The bang shack dip is a spicy dip that was featured in season 12 of the popular ABC reality TV show Shark Tank. On the show, entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors called “Sharks” in hopes of getting investment deals. In episode 1208, entrepreneurs Autumn and Reed Berglund pitched their company Bang Shack Hot Chicken and its signature spicy dip called “Bang Shack Dip.” The Berglunds were seeking $350,000 in exchange for 15% equity in their Nashville hot chicken restaurant business. Their presentation of the addictively spicy dip was memorable and helped them land a deal with Shark Robert Herjavec.
About Bang Shack Hot Chicken
Autumn and Reed Berglund started Bang Shack Hot Chicken in Nashville, Tennessee in 2016. They serve Nashville hot chicken, a style of fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville. It involves marinating chicken in a spicy paste, dredging it in flour or batter, and deep frying it until crispy. Traditional Nashville hot chicken has a signature spicy cayenne pepper flavor. The Berglunds put their own unique spin on the dish by using higher quality chicken and ingredients. Their menu features fried chicken in several spice levels from “Country Kick” to “Bang Shack Hot.” Each order comes with slices of white bread to dip in their signature Bang Shack Dip.
The Berglunds’ Shark Tank Pitch
In their Shark Tank pitch in October 2020, Autumn and Reed explained how they started Bang Shack in a food truck in Nashville. They generated buzz and long lines thanks to their high quality chicken and one-of-a-kind Bang Shack Dip. They opened their first brick and mortar restaurant a year later. At the time of their pitch, Bang Shack had expanded to 3 locations in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN with over $2.5 million in annual sales. However, they needed investment capital to grow the business further and keep up with demand.
Introducing the Bang Shack Dip
The Berglunds emphasized that their hero product and “secret sauce” was the Bang Shack Dip. They described it as a come back for more, crazy addictive dipping sauce made with over 10 herbs, spices, vinegar, and other secret ingredients. It has some heat but also a touch of sweet. The dip complements the spicy hot chicken and keeps customers craving more. The Sharks got to taste test the dip with chicken strips during the pitch. The reactions were very positive as the Sharks enjoyed the complex flavor profile and addictive quality. Daymond John declared he couldn’t stop eating it!
The Bang Shack Dip Recipe
While the full recipe remains a secret, the Berglunds did reveal some of the key components:
- Cayenne Pepper – Provides some heat and spice
- Paprika – For savory, smoky flavor
- Garlic Powder – Adds a punch of garlic
- Onion Powder – Extra onion flavor
- White Vinegar – Gives the dip tanginess
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the heat
Other ingredients likely include more herbs and spices like black pepper, thyme, oregano, and chili powder. The ingredients are combined into a smooth, pourable dipping sauce. Customers describe it as the perfect combo of spicy, tangy, and sweet. It hits all the taste buds and keeps you reaching for more!
Nutrition Information
The Berglunds did not provide full nutrition details for their signature dip. However, similar hot chicken dipping sauces are low calorie without too much fat or carbs. A 2 tablespoon serving likely provides around:
- Calories: 30
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 0g
The sodium content is higher, possibly 300-400mg per serving, due to salt and vinegar. Overall, the dip makes a flavorful condiment to chicken without packing on too many calories.
The Sharks React to Bang Shack Dip
The Sharks clearly loved the Bang Shack Dip based on their reactions during the pitch. Here are some of their comments:
Robert Herjavec
“This sauce is ridiculous. I feel like I can eat it forever.” He was impressed by the complex blend of heat and sweet.
Daymond John
“That sauce — I can’t stop. There’s an addictive quality to it.” He kept dipping more chicken strips in it.
Mark Cuban
“You got me with the sauce. I’m a sauce guy.” He agreed the unique flavor made it hard to stop eating.
Kevin O’Leary
“You’ve got a real addictive quality with this chicken and this sauce.” He asked for another sample.
Lori Greiner
“This is really delicious and I can see why people get so addicted to it.” She called it a “crowd pleaser.”
The unanimous verdict was that the Berglunds had come up with an irresistible signature sauce that gave their hot chicken huge potential.
The Deal with Robert Herjavec
Ultimately, Robert Herjavec made a deal with the Berglunds, agreeing to invest $350,000 for 15% equity in Bang Shack. As a successful businessman behind brands like BRAVA Home, Herjavec saw the mass market opportunity for the Bang Shack Dip. He said, “I think your sauce is your magic. I would bottle that sauce and sell it everywhere.”
Herjavec’s investment allowed Bang Shack to keep growing. Since appearing on Shark Tank, they have opened 6 new brick and mortar locations and expanded into retail, selling their signature dipping sauce in stores. The company projects over $10 million in sales for 2022. The Bang Shack Dip’s memorable debut on Shark Tank propelled the product and overall business to new heights.
How to Get Bang Shack Dip
For those wanting to get their hands on the addictive Bang Shack Dip, here are some options:
Visit a Bang Shack Restaurant
Currently, there are Bang Shack locations in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis in Tennessee. Every chicken meal comes with slices of white bread for dipping in the sauce. More sauce is available upon request.
Buy the Bottled Dip Sauce
The dip is now bottled and sold at southern grocery store chains including Kroger and Publix. It retails for around $3.99-$4.99 for a 12 ounce bottle. Some hot sauce shops and online retailers also carry the bottled dip.
Make a Copycat Recipe
While the official recipe is a secret, some clever home cooks and bloggers have developed copycat versions. These replicas use ingredients like cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic, paprika, and apple cider vinegar. The copycat recipes allow fans to recreate this signature Shark Tank sauce at home.
Reviews of Bang Shack Dip
The Bang Shack Dip is a hit with both Shark Tank viewers and Nashville locals. Here are some real customer reviews:
Shark Tank Fans
“I ordered some online after seeing it on Shark Tank. This stuff is truly addicting! So tasty.”
“Just tried from the bottle I bought at Kroger. Fantastic blend of heat and sweet. I’ll be using it to dip everything!”
Bang Shack Customers
“Their chicken is great but OMG the Bang Shack dipping sauce is why I come back again and again.”
“That signature sauce has some kick but also an irresistible smoky flavor. I always ask for extra cups.”
The addictive sauce earns rave reviews from both Shark Tank viewers who’ve tried the bottled version and Nashville locals eating at the restaurants. Everyone agrees the signature dip is something really special.
Copycat Bang Shack Dip Recipe
Want to recreate the magic at home? Try out this copycat recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk vigorously until thoroughly mixed and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve alongside fried chicken, fries, or veggies.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Make It Mild or Extra Spicy
For less heat, use less cayenne and hot sauce. For extra spice, add more cayenne or hot sauce like sriracha. Adjust honey and brown sugar to balance flavor.
Conclusion
The memorable Bang Shack Dip from Shark Tank stands out for its complex blend of heat, tang, savory spice, and sweetness. While the official recipe remains secret, the dip’s popularity proves it’s an addictive crowd-pleaser. Fans can get the authentic sauce by visiting Bang Shack restaurants or buying bottled dip at stores. With creative copycat recipes, home cooks can also try replicating this signature Shark Tank product. Whip up a fiery, flavorful batch and experience the magic for yourself!