Just The Cheese is a popular company that specializes in providing low-carb and gluten-free cheese crisps. Founded by David Scharfman, the brand gained significant recognition after his appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank in 2019. While he didn’t secure a deal with the investors, the exposure helped Just The Cheese establish a strong presence in the market. As of 2023, the company is estimated to be worth a staggering $10 million. In December 2022, Just The Cheese was acquired by John B. Sanfilippo & Son for an undisclosed amount.
Key Takeaways:
- Just The Cheese is a renowned company that produces low-carb and gluten-free cheese crisps.
- Founder David Scharfman appeared on Shark Tank in 2019 and gained significant publicity for the brand.
- Just The Cheese is currently valued at approximately $10 million.
- In December 2022, the company was acquired by John B. Sanfilippo & Son.
- The brand’s products are available in multiple retail stores and online platforms, including Amazon.
About the Founder and Founding Just the Cheese
David Scharfman is the visionary behind Just the Cheese, a specialty cheese company known for its innovative, low-carb cheese crisps. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Scharfman grew up immersed in the cheese industry. He honed his business acumen with a degree in political science and government from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by an MBA from the UVA Darden School of Business.
Prior to launching Just the Cheese, Scharfman gained invaluable experience working in his family’s cheese business. From managing international marketing operations in China to establishing his own cheese business in the Philippines, Scharfman’s passion for cheese and entrepreneurial spirit were evident. Inspired by his father’s baked cheese snack, Scharfman embarked on a mission to bring back the delicious treat and founded Just the Cheese.
Just the Cheese specializes in creating keto-friendly bars made entirely of shredded cheese. With a dedication to quality and a focus on providing healthy snack options, the company quickly gained popularity among cheese enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. Scharfman’s innovative approach to utilizing cheese as a base for a satisfying and nutritious snack has made Just the Cheese a beloved brand in the industry.
The Evolution of the Fresh! Cheese Company
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2015 | David Scharfman starts Fresh! Cheese Company in the Philippines |
| 2018 | Relocates Fresh! Cheese Company to Madison, Wisconsin |
| 2019 | Rebrands Fresh! Cheese Company as Just the Cheese |
Before Just the Cheese became the recognized brand it is today, it began its journey as the Fresh! Cheese Company. In 2015, David Scharfman established the Fresh! Cheese Company in the Philippines, driven by his passion for creating unique and delicious cheese products. The company quickly gained a local following and became known for its innovative cheese snacks.
In 2018, Scharfman made the decision to relocate the Fresh! Cheese Company back to his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. This move allowed him to be closer to the heart of the American cheese industry and tap into local resources and expertise. With this strategic relocation, Scharfman set the stage for the company’s expansion and future success.
In 2019, Scharfman rebranded the Fresh! Cheese Company as Just the Cheese, solidifying its position as a leading provider of low-carb and gluten-free cheese crisps. This new name better reflected the company’s core mission of delivering pure cheese goodness in every bite.
Shark Tank Appearance and Aftermath
When I appeared on Shark Tank to pitch Just the Cheese, I was excited to showcase our low-carb and gluten-free cheese crisps to the panel of esteemed investors. The Sharks were impressed with the taste and quality of our products, but they had concerns about the competitive market and the potential profit margins.
Kevin O’Leary, known as Mr. Wonderful, made an offer for a royalty-based deal. While I appreciated his interest, I decided to decline the offer as I believed it wasn’t the right fit for Just the Cheese. Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban also presented offers, but after careful consideration, I made the tough decision to walk away from all three deals.
Although I didn’t secure an investment, appearing on Shark Tank proved to be a pivotal moment for Just the Cheese. The exposure from the show catapulted our brand into the spotlight, leading to increased recognition and demand. We seized the opportunity to expand our distribution, and now our products can be found in 7-Eleven locations and over 700 retail stores across the country.
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One of our major boosters in reaching a wider audience has been Amazon. With their extensive reach, we have been able to drive sales and connect with cheese enthusiasts nationwide. In fact, in 2021, our annual sales reached an impressive $4 million, a testament to the growing popularity of Just the Cheese.
FAQ
What is Just the Cheese?
Just the Cheese is a company that provides low-carb and gluten-free cheese crisps, specializing in keto-friendly bars made entirely of shredded cheese.
Who is the founder of Just the Cheese?
The founder of Just the Cheese is David Scharfman, hailing from Madison, Wisconsin.
What qualifications does David Scharfman have?
David Scharfman has a political science and government degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the UVA Darden School of Business.
How did Just the Cheese start?
Inspired by his father’s baked cheese snack, David Scharfman decided to revive the product and created Just the Cheese. Before starting the company, Scharfman worked in his family’s cheese business, including a stint as an international marketing manager in China and starting his own cheese business in the Philippines.
What happened when David Scharfman appeared on Shark Tank?
During his appearance on Shark Tank, David Scharfman pitched Just the Cheese to the investors. Although most of the Sharks liked the product, they had reservations about the market competition and profit margins. Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Mark Cuban made offers, but Scharfman declined all three deals.
What was the outcome of Just the Cheese’s Shark Tank appearance?
Although Just the Cheese did not secure investment on Shark Tank, the publicity from the show helped the brand gain recognition and expand its distribution. The company’s products are now available in 7/11 locations and over 700 retail stores, with Amazon playing a major role in driving sales.
How much is Just the Cheese worth?
As of 2023, Just the Cheese is worth an estimated $10 million. In December 2022, the company was acquired by John B. Sanfilippo & Son for an undisclosed amount.