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Pork Barrel BBQ is an intriguing venture that gained significant attention following its appearance on Season 1 of Shark Tank. Co-founders Heath Hall and Brett Thompson took a humble, delicious idea and turned it into a successful business.
The star of their business model is their distinct Pork Barrel BBQ Sauce, a savory and sweet culmination with a hint of smoky flavor that sets it apart from standard barbecue sauces.
It’s a versatile condiment complementing various grilled, smoked, or baked meats. They have made the sauce available in several flavors to cater to a wider audience, such as Original, Sweet, and Mustard.
In addition to the sauces, Pork Barrel BBQ offers a variety of spice rubs, perfect for enhancing the flavor of different meats. Their spice rubs contain a balanced mix of salt, spices, and herbs designed to bring out the meat’s natural flavors while adding an extra layer of flavor and complexity.
Pork Barrel BBQ prides itself on using high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Their products contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. This is a significant selling point when consumers become more conscious about their food.
In addition, their BBQ sauce and spice rubs are gluten-free, allowing them to cater to individuals with dietary restrictions.
Pork Barrel BBQ is a good choice for its taste, health benefits, and universal appeal. The products are perfect for everyday meals and special occasions, regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced cook.
Furthermore, the success story of its founders, the recognition it has received, and the strong community built around the brand all make Pork Barrel BBQ an excellent choice for anyone seeking to elevate their barbecue experience.
| Company Name | Pork Barrel BBQ |
| Entrepreneur | Brett Thompson and Heath Hall |
| Product / Business | Barbecue spices and rubs |
| Investment Asking For | $50,000 for 10% equity in Pork Barrel Barbecue |
| Final Deal | $50,000 for 50% equity in Pork Barrel Barbecue |
| Shark | Barbara Corcoran |
| Episode | Season 1, Episode 5 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Pork Barrel BBQ Website |
| Net Worth | $15 Million |
What Is Pork Barrel BBQ?
Pork Barrel BBQ is a company that specializes in barbecue products and sauces. They offer a variety of barbecue sauces, rubs, and snacks. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Alexandria, Virginia.
Pork Barrel BBQ has gained popularity for its award-winning sauces and has been featured on various television shows and magazines.
Pork Barrel BBQ was founded by Heath Hall and Brett Thompson, two friends who shared a passion for barbecue.
They started the company in 2009 to create high-quality barbecue products that would elevate the backyard grilling experience.
Pork Barrel BBQ is known for its barbecue sauces. They offer a range of flavors, including Original, Sweet, Mustard, and Carolina Vinegar.
These sauces are made with a blend of spices, seasonings, and high-quality ingredients to create a delicious and authentic barbecue taste. In addition to barbecue sauces, Pork Barrel BBQ also offers a variety of rubs and seasonings.
These rubs are specially formulated to enhance the flavor of meats and vegetables when grilling or smoking. Some popular rub flavors include All-American, Carolina, and Texas.
Pork Barrel BBQ has gained recognition for its products, winning numerous awards and accolades. Their Original BBQ Sauce was named the “Best Sauce in America” by the National Barbecue News, and their All-American Spice Rub has been a favorite among grillers and pitmasters.
Aside from their barbecue products, Pork Barrel BBQ has expanded its offerings to include snacks. They have a line of flavored pork rinds, a popular low-carb and high-protein snack option.
Over the years, Pork Barrel BBQ has been featured on various television shows, including ABC’s Shark Tank, where they secured an investment deal. They have also been featured in magazines such as Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Men’s Health.
Pork Barrel BBQ is known for its commitment to quality and passion for barbecue. Their products aim to bring authentic barbecue flavors to grilling enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Who Is The Founder Of Pork Barrel BBQ?
Pork Barrel BBQ was founded by Heath Hall and Brett Thompson, two passionate entrepreneurs. Before entering the BBQ business, both founders had notable careers in different sectors.
Originally from Missouri, Heath Hall has a political and public policy background. He had a successful career in Washington, D.C., as a Senate staffer before his culinary journey began. On the other hand, Brett Thompson hails from Arkansas and was practicing law before joining forces with Hall.
Pork Barrel BBQ was conceived quite uniquely during a late-night Senate budget debate. As the story goes, Heath and Brett were lamenting the lack of quality barbecue in the Washington, D.C. area, which starkly contrasted with the abundance of good BBQ they were used to back home.
They jokingly talked about starting a BBQ business, and then, bolstered by their shared love of good food and entrepreneurial spirit, they decided to make that dream a reality. They developed a BBQ sauce recipe and launched Pork Barrel BBQ in 2009.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Pork Barrel BBQ was already garnering attention and gaining momentum. Their All American Spice Rub had been named the Best BBQ Rub in America by the National BBQ News, and their BBQ Sauce was receiving favorable reviews.
However, the business was still relatively small, selling its products primarily online and in a few local grocery stores.
The opportunity to pitch their business on Shark Tank in 2009 was a game-changer. The national exposure increased awareness of the brand and attracted the interest of potential investors and retail partners.
Their innovative approach to the BBQ market, commitment to quality, and charismatic pitch impressed the Sharks, particularly Barbara Corcoran, who ultimately decided to invest in their venture.
The appearance on Shark Tank marked a turning point for Pork Barrel BBQ, propelling it from a small-scale business to a nationally recognized brand.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Pork Barrel BBQ?
The Pork Barrel BBQ Shark Tank pitch was memorable, thanks to a lively presentation by co-founders Heath Hall and Brett Thompson. They presented their company with a creative skit that included a man in a pig costume, making their pitch one of the most remembered ones in Shark Tank history.
Hall and Thompson sought a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 10% stake in Pork Barrel BBQ, valuing the company at $500,000. They explained their backgrounds and the conception of their company.
They emphasized their passion for BBQ and the uniqueness of their products, highlighting that their all-natural, gluten-free BBQ sauce had a competitive edge in a saturated market.
They provided samples of their BBQ sauce for the Sharks to taste, showcasing the product’s quality firsthand.
The Sharks had mixed views about the product and the business. Barbara Corcoran was immediately intrigued by the product and the founders’ entrepreneurial spirit. She appreciated their creativity and passion and recognized their growth potential.
However, Robert Herjavec and Daymond John were skeptical about the business’s scalability and the competitive nature of the food industry.
Kevin O’Leary was concerned about the small size of the company and the founders’ lack of experience in the food industry. After deliberation and negotiation, Barbara Corcoran made an offer to Pork Barrel BBQ.
She offered the requested $50,000 but for a 50% stake in the company’s sauce business, which was a much larger share than the founders initially intended to give away.
Despite the larger equity stake, Hall and Thompson saw the value in Corcoran’s expertise and ability to provide the exposure and connections they needed to grow their business.
They accepted her offer, marking a turning point in the growth and success of Pork Barrel BBQ.
Final Deal: Barbara Corcoran agreed to invest $50,000 for 50% equity in Pork Barrel Barbecue Sauce.
What Happened To Pork Barrel BBQ After Shark Tank?
The appearance of Pork Barrel BBQ on Shark Tank was a pivotal moment for the company, propelling it into the national spotlight and significantly boosting its business.
The partnership with Barbara Corcoran opened many doors, enabling Pork Barrel BBQ to expand its distribution significantly.
Following their Shark Tank appearance, BBQ sauce became available in over 5,000 stores nationwide, including major retailers like Costco and Whole Foods and several independent stores. This marked a significant leap from their earlier distribution in a handful of local grocery stores and online sales.
Not only did their product distribution grow, but their product line also expanded. They started offering more BBQ sauce flavors and even introduced a line of BBQ spice rubs.
Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Spice Rub, in particular, earned acclaim, securing the title of Best BBQ Rub in America from the National BBQ News.
Additionally, they fulfilled a longstanding dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, quickly became a local favorite and further helped to solidify its brand in the marketplace.
The company’s sales skyrocketed post-Shark Tank, with millions in revenue being reported. The success of Pork Barrel BBQ demonstrates the power of a great product, a passionate team, and the right opportunities.
Pork Barrel BBQ story inspires budding entrepreneurs who dream of turning their culinary passions into successful businesses.
Pork Barrel BBQ Shark Tank Update
After their appearance on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Barbara Corcoran, Pork Barrel BBQ experienced significant growth and success. With Barbara Corcoran’s guidance and network, Pork Barrel BBQ expanded its distribution to a larger scale.
Their products, including BBQ sauces and spice rubs, became available in major retail chains like Costco, Whole Foods, and Safeway, as well as in many smaller grocery stores across the United States.
The exposure from Shark Tank greatly boosted the brand’s recognition and visibility. The Shark Tank platform gave them access to a wide audience, and the credibility of being on the show helped to establish Pork Barrel BBQ as a reputable player in the BBQ sauce market.
Building on its initial success, Pork Barrel BBQ continued to innovate and expand its product line. They introduced new BBQ sauce flavors and variations, catering to different tastes.
Their All American Spice Rub, in particular, gained a strong following and added to their product diversity.
Pork Barrel BBQ fulfilled its aspiration of opening a restaurant. The Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, became a popular spot for BBQ enthusiasts and local foodies.
The restaurant allowed them to showcase their products in a culinary setting and provided another revenue stream for the business.
Beyond the initial investment, Barbara Corcoran’s ongoing involvement and mentorship likely played a role in the company’s continued growth and success.
Her expertise in branding, marketing, and business development likely contributed to the strategic decisions made by Pork Barrel BBQ.
The brand continued to receive recognition and awards within the BBQ industry. Their products, particularly BBQ sauce and spice rubs, garnered accolades and positive reviews from culinary experts and customers alike.
Pork Barrel BBQ also engaged in philanthropic activities. They participated in various charitable initiatives, contributing to their community and supporting causes they cared about.
Pork Barrel BBQ’s journey after Shark Tank was characterized by expansion, innovation, and a stronger foothold in the competitive BBQ market.
Their success story inspires entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential impact of a well-executed business idea combined with the right exposure and support.
Is Pork Barrel BBQ Still In Business?
Our research shows that Pork Barrel BBQ is still in business. They continue to thrive and expand their operations. The company offers convenient online and phone orders through their pickup window on Oxford Ave.
Their full menu is available daily, with extended weekend hours, including a late-night menu. They actively engage in community events, such as sponsoring the Del Ray Community Blood Drive.
Pork Barrel BBQ products, including the well-regarded Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning Mix, are available on platforms like Amazon.
Their growth journey has been documented, from their appearance on Shark Tank to expanding into thousands of stores nationwide.
Pork Barrel BBQ’s ability to overcome challenges and navigate the complexities of the food industry showcases its resilience and innovation.
What Is The Net Worth Of Pork Barrel BBQ?
According to our research, the net worth of Pork Barrel BBQ is estimated to be $10 million. The valuation of Pork Barrel BBQ was $100,000 after securing an investment from Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank.
