CBS Foods Defies the Odds after Being Denied by Shark Tank Investors

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CBS Foods announces 2012 large scale distribution, placing their Original Shrimp Burger in over 800 retail stores by the end of first quarter alone. Starting with several retail food-chains along the east coast, including Price Chopper, Giant Eagle and BJ's Wholesale Club – the brand has poised itself for nationwide roll-out and continued growth potential through 2012. 

In May 2011, Shawn "Chef Big Shake" Davis pitched the panel of investor "Sharks" (Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin Harrington, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary) on season 2 of the hit ABC show Shark Tank, requesting a $200,000 investment for his company's flagship product – the Original Shrimp Burger by CBS Foods. Despite not getting an offer from the Sharks, the disappointed entrepreneur secured over $500,000 from private investors who saw him on the show, and also saw the potential for the brand.

Davis is excited to announce the 2012 large scale distribution, saying: "At CBS Foods, we are pleased to experience such immense growth in so little time. We are thrilled that consumers enjoy the Shrimp Burgers, as our mission has always been to bring gourmet seafood dishes into the everyday meal. CBS Foods looks forward to selling in supermarkets across the country, all of which was made possible thanks to the help of Shark Tank."

In February 2012, Davis will reappear on Season 3 of Shark Tank in a follow-up episode to share his success story behind CBS Foods. Davis says, "The Shark Tank experience has truly been fantastic. We have learned a lot about our brand and where we want to go in the future – and are proud to be featured as a success story."

At the end of 2010, sales for CBS Foods equaled about $30,000. After the episode aired in 2011, the company's revenue grew over 300% in just 3 months time. Now, analysts project $5.5 million in profits by the end of 2012.

The critically acclaimed Shark Tank gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true, and possibly make a business deal that will make them millionaires. Season Three continues to make TV history, with the Sharks offering over $6.2 million of their own money in investment deals to bankroll a creative array of innovative entrepreneurs.

This large scale distribution is the first of its size for CBS Foods, as well as a major breakthrough into the burger alternative market. The Original Shrimp Burger is packed with domestic shrimp and gives diners a low-fat, high-protein alternative to traditional beef burgers. For more information about CBS Foods, Inc. and Chef Big Shake, visit www.cbsfoods.com.

About Shark Tank
Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of Shark Tank, based on the Japanese "Dragons' Den" format created by Nippon Television Network Corporation. The series is from Sony Pictures Television.

About CBS Foods, Inc.:
Founded by Shawn "Chef Big Shake" Davis, CBS Foods, Inc. specializes in creating gourmet seafood dishes. Each product the company offers is priced to be affordable to all consumers. Chef Big Shake's first creation was the "Original" Shrimp Burger, a patty of a blend of succulent shrimp, fresh peppers and spices blended together to create a divinely delicious burger. Today, CBS Foods makes the burger in four flavors: Original, Jalapeno, Cajun, and Teriyaki. Our other delicious creations include Lobster Sliders, Lobster Pot Pies and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Follow us on Facebook at CBS Foods and Twitter at @ChefBigShake.  

Media Contact:
Jason Geller – 5WPR
[email protected]
212.999.5585

SOURCE CBS Foods, Inc.