^{Source: CNBC}

After 13 groundbreaking seasons and over 80 investments, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban made his final pitch-side appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank — and left with one last deal that was anything but traditional.

On the season finale, Cuban offered $125,000 to co-invest in Deviled Egg Co., a rapidly growing restaurant chain built around a single, nostalgic appetizer: the deviled egg. Co-founded by Raechel Van Buskirk and Alexi Wellman, the company started as a home kitchen experiment in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2017. By 2020, it had evolved into a food trailer, and today, it operates three physical locations — two sit-down restaurants and one grab-and-go outlet — all in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

A Quirky Niche with Real Revenue

Deviled Egg Co. is anything but conventional. Their menu includes creative takes on the classic egg dish, with unique flavors like crab rangoon, cheeseburger, and chicken quesadilla deviled eggs — drawing both curiosity and cult-like enthusiasm from patrons.

In 2024, the brand reported just under $1.3 million in annual revenue, with a strong profit margin. The business also offers national shipping, with a 36-egg sampler — dubbed the “Shark Tank Special” — available to customers across the U.S.

On the show, Van Buskirk and Wellman requested $150,000 for a 5% stake, valuing the company at $3 million. They outlined plans to open two more grab-and-go outlets and shared that interest in franchising is already building.

A Personal Backstory That Resonated

The business journey was intertwined with Van Buskirk’s personal challenges. In late 2022, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to relocate the business to Texas to be closer to family during treatment. She’s now in full remission, and Deviled Egg Co. has become a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurial grit.

Their Omaha location officially closed in December 2023 to focus on expansion in the Dallas region.

The Sharks React

The Sharks had mixed reactions. Daymond John praised the product as “probably the best thing I’ve ever eaten in 16 years on this stage,” yet declined to invest. Lori Greiner echoed the sentiment but also passed.

Barbara Corcoran, known for her keen eye for food startups like Cousins Maine Lobster, offered $150,000 for 15% equity. Kevin O’Leary countered with a steeper $150,000 for 20%.

Then came Cuban’s move. In a surprise twist, he proposed a partnership with Corcoran: $250,000 for 20% combined equity, split evenly between them. “I definitely love it,” Cuban said, with a smile. Corcoran agreed, and the founders jumped at the deal.

What's Next?

While Van Buskirk confirmed post-show that negotiations with the Sharks are ongoing, the TV deal represents a potential growth milestone for Deviled Egg Co. According to Van Buskirk, franchising inquiries have increased significantly since the episode aired.

According to Business Insider, niche food concepts like this are increasingly popular in the U.S. fast-casual space, especially when tied to unique experiences and personal storytelling. Industry reports suggest that quirky, themed concepts in quick-service dining have grown 11% year-over-year as consumers seek more personalized and novel dining options.

Cuban’s Emotional Farewell

As the lights dimmed on Cuban’s final pitch, the billionaire investor became reflective. “To all the entrepreneurs who said yes to me — who knows how many millionaires we’ve created? I’m proud of what we’ve done,” he said, visibly emotional.

Cuban plans to turn his attention to Cost Plus Drugs, his online pharmacy startup aimed at slashing the cost of prescription medications in the U.S. He also intends to spend more time with his family.

This final investment — into a brand fueled by creativity, courage, and comfort food — seems a fitting conclusion to Cuban’s Shark Tank legacy.