Ice Cream
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Shark Tank Spotlight
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Life Raft Treats, a unique ice cream brand, made waves when it appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank. Known for its innovative approach to ice cream, Life Raft Treats Shark Tank has captured the hearts and taste buds of many.
Life Raft Treats was founded by Chef Cynthia Wong, a six-time James Beard Award semifinalist. Her passion for creating whimsical and delicious desserts led her to start this venture. The brand is based in Charleston, South Carolina, and is known for its playful and imaginative ice cream creations that often resemble other foods, such as the famous “Not Fried Chicken” ice cream bars.
What sets Life Raft Treats apart is its ability to surprise and delight customers with ice cream that looks like something else entirely. The “Not Fried Chicken” ice cream, for example, is a waffle cone filled with vanilla ice cream and coated in white chocolate and crushed cornflakes, mimicking the appearance of a fried chicken drumstick. This creativity not only appeals to the taste buds but also provides a visual treat, making it a hit on social media platforms.
Appearing on Shark Tank was a pivotal moment for Life Raft Treats. Chef Cynthia Wong presented her unique ice cream creations to the panel of investors, seeking support to expand her business. The exposure from the show provided a significant boost in visibility and demand, helping the brand reach a wider audience.
Season and Episode |
Season 16, Episode 2 |
Air Date |
October 25, 2024 |
Entrepreneurs |
Cynthia Wong |
Product |
Dessert business that sells playful, unique frozen treats inspired by artwork. Their best-selling product is “Not Fried Chicken,” an ice cream bar that looks like a fried chicken drumstick. |
Investment Sought |
$250,000 |
Equity Offered |
5% |
Initial Sales |
In 2023, they made $1.2 million in sales, earning $60,000 in profit. In 2024, they hit $750,000 in sales and were on track to reach $1.7 million by the end of the year. |
Retail Plans |
They expanded their direct to consumer sales and private event offerings, booking solidly until mid-2025. They also established key retail partnerships to increase regional reach. |
Shark Reactions |
Mark Cuban was the first shark out, citing the complexity of the frozen food business. Daymond John liked the idea but didn’t see where he could add value. Lori Greiner opted out due to a conflict with a similar business she was already involved in. Kevin O’Leary felt the business wasn’t developed enough for investment. Guest shark Todd Graves felt it didn’t align with his business focus. |
Bidding War |
No bidding war. |
Final Deal |
No deal made. |
*After the filming of a Shark Tank episode, investments are subject to thorough audits and evaluations. During this time period, the terms of the investment can be altered or canceled by either party. As a result, the deals presented on the show may not always come to fruition for various reasons. This site does not guarantee the accuracy of any final investment figures.
Since its appearance on Shark Tank, Life Raft Treats has experienced substantial growth. The brand has expanded its product line and increased its distribution, making its products available to a larger customer base. The support from the show and the subsequent increase in popularity have allowed Life Raft Treats to explore new opportunities and collaborations.
Looking ahead, Life Raft Treats aims to continue its growth trajectory by introducing new and exciting flavors and expanding its reach both nationally and internationally. The brand’s commitment to quality and creativity remains at the forefront of its mission, ensuring that it continues to delight customers with every bite.
Life Raft Treats is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the food industry. By combining unique flavors with playful presentations, the brand has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive ice cream market. Its journey on Shark Tank has only just begun, and the future looks bright for this imaginative ice cream brand. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or adventurous creations, Life Raft Treats offers something for everyone to enjoy.
