Why did Meat the Mushroom accept Lori Greiner and Kevin O'Leary's deal? 'Shark Tank' fans convinced Baltimore couple struck 'sharky' deal
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Marvin and Aleah Montague, a Baltimore couple, recently appeared on Season 15 of 'Shark Tank' to promote their vegan mushroom bacon.
However, as the pair was able to strike a two-shark deal on the January 26 episode, viewers are concerned that they are being taken advantage of by ABC investors with a "sharky" deal.
Plant-based meat companies have found a place on 'Shark Tank.' Meat the Mushroom is the most recent addition to the lineup, with its main product, Shroomacon, a mushroom-based bacon substitute. Marvin and Aleah just pitched their product on the show, asking $150K for 7.5%.
However, as Marvin and Aleah agreed upon Kevin O'Leary and Lori Greiner's much bigger bite into their company, fans on Instagram reacted, saying, "Those 'sharks' really live up to their names. 😡 I think it's crappy how they demand such a huge cut of the business for what amounts to not a lot of cash for them. 😪"
On X, fans wrote, "It felt like #sharktank took advantage of the couple." While one felt, "they seem like they don't want it Kevins deal."
It felt like #sharktank took advantage of the 🍄 🥓 couple
— BOO noodle (@olivernoodle) January 27, 2024
Co-Shark Daniel Lubetzky also took to X to share, "Seeing Mr Wonderful @kevinolearytv make a fair offer is a rare #SharkTank moment! Marvin and Aleah, this might be your golden moment. Don't let it slip away! #MeatTheMushroom @ABCSharkTank."
Seeing Mr. Wonderful @kevinolearytv make a fair offer is a rare #SharkTank moment! Marvin and Aleah, this might be your golden moment. Don't let it slip away! #MeatTheMushroom @ABCSharkTank pic.twitter.com/XkD4MBQFia
— Daniel Lubetzky (@DanielLubetzky) January 27, 2024
Fans suggested, "Or you could come in with a better offer... they are so great!"
Or you could come in with a better offer... they are so great!
— Lane (@LaneC_PennState) January 27, 2024
Kevin couldn't care about the reactions as he tweeted while the episode was airing, "If you have a great idea and great team, yeah, I’ll bite."
If you have a great idea and great team, yeah, I’ll bite. #SharkTank
— Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) January 27, 2024
Meat the Mushroom took lessons from 'Shark Tank's Like Air
Aleah spoke with the creators of Like Air to assist them prepare for the significant increase in sales. Shroomacon was out of stock this week, but it was replenished just in time for the Friday episode.
The deal with Kevin and Lori is expected to be completed within the next three months.
Previous customers on their "friends and family" email list will receive priority on orders. New clients may need to wait a bit longer to get their items.
Where can you find Meat the Mushroom?
On MeatTheMushroom.com's shop locations page, you can check which retail outlets carry the goods. Shroomacon is currently available at stores in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, San Antonio, Atlanta, Madison, Fort Worth, Portland, Houston, and others.
In an interview with BizJournals.com, Marvin expects 'Shark Tank' will have its products in 1,000 grocery shops by the end of 2024.
What is the cost of Meat the Mushroom products?
The Black-owned company offers four packs for $48 and eight packs for $88. These two goods have almost 400 5-star consumer evaluations on Judge.me.
The creators intend to expand their product range by creating mushroom-based chorizo and boneless ribs.
'Shark Tank' Season 15 airs on Fridays on ABC at 8 pm ET.
For those who miss the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
