The Pizza Cupcake Update | Shark Tank Season 12
Everyone loves pizza and cupcakes—so why not combine the two?
That’s precisely what husband-and-wife duo Andrea Meggiato and Michelle Jimeney did with The Pizza Cupcake, a unique snack that took the Shark Tank Season 12 stage by storm.
But what happened after their big pitch? Did their business rise like dough in the oven, or did it fizzle out?
In this The Pizza Cupcake Shark Tank update, we’ll discuss their pitch, the Sharks’ responses, and how the company has grown since securing a deal.
The Pizza Cupcake’s Shark Tank Pitch
The Founders & Product
Andrea Meggiato, an Italian chef, and Michelle Jimeney, an entrepreneur, introduced The Pizza Cupcake, a bagel-like pizza snack shaped like a cupcake.
It’s a frozen product that can be heated in minutes, with under 200 calories per piece and no butter.
Their goal? Revolutionizing frozen pizza with a fun, easy-to-eat snack that delivers authentic Italian flavors.
The Funding Ask
The founders entered the tank seeking:
- $125,000 for 5% equity
- A valuation of $2.5 million
They highlighted their direct-to-consumer model, sales through local vendors (including Citi Field, home of the New York Mets), and challenges with frozen food shipping costs.
Sales & Cost Breakdown
- $344,000 in sales over the past 12 months
- Projected $800,000+ in sales for the year
- Cost to make: $0.95 per unit (could be reduced to $0.48 with scale)
- Selling price: $24.99 for a 12-pack
- Shipping cost: $9.99 per order
Shark Responses & Deal Outcome
| Shark | Response |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer – Concerned about frozen food shipping costs. |
| Mark Cuban | No offer – Uncertain about profitability in direct-to-consumer sales. |
| Daymond John | No offer – Didn’t feel like the right investor for the product. |
| Barbara Corcoran | No offer – Didn’t see a strong fit for her expertise. |
| Lori Greiner | Offered $125,000 for 20% equity – later negotiated to 12.5% equity + 2.5% advisory shares. |
Final Deal:
✅ Lori Greiner invested $125,000 for 12.5% equity + 2.5% advisory shares.
Lori was the only Shark who saw potential in the brand, drawing from her experience with Bantam Bagels, a similar frozen snack business that had significant success post-Shark Tank.
The Pizza Cupcake’s Post-Shark Tank Growth
Sales & Revenue Growth
📈 The business skyrocketed after Shark Tank!
| Timeframe | Sales Milestone |
| Before Shark Tank | $ 344,000-lifetime sales |
| 10 months after airing | $3.2 million lifetime sales |
| Current Net Worth | $7 million+ |
A major boost came when Lori Greiner promoted The Pizza Cupcake on The Ellen Show, generating over $100,000 in sales.
Retail Expansion & Distribution
The Pizza Cupcake went from local vendors to major national retailers, significantly expanding its reach.
| Retailer | Availability |
| Whole Foods | Nationwide |
| Wegman’s | Multiple locations |
| Online (Direct-to-Consumer) | Ships to 40 states + Washington D.C. |
| Five fulfillment centers | Nationwide shipping |
This expansion has allowed them to overcome some of the high shipping costs that concerned the Sharks.
Several factors have contributed to The Pizza Cupcake’s post-Shark Tank success:
✔ Lori Greiner’s Expertise – Her experience with Bantam Bagels helped them scale efficiently.
✔ Retail Expansion – Moving beyond direct-to-consumer sales helped reduce shipping costs.
✔ Marketing & Media Exposure – The Ellen Show, social media, and Shark Tank buzz-fueled sales.
✔ Unique Product Appeal – A fun, convenient snack combining two beloved foods.
Final Thoughts on The Pizza Cupcake’s Journey
The Pizza Cupcake is a classic Shark Tank success story, proving that the right product, paired with strategic mentorship and retail expansion, can lead to massive growth.
Their journey offers key business lessons:
- Scaling frozen food is tough – but partnering with retail giants helps.
- Media exposure matters – A single TV appearance can drive six-figure sales.
- Know your investor – Lori’s background with similar brands made her the perfect fit.
With a strong retail presence and growing brand recognition, The Pizza Cupcake continues to rise—and it’s safe to say their business is baking up big success.
Have you tried The Pizza Cupcake? Let us know in the comments!
