Let me tell you about a journey that blends innovation, resilience, and a love for avocados. It’s the story of Avocaderia, a business that pitched its way into our hearts on Season 9, Episode 22 of “Shark Tank” and has since carved out a niche in the fast-casual dining industry. This isn’t just a tale of success; it’s a lesson in perseverance and staying true to a vision.
A Dream Born from a Love of Avocados
Avocaderia began in 2017, thanks to the ingenuity of three Italian friends: Francesco Brachetti, Alessandro Biggi, and Alberto Gramigni. These entrepreneurs shared a passion for avocados and a vision to revolutionize healthy dining. Francesco’s time in Mexico exposed him to the versatility of avocados, and upon returning to New York, he saw an opportunity to turn this creamy fruit into a culinary star.
The trio opened their first Avocaderia location in Brooklyn, New York, quickly gaining recognition for their avocado-inspired menu, featuring everything from avocado toast to smoothies. Their unique approach caught the attention of locals and food enthusiasts, turning their small café into a thriving hotspot.
But the founders had bigger dreams—dreams that brought them to the “Shark Tank” stage.
Pitching to the Sharks
In February 2018, Alessandro Biggi stepped into the Shark Tank with a confident pitch. He sought $300,000 in exchange for 10% equity, valuing Avocaderia at $3 million. With him, he brought not just numbers but also their signature avocado dishes, ready to win over the Sharks’ taste buds.
Biggi’s pitch highlighted the café’s early success:
- $75,000 in sales during January 2018 alone.
- Over 50 franchising requests from across the country.
It wasn’t just about avocados; it was about offering a healthy, fast-casual dining experience in a market eager for better food options. The Sharks were intrigued, though some hesitated over the niche concept and high valuation.
One memorable moment came when Barbara Corcoran—a Shark known for her passion for food-related businesses—remarked on the scalability of the idea. Eventually, Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban teamed up, offering $400,000 for 20% equity. It was a higher stake than Biggi had hoped, but he accepted the deal.
The Deal That Wasn’t
After the cameras stopped rolling, the deal with Corcoran and Cuban didn’t materialize. This is a common occurrence in the “Shark Tank” world, where deals made on-screen often fall through during due diligence. But the Avocaderia team didn’t let this setback derail their dreams.
Instead, they took the exposure from the show and ran with it. Their pitch had already captivated millions of viewers, and the increased brand recognition opened new doors.
A Data-Driven Snapshot of Avocaderia
To give you a clear picture of Avocaderia’s journey, here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Avocaderia |
| Founders | Francesco Brachetti, Alessandro Biggi, Alberto Gramigni |
| Season & Episode | Season 9, Episode 22 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $300,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $400,000 for 20% equity (deal not finalized) |
| Shark(s) Involved | Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Positive feedback on avocado dishes; negotiation leading to increased investment offer |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $3.1 million as of April 2024 |
| Current Business Status | Active with five locations in New York City |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $1 million combined sales in 2019; approximately $3 million annual revenue by 2022 |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram with over 64,000 followers as of April 2020 |
| Key Achievements | Expansion to five locations; participation in community initiatives during COVID-19 |
Post-“Shark Tank”: The Real Test Begins
Life after “Shark Tank” wasn’t without challenges. Despite the deal falling through, the Avocaderia founders remained focused on growth. By May 2018, they had opened a second location in Manhattan’s bustling Chelsea neighborhood. Their unique branding and fresh menu continued to draw crowds.
By 2019, the business had reached a major milestone: their two locations generated over $1 million in combined sales. This proved the viability of their concept in the competitive New York City market.
But then came 2020—a year that tested businesses worldwide.
Adapting During COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Avocaderia faced immense pressure, like many in the restaurant industry. Foot traffic dwindled, and restrictions forced closures. Yet, instead of retreating, the founders adapted:
- They participated in Operation Feed Brooklyn, providing meals to healthcare workers and frontline responders.
- They strengthened their delivery and takeout services, ensuring customers could still enjoy their favorite avocado dishes at home.
This commitment to their community and quick pivots kept the business afloat during uncertain times.
A Comeback with More Growth
As restrictions eased, Avocaderia resumed its expansion. By April 2024, the business boasted five locations across New York City, with each store generating over $1 million in annual revenue. Their focus on providing health-conscious, avocado-centric cuisine resonated with customers more than ever.
Social media also played a crucial role in their growth. With an active Instagram presence and over 64,000 followers, Avocaderia connected with a younger, health-conscious audience. Their visually stunning dishes and behind-the-scenes content built a loyal online community.
Where Are They Now?
As of January 2025, Avocaderia is thriving:
- Business Status: Active with five bustling locations in New York City.
- Annual Revenue: Estimated at over $5 million.
- Market Reach: Plans for future expansion beyond NYC are reportedly in the works.
The company’s success lies in its ability to combine a simple concept—avocado-based dishes—with excellent execution and an understanding of market trends. They’ve proven that even a niche idea can achieve mainstream success with the right strategy.
Lessons from Avocaderia’s Journey
If there’s one thing to learn from Avocaderia, it’s the importance of resilience and adaptability. Their story shows how a business can thrive even when initial plans don’t pan out. Here are some key takeaways:
- Leverage Exposure: The “Shark Tank” appearance brought massive brand awareness, which they capitalized on even without a finalized deal.
- Adapt Quickly: From expanding locations to pivoting during COVID-19, their ability to adjust kept them afloat.
- Stay True to the Vision: Despite challenges, Avocaderia remained committed to offering high-quality, avocado-focused meals.
The Future of Avocaderia
Looking ahead, Avocaderia’s potential remains bright. Their proven business model and commitment to health-conscious dining position them well for further growth. Whether it’s through franchising or expanding to other cities, the possibilities seem endless.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Avocaderia’s story is a reminder that success often lies in combining passion with perseverance. As long as you’re willing to adapt and keep pushing forward, even the most niche idea can make a big impact.