What happened to Just The Cheese after appearing on Shark Tank Season 11? David Scharfman, the founder of Just The Cheese, appeared on Shark Tank Season 11 seeking $500,000 for a 5% stake in his company. Despite a compelling pitch and impressive sales figures, he ultimately did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks. However, Just The Cheese continued to grow and thrive after its Shark Tank appearance, eventually reaching an estimated $4 million in annual sales. In 2022, the company was acquired by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. for an undisclosed amount.
Summary
- Just The Cheese is a brand of natural, crunchy baked cheese snacks.
- The company was founded by David Scharfman, who appeared on Season 11 of Shark Tank.
- Scharfman sought $500,000 for 5% equity but did not receive a deal.
- Despite this, the company continued to grow and was acquired in 2022.
- The new owner is John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
Just The Cheese Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 11
Shark Tank has become a cultural phenomenon. Viewers are drawn to the drama of entrepreneurs pitching their dreams to a panel of successful investors.
The show offers a glimpse into the world of business, with real-life stakes and compelling personalities.
For many entrepreneurs, appearing on Shark Tank is a chance to secure funding and gain valuable exposure for their products.
Just The Cheese: A Unique Snack
Just The Cheese stands out in the crowded snack market. It offers a simple yet satisfying product: baked cheese crisps.
Made with 100% cheese, these crunchy snacks are a healthier alternative to traditional chips and crackers.
With flavors like cheddar, parmesan, and garlic and herb, Just The Cheese appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Just The Cheese on Shark Tank
1. David Scharfman’s Pitch
| Entrepreneur | David Scharfman |
|---|---|
| Business | Just The Cheese |
| Ask | $500,000 for 5% |
| Deal | No Deal |
| Sharks | Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Robert Herjavec |
| Season | Season 11 |
| Original Air Date | November 17, 2019 |
| Website | Just The Cheese |
| Key Points of Pitch |
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| Why Sharks Declined |
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2. The Sharks’ Response
The Sharks were initially intrigued by Just The Cheese. They liked the simplicity of the product and acknowledged its strong sales. However, they also expressed reservations.
Some Sharks felt the company’s valuation was too high. Others questioned the long-term potential of the cheese snack market.
3. Why No Deal?
Ultimately, none of the Sharks made an offer to Just The Cheese. This can likely be attributed to a combination of factors.
The Sharks may have been concerned about the company’s ability to scale and compete in a crowded market.
They may have also felt that the product, while tasty, lacked the innovation needed to disrupt the snack industry.
Despite not securing a deal, Just The Cheese’s appearance on Shark Tank provided valuable national exposure for the brand.
Just The Cheese After Shark Tank
1. Continued Growth and Success
Even without a Shark Tank deal, Just The Cheese continued to thrive. David Scharfman, the company’s founder, remained committed to his vision of providing a healthy and delicious cheese snack.
He focused on expanding distribution and increasing brand awareness. Just The Cheese gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and cheese lovers alike.
The company’s strong online presence and growing retail partnerships contributed to its continued success.
2. Acquisition by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
In 2022, Just The Cheese reached a significant milestone. It was acquired by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., a leading producer and distributor of nuts and snacks.
This acquisition marked a new chapter for Just The Cheese, providing access to greater resources and distribution channels.
While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it’s clear that Just The Cheese had become a valuable asset in the snack food industry.
This acquisition demonstrates that success can be achieved even without securing a deal on Shark Tank.
What’s Next for Just The Cheese?
1. Product Line and Availability
Just The Cheese currently focuses on its core product: crunchy baked cheese snacks. These come in a variety of flavors, including cheddar, parmesan, and jalapeño.
The snacks are available in convenient single-serving packs and larger bags. You can find Just The Cheese products on their website, Amazon, and at major retailers like Walmart and Target.
2. Potential for Expansion and Innovation
Under the ownership of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., Just The Cheese has the potential to reach new heights.
The parent company’s resources and expertise in the snack food industry could lead to exciting developments.
We might see new flavors and varieties of cheese crisps. There could also be opportunities to expand into different snack categories, leveraging the Just The Cheese brand and its focus on simple, wholesome ingredients.
Perhaps we’ll see Just The Cheese dips, cheese-based crackers, or even collaborations with other brands in the Sanfilippo portfolio. The future looks bright for this innovative snack company.
Lessons Learned
The story of Just The Cheese offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. First, it highlights the importance of perseverance. Even though they didn’t get a deal on Shark Tank, the company’s founder continued to pursue his goals. This determination ultimately led to success and acquisition.
Second, Just The Cheese demonstrates the power of a simple, well-defined product. By focusing on a high-quality, easy-to-understand snack, the company was able to carve out a niche in a competitive market.
Finally, the acquisition by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. shows that alternative paths to growth exist. While Shark Tank can provide a significant boost, it’s not the only route to success. Entrepreneurs should explore various avenues for funding, partnerships, and expansion.
The Future of Just The Cheese
With the backing of a major snack food company, Just The Cheese is well-positioned for continued growth. We can expect to see the brand expand its product line and distribution network.
This could include new flavors, formats, and even collaborations with other brands in the Sanfilippo portfolio.
Just The Cheese has the potential to become a household name in the snack food industry. Its focus on simple ingredients, great taste, and healthy snacking aligns with current consumer trends.
By staying true to its core values and embracing innovation, Just The Cheese can continue to delight cheese lovers for years to come.
FAQs
Where can I buy Just The Cheese snacks?
Just The Cheese snacks are available on their website, Amazon, and at various retail stores like Walmart and Target.
What flavors does Just The Cheese offer?
They currently offer a variety of flavors, including cheddar, parmesan, jalapeño, and garlic & herb.
Is Just The Cheese still a family-owned business?
No, Just The Cheese was acquired by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. in 2022.
Why didn’t Just The Cheese get a deal on Shark Tank?
The Sharks had concerns about the company’s valuation, the limited growth potential of the cheese snack category, and a lack of innovation beyond the core product.
Is Just The Cheese a healthy snack?
Just The Cheese snacks are made with 100% cheese, baked, and contain no artificial ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to many traditional snacks.
The Bottom Line
Just The Cheese’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and a strong product. Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, the company achieved remarkable success. Its acquisition by a leading snack food company highlights its potential for continued growth and innovation. Just The Cheese proves that with dedication and a quality product, entrepreneurs can achieve their dreams, even if the path takes unexpected turns.
