Bubba’s Boneless Ribs made quite an impression when they appeared on Shark Tank in 2015. The finger-licking boneless ribs were an instant hit with the Sharks and viewers alike. So what happened after Bubba’s left the Tank? Let’s take a closer look at this finger-licking company’s journey.
Introducing Bubba’s Boneless Ribs
Al “Bubba” Baker, an NFL legend, introduced his innovative boneless ribs on Season 7 of Shark Tank. After retiring from professional football, Bubba took his wife’s recipe for boneless ribs and turned it into a business. The ribs are made from premium pork loin, slow-cooked, and coated in Bubba’s secret family sauce.
On Shark Tank, Bubba explained that his boneless ribs were a healthier alternative to traditional ribs. With zero bones, zero gristle, and zero dry rubbing, they appealed to a wide range of customers. Bubba came to the Tank seeking $300,000 for 15% equity in his company.
A Sweet Deal from the Sharks
The Sharks loved Bubba’s product and presentation. Daymond John made the first offer: $300,000 for 25% equity. Kevin O’Leary joined with an offer to match Daymond’s. Eventually, Bubba made a deal with Daymond and Kevin for $300,000 and 20% equity.
Bubba was thrilled. He hoped to use the investment to upgrade his facilities, increase production, and expand his market reach. With two prominent businessmen on his team, the future looked bright for Bubba’s Boneless Ribs.
Post-Shark Tank Success
After Shark Tank, Bubba’s business took off. The exposure from the show led to a huge spike in sales. Revenue topped $16 million in just two years, more than double the previous total. Bubba’s ribs were soon stocked in over 1,700 grocery stores nationwide.
Daymond and Kevin’s advice proved invaluable. They guided Bubba in upgrading his production process and expanding his retail presence. Under their mentorship, Bubba opened a new 35,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to meet demand.
In 2016, the company launched two new dry rub flavors, Sweet BBQ and Sizzling chili Lime. Bubba also introduced oven-baked rib shapes to the lineup. New products meant new revenue streams for this booming business.
Bubba’s on QVC
In 2017, Bubba debuted his ribs on QVC, the popular home shopping TV network. His affable sales pitch was a hit with viewers, who quickly cleaned out the entire inventory of 5,280 racks. Bubba sold over 17,000 units in under seven minutes in his first QVC appearance.
Bubba became a regular guest on QVC, pitching his products to millions of viewers. In 2018 alone, he sold over $1 million worth of ribs through the shopping channel.
Celebrity Endorsements
As his business grew, Bubba won some powerful celebrity endorsements. In 2017, legendary NBA star Shaquille O’Neal invested in the company to become part owner. Other high-profile investors have followed, like baseball icon Alex Rodriguez.
Celebrity chef Neal Corman, winner of Food Network Star, partnered with Bubba to promote the brand to foodies. Having famous names on board added sizzle to the Bubba’s boneless ribs brand.
New Products
Bubba has continually innovated to expand his product line:
- Pull-apart rib tips
- Smoked sausages
- Rib patties
- Seasoned fries
- Sweet chili boneless wings
For Bubba, new products mean new placement in grocery store aisles. His strategy is to capture more real estate in stores to make the brand ubiquitous.
Retail and Online Sales
Today, Bubba’s products are sold in over 10,000 grocery stores nationwide at chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and more. The ribs are also available online through the company website, Amazon, and other major retailers.
According to Bubba, online sales now represent over 25% of total revenue. When the pandemic temporarily shut down restaurants, Bubba pivoted to direct e-commerce and grew online sales by 150%.
The Bubba’s Restaurant
Capitalizing on name recognition, Bubba opened The Bubba’s Restaurant in 2018. The fast-casual restaurant in Avon, Ohio serves up Bubba’s full menu of ribs, wings, and sides. Dine-in and take-out options make Bubba’s products even more accessible to local customers.
The successful launch of Bubba’s first restaurant concept suggests significant room for growth in the future. Franchising could take the restaurant nationwide.
Recent Updates
Bubba’s Boneless Ribs continues its upward trajectory:
- Projected 2022 revenue of $30 million
- New under-the-sea themed boneless ribs shaped like lobsters and shrimp
- Expanded to over 15,000 grocery stores
- International shipping to customers in Canada, UK, France, and Australia
After a successful 2021 appearance on QVC UK, Bubba is exploring more international marketing opportunities. The company also plans to launch more restaurant locations in the coming years.
Shark Tank’s Long-Term Impact
Being on Shark Tank catapulted Bubba’s Boneless Ribs onto the national stage. Though already a promising business before the show, Shark Tank provided invaluable investments, advice, and publicity.
Appearing on the show gave Bubba’s credibility with grocery buyers who were keen to stock a Shark-approved product. It also introduced the ribs to millions of viewers, creating instant brand awareness.
But beyond the initial perks, the long-term guidance from Daymond and Kevin helped shepherd Bubba’s success. Their input on manufacturing, marketing, product development, and more was crucial in scaling the company after Shark Tank.
Bubba’s Future
Almost a decade after Shark Tank, Bubba’s Boneless Ribs continues to grow profitably. New products hit shelves regularly, and grocery store distribution expands each year. Bubba aims to build his ribs into a national brand as ubiquitous as Butterball or Hebrew National.
The company’s future looks bright. With over $50 million in lifetime sales already, Bubba’s plans to dominate the lucrative meat snacks category. Hishandshake with Daymond and Kevin was a deal that served him well and positioned this finger-lickin’ brand for long-term success.
Bubba’s Sales Figures
| Year | Revenue |
|---|---|
| 2015 (pre-Shark Tank) | $7 million |
| 2016 | $12 million |
| 2017 | $16 million |
| 2018 | $22 million |
| 2019 | $26 million |
| 2020 | $28 million |
| 2021 | $32 million |
| 2022 (projected) | $30 million |
Conclusion
Bubba’s Boneless Ribs took the Shark Tank effect and ran with it. With visionary leadership, Al “Bubba” Baker turned a single product into a growing brand. Though football made Bubba famous, his boneless rib empire may end up being his greatest achievement.