First into the tank are Joe and Maranda Dowell of Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry, seeking $150,000 for 15 percent equity.

Key Takeaways: Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry

  • Product: Seasoned seafood breading mix for various foods.
  • Sales: $409,000 in sales, available in over 800 stores nationwide.
  • Investment: Secured $150,000 from Daymond John for 25% equity.
  • Product Features: Absorbs less oil, enhancing the flavor of seafood and vegetables.
  • Market Reach: Significant presence in national retail stores.

The Story of Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry

Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry is a seasoned seafood breading mix that can be used on shrimp, fish, meat, vegetables and more.

According to their website, the “seafood coating absorbs less oil. We use high quality ingredients that absorb less oil and allow you to really enjoy the flavour of your seafood or vegetable.”

A single pack costs $4.25.

The sharks agree that the breading tastes amazing and are inspired by their story. To date, they have done $409,000 in sales and are in more than 800 stores nationwide.

Kevin O’Leary is worried about the valuation and goes out. Lori Greiner thinks the breading mix tastes “fabulous” but doesn’t view it as an investable business.

She goes out, followed by Mark Cuban. He adds, however, that he is inspired by their “relentless” spirit.

Robert Herjavec likes the product but doesn’t feel as though it would be fair to make an offer due to Dowell’s father’s equity stake in the business.

Daymond John likes the duo and ultimately offers $150,000 for 25 percent. They counter 18 percent, but quickly take the counteroffer back.

They accept his initial offer.

Social Media Reacts to Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry’s Appearance on “Shark Tank”

Closing Thoughts

Each week on “Shark Tank,” budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their emerging businesses to multi-millionaire and billionaire investors, known as sharks:

  • Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks;
  • Daymond John, fashion mogul and founder of FUBU;
  • Kevin O’Leary, self-proclaimed Mr. Wonderful and founder of O’Leary Financial Group;
  • Barbara Corcoran, real estate maven; Lori Greiner, queen of QVC;
  • Robert Herjavec, technology guru and founder/CEO of the Herjavec Group.

Philanthropist and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, Skinnygirl Cocktails founder and Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel, Vitamin Water founder Rohan Oza and former MLB player Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez are also slated to appear as guest sharks this season.

“Shark Tank,” which is based on “Dragons’ Den,” is produced by Mark Burnett and first debuted in 2009.

To date, the sharks have invested more than $100 million in various companies after engaging in numerous bidding wars and shark fights. A new episode airs each Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Would you try Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry? Sound off in the comments section below!