Why didn't Nourish + Bloom Market get a deal? Internet calls 'Shark Tank' business 'social service' and 'not profitable'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In this quickly changing industry, Nourish + Bloom Market, which debuted on episode 18 of ABC's 15th season of 'Shark Tank,' stands out for its approach to future shopping, striving to make the experience not only accessible but also cheap to everybody. However, when they disclosed their sales figures to the Sharks, both the investors and viewers expressed concern that their low sales might lead to their departure from the company.
A personal encounter inspired the Hemmings to create Nourish + Bloom Market. When their oldest son was diagnosed with autism, Jilea Hemmings and Jamie Michael Hemmings witnessed firsthand the challenges that families face in finding nutritious meal alternatives.
Understanding that access to healthy food is a fundamental human necessity, the Hemmings were inspired by their struggles in acquiring nutritious food, especially after relocating from Chicago to Georgia. They were driven by a goal to address this disparity, particularly in areas identified as "food deserts." This resulted in the formation of Nourish + Bloom Market in July 2022. With only one restaurant now open in Fayetteville, Georgia, their idea of establishing a franchise looked unrealistic.
On Facebook, fans wrote, "Great mission, but not profitable. Hopefully they’ll catch a big break somehow and actually make money." Another person chimed in, "Business is not making g money and never will!"
On Reddit, fans sided with the Sharks saying, " Very tempting if I were a Shark versus issues with the business, one of those heart vs. head things." Another person noted, "Felt like the constant mention of food deserts is a bit of admission that this business only works with gouging level margins. You can get away with gouging for food in food deserts, hotels, airports, lunch rooms... but nowhere else. I guess the constant food desert mentions also creates the illusion that this is somehow a social service."
One Redditor wrote, "This is a great concept but the business is extremely complicated between inventory issues, real estate costs, and the number of avenues they are already taking." Another added, "Very complicated. It's hard to invest in that."
Who are the founders of Nourish + Bloom Market?
Jamie and Jilea are the proprietors and founders of Nourish + Bloom Market. Their entry into the food sector was prompted by their oldest child's autism diagnosis. This experience underscored their belief that everyone should have access to nutritious meals. They are committed to realizing this goal through Nourish + Bloom Market.
Nourish + Bloom Market is the first autonomous grocery shop in the United States to provide robotic delivery, as well as the world's first African-American-owned autonomous grocery store. Nourish + Bloom aims to make healthy eating more convenient. They think that everyone should have access to healthy eating alternatives.
What is the cost of Nourish + Bloom Market?
Customers may purchase various menu items, such as food bowls, sandwiches, and burgers, directly from the Nourish + Bloom Market website and pick them up in-store. The pre-made food selections range in price from $11 to $28, making them both inexpensive and healthy.
The company also sells apparel products such as a unisex T-shirt for $45 and a unisex hoodie for $60. For coffee lovers, their trademark coffee is available for $19.99 and can be ordered online through their website.
Nourish + Bloom Market looking into expansion in the retail marketplace
Since its inception in 2022, Nourish + Bloom has served the Fayetteville, Georgia, community as a nutritional food shop. However, this high-tech industry has sparked increased interest due to its cutting-edge technologies. The Nourish + Bloom app streamlines all purchases. Temperature-controlled robots can carry goods within a three-mile radius of a physical store.
The majority of Google reviews for Nourish + Bloom reflect a positive experience. However, some consumers have expressed confusion with the AI-generated shopping experience and desired additional assistance in setting up their accounts. Despite this, many customers are pleased with the quality and flavor of the market's made-to-order entrées.
Jilea and Jamie, the company's proprietors, plan to extend their high-tech food stores throughout Georgia and Texas. In 2023, they initially intended to launch a financing campaign for their second site; however, the campaign is no longer active. Last month, the pair announced plans to create three small-scale tech-friendly food stores in the greater Atlanta region, intentionally located in food deserts, to increase access to healthy food.
'Shark Tank' Season 15 airs on Fridays on ABC at 8 pm ET.
For those who missed 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.