Back 9 Dips Shark Tank Update | What Happened to Back 9 Dips after Shark Tank?
What is Back 9 Dips?
Back 9 Dips are a dip made from blended chicken wings. The dip is a combination of chicken breast and wing sauces, meant to be eaten with chips.
David and Dominique Mealey, a couple from Tampa, FL, were shown in an audition clip playing with their child on a bright, sunny day.
They announced to the crowd that they were expecting their second child and had been married for five years.
David mentioned that he had met Nique and found jobs with two golf companies when he moved to Florida, but later lost his job due to economic conditions.
Who is the founder of the Back 9 Dips?
David and Nique Mealey, a husband and wife duo from Tampa, Florida, founded Back 9 Dips after David was laid off from his job as a golf equipment salesperson.
They first started a barbeque catering business, called Back 9 Catering, and later decided to package and sell a popular item from the catering events, called Chicken Dips.
They named the product Bubba’s Back 9 Chicken Dips after collaborating with the radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. The product was successful and the couple began distributing it in Publix stores in the Tampa area.
What Happened to Back 9 Dips at Shark Tank pitch?
In episode 4 of Season 4 of Shark Tank, entrepreneurs David and Nique Mealy pitched their buffalo chicken wing flavored dip, Back 9 Chicken Dips, to the Sharks.
They were seeking a $150,000 investment for a 15% stake in their company, which was valued at $1 million.
Despite mixed reactions from the Sharks, only Lori and Robert were willing to invest, offering $150,000 for 25% equity in the company. The Mealeys accepted the offer and formed a partnership with Lori and Robert.
What Happened to Back 9 Dips after Shark Tank?
The initial agreement with Robert and Lori had to be redesigned after their TV appearance due to changes in the company’s value.
Distribution of their product, Chicken Dips, expanded to over 1,400 locations across multiple states following the airing of the program.
They also secured partnerships with Costco and a major food distributor.
However, by the end of 2013, the Chicken Dips should be accessible almost everywhere in the United States! Unfortunately, the Mealey’s success with Back 9 Dips was fleeting.
The firm went out of business in 2014 when the USDA recalled over 12,000 pounds of the dips owing to the inclusion of anchovies, an undeclared allergy. The company was unable to recover from this setback.
Who are the Competitors of Back 9 Dips?
The Mealeys are not the only food-related start-up in the Tampa Bay area. Rose’s Hot Dogs and Grilled Subs was also a competitor of Back 9 Dips.
Net Worth of Back 9 Dips
The company was valued at $1 million during the pitch and dropped to $600,000 after Robert and Lori invested. The company went out of business, so its net worth is currently unknown.
Back 9 Dips FAQs
What is Back 9 Dips?
Back 9 Dips contain chicken wings that have been incorporated into the dip. The product is a chicken breast with sauces and a chicken wing on a chip. Back 9 Dips is an American food firm that originated in Tampa, FL.
Who is the founder?
David and Nique Mealey founded the company.
How much were they seeking on Shark Tank?
They were seeking for $150,000 for 15% stake of their company at valuation of $1 million.
Did they have the deal?
Yes, they did from Lori and Robert.
How much was the deal?
They were given $150,000 for 25% ownership of the company, but the deal was never materialized.
Is Back 9 Dips still in business?
No, the company is no longer in business not able to recover from such a terrible blow.
What led to their collapse?
The company was involved in a case when a recall of the product was done in 2014 owing to the presence of an allergen that is considered unsafe by regulatory agencies.
It rose to $3 million and this caused a downfall for the Mealeys. This then led back to their business collapse which caused them to go out of business.
Are they based out of Tampa, FL?
Yes. Back 9 Chicken Dips are made in kitchen of David and Nique Mealey.
Was Back 9 Dips safe to eat?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the Back 9 Chicken Dips were not safe to consume. The reason is because of the presence of an allergen which is the presence of anchovy found in it. At that time, 12,000 pounds were recalled.
What are their main products?
Back 9 Chicken Dips is their main product. It also consists of Buffalo Wing Dip, Hot Habanero Dip and Sweet & Spicy BBQ Dip.
Was Back 9 Dips shipping?
Back 9 Chicken Dips are shipped in the same way as any other products.
Does Back 9 Chicken Dips have an official website?
Back 9 Chicken Dips does not have an official website as of now. However, you can visit their Facebook page for more information on the company.
What is the net worth of David Mealey?
David Mealey net worth is $100,000
What is the net worth of Nique Mealey?
Nique Mealey net worth is unknown.