustainable eating choices.

What Happened To Atlas Monroe After Shark Tank?

Atlas Monroe’s appearance on Shark Tank significantly increased their visibility, even though they did not walk away with the investment they had hoped for.

During their pitch, they requested $1 million for a 10% stake in their company, which the Sharks felt was too high a valuation. Instead, Mark Cuban and guest shark Rohan Oza counter-offered with a $1 million proposal to buy the company outright.

After appearing on Shark Tank, Atlas Monroe, a vegan chicken company, experienced success. They received positive reviews and media coverage, including articles and videos featuring their products.

The Torres duo, however, chose to decline this offer, believing in the greater potential of their company. After the episode aired, Atlas Monroe saw a massive surge in public interest.

Their vegan fried chicken quickly gained nationwide recognition, and the company experienced a significant increase in orders. They continued to operate primarily through their website, offering nationwide shipping and at various food events.

The company continued innovating and expanding its product line, offering vegan fried chicken, turkey, and other plant-based meat alternatives.

They remained committed to providing delicious, healthy, and sustainable food choices for people who want to reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products.

They also participated in festivals and events, attracting long lines of customers. Atlas Monroe thrived and gained recognition for their delicious vegan chicken offerings.

Atlas Monroe Shark Tank Update

After appearing on Shark Tank and declining a $1 million offer from Mark Cuban and Rohan Oza, Atlas Monroe continued to thrive and expand its business.

In 2021, the company opened a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in San Diego, California, demonstrating its growth and success. They also achieved their target of raising $2 million in funding.

The company expanded its reach by partnering with Canadian restaurant chain Copper Branch. In January 2022, Copper Branch launched the Atlas Monroe brand of Nashville Chicken Sandwich in Canada, showcasing the popularity and demand for Atlas Monroe’s vegan foods. This partnership allowed Atlas Monroe to provide vegan foods at over 40 locations in Canada and the United States.

In addition to their partnership with Copper Branch, Atlas Monroe’s frozen vegan foods became available in major grocery stores, increasing accessibility to their products. This move further contributed to their success and popularity.

Looking ahead, Atlas Monroe plans to open a second manufacturing facility shortly. They are projecting annual sales of $24 million and are continuously working on expanding their business through restaurant chains. The estimated annual revenue of the Atlas Monroe ranges between $5 to $10 million.

Atlas Monroe’s decision to decline the offer on Shark Tank did not hinder its growth and success. The company has continued to thrive, expand its operations, and gain recognition in the vegan food market.

Is Atlas Monroe Still In Business?

Our research shows that Atlas Monroe is still in business. The company has achieved several milestones since its appearance on “Shark Tank” in 2019. They acquired a warehouse in San Diego in 2021, which has allowed them to fulfill a larger volume of orders.

Additionally, they have exceeded $2 million in profits since their appearance on the reality TV show. Vegan chicken lovers can order their products online, visit certain restaurants, or pick up products at their San Diego pop-up location.

Despite some challenges and concerns about how they were portrayed on “Shark Tank,” Atlas Monroe continues to operate as a successful plant-based meat substitute business.

What Is the Net Worth Of Atlas Monroe?

According to our research, the net worth of Atlas Monroe is estimated to be $7 million. The valuation of Atlas Monroe was $5 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.

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