Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry Update | Shark Tank Season 9
Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry is a unique breading mix that became popular at local events.
However, it faced challenges in reaching more stores. Joe and Maranda Dowell, the founders, want to grow beyond catering.
They hope a shark will help them take their product from a small success to a bigger market.
In this update and pitch recap, find out if any sharks showed interest in their business.
| Shark | Decision |
| Daymond John | Invested $150,000 for 25% equity |
| Kevin O’Leary | Chose not to invest |
| Lori Greiner | Chose not to invest |
| Mark Cuban | Chose not to invest |
| Robert Herjavec | Chose not to invest |
Joe’s Fish Fry on Shark Tank
Joe and Maranda Dowell presented their gourmet fish fry business.
- Offer: $150,000 for 15% ownership
- Deal: $150,000 for 25% ownership
- Investor: Daymond John
Joe and Maranda Dowell pitched Shark Tank to secure an investment for their fish breading mix, Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry.
They aimed to expand beyond the Southeast and bring their product to dinner tables nationwide.
They aim to help people make restaurant-quality seafood at home without spending money on expensive dining.
What Makes Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry Unique?
Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry is a seasoned breading mix that simplifies frying fish. It eliminates the need for extra ingredients like eggs or flour. Users must only coat their fish or shrimp with the mix and fry.
The mix absorbs less oil, producing a lighter, less greasy final dish.
Its unique flavor comes from a special blend of seasonings, making it ideal for seafood lovers and anyone looking for an easy meal solution.
Business Numbers and Growth
When Kevin O’Leary asked about costs, the couple shared key financial details:
- Production cost: $1.75 per bag
- Wholesale price: $2.25-$2.50 per bag
- Retail price: $5 per bag
- Lifetime sales: $409,000
- 2017 sales: $270,000
A breakthrough came just seven weeks before filming—they secured distribution in hundreds of Walmart stores.
Sharks’ Reactions and Final Deal
Kevin O’Leary liked the product but felt the valuation was too high and dropped out.
Lori Greiner enjoyed the taste but did not see it as a substantial investment and passed. Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec also decided not to invest.
Daymond John, however, offered $150,000 for 25% equity. The couple countered with 18%, but Daymond refused to budge.
Eventually, they accepted his offer and looked forward to their partnership.
What Happened Next?
Did partnering with Daymond help Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry grow? Let’s take a look at our latest update.
Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry: Shark Tank Update
Deal with Daymond
Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry did not finalize a deal with Daymond.
Business Growth After Shark Tank
Despite the missed deal, the business thrived. Orders surged right after their episode aired.
Product Expansion
- May 2018: They introduced a gluten-free fish fry mix on Good Morning America, increasing sales.
- October 2018: Stop & Shop started using its fish fry mix in its seafood department fry program. By the end of the year, their products were available in over 2,500 grocery stores.
- 2019: They launched frozen Southern fried shrimp on QVC. Grocery stores in the Midwest, South, and Southeast later stocked the product.
Restaurant Expansion
- 2019: They opened Joe’s Gourmet Fish and Chicken in Lithia Springs, Georgia.
- 2021: They launched a second location in College Park, which has since closed.
Walmart Partnership
In 2021, they partnered with Walmart to open restaurant franchises inside Walmart stores.
Recent Performance
- 2022: Reports showed $5 million in annual revenue, but recent signs suggest a slowdown.
- Current Status: Their website still sells the products but is not on Amazon or Walmart anymore.
Future Updates
We will post new updates when available.
