Once Bitten, Twice Shy

How Shark Tank franchises have fared since appearing on the show

- Damien Martin

DEAL

TOM & CHEE

The Cincinnati-based eatery took the grilled cheese and tomato soup combo to a new level. The grilled cheese donut put the popup tent on the map and led to several TV appearances, culminating in a deal with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran, although Cuban pulled out over disagreements on franchising. Corcoran stayed in, and the Shark Tank franchise reached 35 locations before contracting and selling to GSR Brands. Today there are 12 locations but more coming, with a focus on scaled-down menus and stores.

COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER

Mainers and cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac brought the taste of their home to the food truck scene of Los Angeles in 2012. Corcoran invested in the franchise in a Shark Tank appearance, and though the lobsters are always sourced from Maine cold water, there are now about three dozen restaurants and food trucks in 16 states.

WINE & DESIGN