Let me tell you about one of the most inspiring stories I’ve come across from Shark Tank. It’s the journey of Chi’Lantro BBQ, a Korean-Mexican fusion food business that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. This story is about more than just delicious food; it’s about resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to your vision.
Chi’Lantro BBQ is the brainchild of Jae Kim, an immigrant entrepreneur with a dream to bring something unique to the culinary world. The name “Chi’Lantro” is a clever mashup of kimchi (a staple in Korean cuisine) and cilantro (a key ingredient in Mexican cooking). This fusion perfectly represents what Chi’Lantro stands for: bold flavors, cultural diversity, and unforgettable food experiences.
Jae’s journey to Shark Tank wasn’t just about securing investment—it was about sharing his story and passion with the world. Let’s dive into this incredible tale of grit and growth.
How It All Began: The Birth of Chi’Lantro BBQ
Jae Kim’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with Chi’Lantro BBQ. In fact, his first business—a coffee shop—failed miserably. But instead of giving up, Jae took what little he had left (about $30,000 in savings) and maxed out his credit cards to launch a food truck in Austin, Texas, in 2010. He wanted to create something new and exciting by blending the flavors he grew up with in Korea with the vibrant street food culture of Mexico.
The result? A menu that included items like Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, and their now-famous Kimchi Fries. If you’ve never tried Kimchi Fries, let me paint a picture for you: crispy French fries loaded with caramelized kimchi, Korean BBQ meat, melted cheese, cilantro, onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of magic (okay, it’s actually their signature sauce). Trust me—it’s life-changing.
By 2016, Chi’Lantro had grown from a single food truck to multiple trucks and three brick-and-mortar locations. But Jae wanted more. He wanted to scale his business further and share his unique flavors with an even larger audience. That’s when he decided to pitch his business on Shark Tank.
The Shark Tank Experience: A High-Stakes Pitch
Jae Kim appeared on Season 8, Episode 8 of Shark Tank, which aired on November 11, 2016. From the moment he walked into the tank, you could tell this wasn’t just about money for him—it was personal.
The Ask
Jae came into the tank seeking $600,000 for 15% equity, valuing Chi’Lantro at $4 million. It was a bold ask for a business that was still relatively small at the time.
The Pitch
Jae’s pitch was nothing short of inspiring. He shared his story of perseverance as an immigrant entrepreneur who had faced failure but refused to give up. He talked about how he started Chi’Lantro with nothing but a dream and how he had grown it into a successful business through sheer hard work and determination.
But it wasn’t just his story that captivated the Sharks—it was the food. Jae presented samples of Chi’Lantro’s menu items, including their signature Kimchi Fries. The Sharks were blown away by the bold flavors and unique concept. Barbara Corcoran even said she could see Chi’Lantro becoming “the next big thing” in fast-casual dining.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments from Jae’s pitch was when he got emotional talking about his journey. His humility and passion were palpable, and it clearly resonated with the Sharks. It was one of those rare moments on Shark Tank where you could see genuine admiration from all five Sharks.
The Deal That Almost Was
After some back-and-forth negotiations, Barbara Corcoran made an offer: $600,000 for 30% equity. Jae countered, and they eventually settled on $600,000 for 20% equity. It seemed like a match made in heaven—Barbara’s expertise in scaling businesses combined with Jae’s vision for Chi’Lantro could have been unstoppable.
However, after the show aired, Jae decided not to finalize the deal. Why? He felt that Barbara’s vision didn’t fully align with his own goals for Chi’Lantro. It was a tough decision but one that ultimately allowed him to stay true to his brand.
A Closer Look: Key Details About Chi’Lantro BBQ
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about Chi’Lantro and its Shark Tank journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Chi’Lantro BBQ |
| Founders | Jae Kim |
| Season & Episode | Season 8, Episode 8 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $600,000 for 15% |
| Final Deal | $600,000 for 20% |
| Shark(s) Involved | Barbara Corcoran |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Emotional storytelling; rave reviews for food |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated between $14M-$17M annually |
| Current Business Status | Active with 13 locations |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $14M annually |
| Social Media Presence | Strong engagement on Instagram & Facebook |
| Key Achievements | Expansion to Houston; catering & pop-ups |
Life After Shark Tank: Growth and Innovation
Walking away from Barbara Corcoran’s deal didn’t slow Jae Kim down—in fact, it might have been the best decision he ever made.
Revenue Growth
Thanks to the exposure from Shark Tank, Chi’Lantro experienced what many call “the Shark Tank effect.” Their revenue skyrocketed almost immediately after the episode aired. By 2023, Chi’Lantro was generating between $14 million and $17 million annually.
Expansion
What started as a single food truck has now grown into a mini-empire with 13 locations across Texas, including Austin and Houston. Jae also expanded into catering services and introduced neighborhood pop-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic to adapt to changing consumer needs.
Innovation
Jae has always been forward-thinking when it comes to running his business. For example:
- He implemented a cashless payment system to streamline operations.
- He focused heavily on community engagement, participating in local events like Austin’s Blues on the Green.
- He continued to innovate on the menu while keeping fan favorites like Kimchi Fries front and center.
Where Are They Now?
As of today, Chi’Lantro BBQ is thriving:
- Market Presence: With 13 locations (and counting), Chi’Lantro is well on its way to becoming a household name in Texas.
- Revenue: The business generates between $14 million and $17 million annually.
- Community Engagement: Jae remains committed to giving back to the community through events and partnerships.
- Social Media: With strong engagement on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Chi’Lantro has built a loyal following that continues to grow.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Chi’Lantro BBQ’s journey offers several valuable lessons for anyone looking to start or grow their own business:
- Stay True to Your Vision: Jae walked away from a deal with Barbara Corcoran because it didn’t align with his goals—and it paid off.
- Adaptability Is Key: Whether it’s introducing pop-ups during a pandemic or going cashless to improve efficiency, being able to pivot is crucial.
- Tell Your Story: People connect with authenticity. Jae’s heartfelt pitch resonated not just with the Sharks but also with millions of viewers at home.
- Focus on Quality: At the end of the day, none of this would have been possible without an exceptional product that people love.
Looking Ahead
So what does the future hold for Chi’Lantro BBQ? If I had to guess based on their track record so far—I’d say big things are coming. With plans for further expansion beyond Texas and an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, there’s no doubt that Jae Kim’s dream will continue to grow.
Chi’Lantro isn’t just a success story; it’s an inspiration for anyone who dares to dream big and work hard. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just someone who loves great food (seriously—try those Kimchi Fries), this is one story you won’t forget anytime soon!