Back 9 Dips, a dip made from blended chicken wings, is a brand that gained popularity after appearing on Shark Tank. Created by David and Nique Mealey, Back 9 Dips started as a barbeque catering business called Back 9 Catering, but later transitioned to packaged dips.
During their time on Shark Tank, Back 9 Dips secured a deal with investors Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner. However, the company faced a setback in 2014 when a recall of their products was initiated due to the presence of an undeclared allergen. The aftermath of the recall led to the collapse of Back 9 Dips, and their current net worth remains unknown.
Key Takeaways:
- Back 9 Dips gained recognition after appearing on Shark Tank, securing a deal with investors Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner.
- Unfortunately, the company faced a recall of its products in 2014, which ultimately led to its collapse.
- Despite the recall, Back 9 Dips experienced success and expanded its distribution to over 1,400 locations across multiple states.
- The founders, David and Nique Mealey, have since pursued other career opportunities.
- The current net worth of Back 9 Dips is unknown.
The Founding of Back 9 Dips
Back 9 Dips, a popular dip made from blended chicken wings, was founded by the dynamic husband and wife duo, David and Nique Mealey. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey after David was laid off from his job as a golf equipment salesperson.
Undeterred by the setback, the couple decided to turn their love for barbeque into a business venture and started Back 9 Catering, a barbeque catering service. It was during this time that they discovered their signature item, Chicken Dips, which quickly gained popularity among their customers.
Recognizing the immense potential of their flavorful creation, David and Nique made the pivotal decision to package and sell their Chicken Dips, thus laying the foundation for Back 9 Dips. With their passion for great food and a commitment to quality, they transformed their catering success into a thriving brand.
Their innovative approach to dips and their dedication to using quality ingredients set Back 9 Dips apart from the competition, creating a unique flavor experience that resonated with customers.
“Our mission was to create a dip that showcased the bold and delicious flavors of chicken wings,” says David Mealey, co-founder of Back 9 Dips. “We wanted to bring the taste of a tailgate party to every gathering and have our customers enjoy the experience in every bite.”
“We started with a simple idea and a lot of hard work. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since those early days,” adds Nique Mealey, co-founder of Back 9 Dips.
Driven by their passion and dedication, David and Nique Mealey took a leap of faith, turning their culinary dreams into reality. Little did they know that their flavorful invention would go on to captivate taste buds across the nation.
Back 9 Dips on Shark Tank
Back 9 Dips had an opportunity to showcase their unique product on Season 4 of Shark Tank. With a pitch that captivated the sharks, David and Nique Mealey sought a $150,000 investment in exchange for a 15% stake in their company. The back 9 dips pitch showcased their delicious blended chicken wing dips that had gained popularity.
Raising the stakes, Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner were quick to recognize the potential of Back 9 Dips and made a deal. They agreed to invest $150,000, but with one condition – 25% equity in the company. This revised back 9 dips Shark Tank deal reflected the sharks’ confidence in the product and its potential for success.
However, despite the positive outcome on the show, Back 9 Dips faced challenges in the aftermath. The back 9 dips Shark Tank deal had to undergo redesigning, and unfortunately, the company ultimately went out of business.
The sharks saw promise in Back 9 Dips and recognized its unique flavor and market potential. It was a bittersweet journey for David and Nique Mealey, as the back 9 dips pitch on Shark Tank provided an initial boost but couldn’t secure a lasting success.
Back 9 Dips Shark Tank Summary
| Season | Episode | Investor | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | X | Robert Herjavec | $150,000 for 25% equity (revised) |
| 4 | X | Lori Greiner | $150,000 for 25% equity (revised) |
Back 9 Dips Net Worth Timeline
Back 9 Dips, the popular dip made from blended chicken wings, entered the entrepreneurial scene with a valuation of $1 million during their appearance on Shark Tank. However, the subsequent investment from Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner led to a decrease in the company’s net worth to $600,000. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Back 9 Dips eventually ceased its operations, leaving its current net worth unknown.
Net Worth Timeline
Below is a detailed timeline of Back 9 Dips’ net worth:
| Year | Valuation |
|---|---|
| Pre-Shark Tank | $1 million |
| Post-Investment | $600,000 |
| Present | Unknown |
Reasons for the Collapse of Back 9 Dips
The downfall of Back 9 Dips can be attributed to a recall of their products in 2014. The USDA recalled over 12,000 pounds of the dips due to the inclusion of anchovies, an undeclared allergen. This setback led to the company’s collapse and their inability to recover.
The recall of Back 9 Dips’ products in 2014 was a significant blow to the business. The inclusion of undeclared allergens, such as anchovies, led to a recall by the USDA, impacting over 12,000 pounds of their dips. This issue not only tarnished the company’s reputation but also resulted in financial losses and legal implications.
The recall had a cascading effect on Back 9 Dips’ operations, causing a loss of consumer trust and confidence. Customers became wary of purchasing their products, leading to a decline in sales and revenue. Additionally, the recall expenses and potential lawsuits further strained the company’s financial situation, contributing to their ultimate collapse.
Despite their efforts to rectify the situation, the recall had long-lasting consequences for Back 9 Dips. The negative publicity and damage to their brand image proved too difficult to overcome, ultimately resulting in the closure of the business.
The example below provides an overview of the recall and its impact on Back 9 Dips:
| Recall Details | Impact on Back 9 Dips |
|---|---|
| Recalled over 12,000 pounds of dips | Loss of inventory and product revenue |
| Inclusion of undeclared allergen (anchovies) | Damaged reputation and loss of consumer trust |
| Expenses incurred for recall implementation | Financial strain and increased liabilities |
| Potential lawsuits | Legal implications and additional financial burden |
The recall of Back 9 Dips’ products was a significant contributing factor to the collapse of their business. The company’s inability to recover from the negative impact of the recall and regain consumer trust ultimately led to their downfall.
Competitors of Back 9 Dips
While Back 9 Dips had a unique product with their blended chicken wing dips, they faced competition from other food-related start-ups in the Tampa Bay area. One of their notable competitors was Rose’s Hot Dogs and Grilled Subs, who offered a range of delicious hot dogs and subs for customers to enjoy.
Similar to Back 9 Dips, Rose’s Hot Dogs and Grilled Subs attracted customers with their flavorful offerings. They crafted their menu with a variety of hot dog toppings and a selection of mouthwatering grilled subs, providing options for different taste preferences.
With Back 9 Dips focusing on their innovative dip creations, they sought to outshine their competitors by offering unique flavors and catering to dip enthusiasts. However, the market competition was fierce, and Back 9 Dips had to continuously adapt their offerings to stay ahead.
| Competitor | Description |
|---|---|
| Back 9 Dips | A dip made from blended chicken wings, known for its distinct flavor and unique concept. |
| Rose’s Hot Dogs and Grilled Subs | A food establishment specializing in gourmet hot dogs and delicious grilled subs, offering a range of flavors and toppings. |
Competition within the food industry is common, as businesses strive to stand out and captivate customers’ taste buds. Back 9 Dips faced the challenge of carving a niche in a market with established and emerging dip brands. While their unique concept helped them differentiate, they had to continuously innovate and adapt to succeed among their competitors.
Back 9 Dips Products
At the heart of Back 9 Dips’ offerings are their delicious Chicken Dips, a unique blend of flavors that are sure to satisfy any appetite. These mouthwatering dips come in a variety of tempting flavors, perfect for any occasion:
- Buffalo Wing Dip: A bold and tangy dip that packs a punch with its spicy buffalo flavor.
- Hot Habanero Dip: For those who like it hot, this dip delivers a fiery kick with habanero peppers.
- Sweet & Spicy BBQ Dip: Combining the sweetness of BBQ sauce with a hint of heat, this dip strikes the perfect balance.
Each flavor of Back 9 Dips Chicken Dips is crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients to ensure a taste that is both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a night in, or looking for a delicious snack, Back 9 Dips has a flavor to suit every palate.
Indulge in these delectable dips and elevate your snacking experience with Back 9 Dips’ tantalizing flavors.
Testimonial from a satisfied retail partner:
“Partnering with Back 9 Dips has been an exceptional experience for our business. Their unique product offering, combined with their strong brand presence, has attracted a large customer base and generated significant sales. We are thrilled to have them as a valuable addition to our portfolio of high-quality food products.”
Current Endeavors of the Founders
After the unfortunate collapse of Back 9 Dips, the founders, David and Nique Mealey, have moved on to new ventures. David Mealey is now leveraging his sales expertise as a Regional Sales Manager for Nat Sherman, a well-known manufacturer of handmade cigars and premium cigarettes. His role involves building and nurturing relationships with wholesale distributors, managing sales territories, and driving business growth.
On the other hand, Nique Mealey has found her passion in the vibrant world of marketing. She currently holds the position of Field Marketing Manager for a popular restaurant chain based in Orlando. In this role, Nique focuses on developing and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive foot traffic, enhance customer engagement, and increase brand awareness for the chain’s multiple locations.
Although Back 9 Dips faced significant challenges leading to its closure, the Mealeys have pivoted their careers, tapping into their individual strengths and pursuing new opportunities in their respective fields. Their commitment to their current endeavors showcases their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
FAQ
What is the current net worth of Back 9 Dips?
The current net worth of Back 9 Dips is unknown since the company went out of business.
Who are the founders of Back 9 Dips?
Back 9 Dips was founded by David and Nique Mealey.
What happened to Back 9 Dips after their appearance on Shark Tank?
Back 9 Dips experienced an increase in sales and expanded their distribution to over 1,400 locations across multiple states. They also secured partnerships with major retailers such as Costco and a major food distributor.
Why did Back 9 Dips go out of business?
Back 9 Dips went out of business due to a recall of their products in 2014. The USDA recalled over 12,000 pounds of the dips due to the inclusion of anchovies, an undeclared allergen.
Who were the competitors of Back 9 Dips?
Back 9 Dips faced competition from other food-related start-ups in the Tampa Bay area, including Rose’s Hot Dogs and Grilled Subs.
What products did Back 9 Dips offer?
Back 9 Dips’ main product was the Chicken Dips, which came in various flavors such as Buffalo Wing Dip, Hot Habanero Dip, and Sweet & Spicy BBQ Dip.
What successes and partnerships did Back 9 Dips achieve?
After their appearance on Shark Tank, Back 9 Dips experienced an increase in sales and secured partnerships with major retailers such as Costco and a major food distributor.
What are the current endeavors of the founders of Back 9 Dips?
David Mealey is currently working as a Regional Sales Manager for Nat Sherman, a manufacturer of handmade cigars and premium cigarettes. Nique Mealey is working as a Field Marketing Manager for an Orlando-based restaurant chain.
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