When it comes to food innovations, few ideas stand out as much as Back 9 Chicken Dips. The brainchild of David and Nique Mealey, this unique product combined two of America’s favorite game-day snacks—chicken wings and dips—into a single, convenient offering. Their journey from a small catering business in Tampa, Florida, to national recognition on Shark Tank was nothing short of inspiring. However, their story also serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of scaling a food business.
Let me take you through the fascinating journey of Back 9 Chicken Dips—from its inception to its meteoric rise and eventual fall.
The Birth of Back 9 Chicken Dips
David Mealey, a former golf equipment salesman, and his wife Nique started their entrepreneurial journey with Back 9 Catering after David lost his job during an economic downturn. The couple’s catering business quickly gained popularity in Tampa, thanks to their signature chicken dips. Customers raved about the dips at events, describing them as “a chicken wing on a chip.” The overwhelming positive feedback inspired the Mealeys to package and sell their dips at local grocery stores.
The name “Back 9” was a nod to David’s love for golf, symbolizing the second chance they were taking in their professional lives. With flavors like Buffalo Blue Cheese and Southern Sweet Heat, the Mealeys aimed to deliver the taste of chicken wings without the mess.
The Shark Tank Pitch
The Mealeys appeared on Shark Tank in Season 4, Episode 4, which aired in October 2012. They sought $150,000 for a 15% equity stake in their company. Their pitch was simple yet compelling: Back 9 Chicken Dips offered all the flavors of chicken wings—white meat chicken breast blended with wing sauces and dipping sauces—in a convenient dip format.
Memorable Moments
The pitch wasn’t without its humorous moments. Daymond John jokingly referred to the product as a “chicken Slurpee,” while Kevin O’Leary couldn’t stop laughing at the idea of blending chicken into a dip. Despite the jokes, the Sharks were impressed when David revealed that Back 9 Chicken Dips had generated $400,000 in sales over two years and secured distribution in 400 stores.
The Deal
After some deliberation, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec teamed up to offer $150,000 for 25% equity—a higher stake than the Mealeys initially offered but one they were willing to accept. The deal promised not just financial backing but also access to Lori’s retail expertise and Robert’s business acumen.
Post-Shark Tank Success
The Shark Tank effect was immediate. Following the episode’s airing, the company’s website crashed due to an influx of orders. With Lori and Robert’s guidance, Back 9 Chicken Dips expanded from 400 stores in Florida to over 1,400 stores nationwide within months. Major retailers like Publix, Walmart, Safeway, Sam’s Club, and even Costco began carrying their products.
Product Line Expansion
Back 9 Chicken Dips introduced new flavors under Bubba’s brand—Southern Sweet Heat, Buffalo Blue Cheese, and Buffalo—all made with high-quality ingredients like chicken breast and cayenne pepper-based sauces. Positioned as a premium product with retail prices ranging from $7.99 to $8.99 per pound (and production costs as low as $2.52), the dips boasted impressive profit margins.
Challenges Emerge
Despite their early success, Back 9 Chicken Dips faced significant challenges that would ultimately derail their business.
USDA Recall
In June 2013, disaster struck when the USDA issued a recall for over 12,000 pounds of Bubba’s Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Dip due to undeclared anchovies—a known allergen—in the product. This labeling oversight was traced back to a new dressing used at their production facility in Florida. Although no illnesses or deaths were reported, the recall severely damaged the brand’s reputation and strained its finances.
Operational Struggles
Scaling up production proved more difficult than anticipated. Food distribution is notoriously challenging due to logistical complexities and razor-thin margins. The recall only exacerbated these issues, leaving Back 9 Chicken Dips unable to recover despite its promising start.
Current Status
As of January 2025, Back 9 Chicken Dips is no longer operational. Their website has been defunct since 2014, and their social media accounts have been inactive for nearly a decade. Both David and Nique have moved on to other ventures: Nique now works as a sales and marketing specialist, while David is employed in sales for a cigar company.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Back 9 Chicken Dips |
| Founders | David and Nique Mealey |
| Season & Episode | Season 4, Episode 4 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $150,000 for 15% equity |
| Final Deal | $150,000 for 25% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Robert Herjavec & Lori Greiner |
| Memorable Episode Moments | “Chicken Slurpee” jokes |
| Current Net Worth | $0 (business closed) |
| Current Business Status | Dissolved |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | ~$400,000 pre-appearance |
| Social Media Presence | Defunct |
| Key Achievements | Expanded to over 1,400 stores post-show |
Lessons Learned
Back 9 Chicken Dips’ journey offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- The Importance of Compliance
In the food industry, even minor labeling errors can have catastrophic consequences. Entrepreneurs must ensure rigorous quality control and compliance with regulatory standards at every stage of production. - Scaling Challenges
Rapid growth can be both a blessing and a curse. While Shark Tank exposure catapulted Back 9 Chicken Dips into national prominence, scaling up operations proved overwhelming for the small team. - Resilience Isn’t Always Enough
Despite their passion and dedication, David and Nique couldn’t overcome the obstacles that arose after their initial success. Their story underscores how external factors—like recalls—can derail even the most promising ventures.
Conclusion
Back 9 Chicken Dips had all the ingredients for success: an innovative product concept, strong initial sales figures, and backing from two influential Sharks. However, operational missteps and unforeseen challenges ultimately led to its downfall.
For entrepreneurs watching Shark Tank, this story serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale. While securing investment is an important milestone, sustaining long-term success requires meticulous planning, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Although Back 9 Chicken Dips is no longer around today, its story remains a testament to the power of innovation—and a reminder that even great ideas need flawless execution to thrive in competitive industries like food production.