Highlights
- Jacob and Michelle Sendowski pitch Souper Cubes, silicon freezer trays for portion control, on Shark Tank
- Souper Cubes achieved $1.6 million in sales in 2020, primarily through Amazon
- Lori Greiner offers $400,000 for 5% equity, and the deal closes, leading to significant growth and expanded distribution
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Souper Cubes |
| Founders | Jacob and Michelle Sendowski |
| Industry | Kitchenware |
| Product | Portion-controlled silicon freezer trays |
| Funding | Self-funded |
| Investment Ask | $400,000 |
| Equity Offered | 5% |
| Valuation | $8,000,000 |
Jacob and Michelle Sendowski pitch Souper Cubes, their portion controlled silicon freezer trays, in Shark Tank episode 1214. The couple started the business in 2017 when Michelle wanted an easier way to store soup. She was using regular ice cube trays to freeze and store chicken broth. She wanted a way to know how much broth was in there and Jacob suggested they make a vessel that met their needs. They were dating when they started the business and got married along the way.
They came up with the idea and reached out to an old friend (and third partner in the business) who was doing product sourcing in China to get the product manufactured. The couple funded the company themselves and pushed forward and now have a good business going. They use a lot of different partners to keep things running. They need to since they both have full time jobs and Michelle is pursuing her PhD!
The patented products are simple. They’re blue, silicon trays with lids. There are 2 cup, 1 cup, half cup and two tablespoon trays. All lids fit all trays too. A single tray costs $19.95 and a two pack is $36.99 on Amazon. They also have dozens of recipes on their website. They likely want a Shark’s help expanding their distribution. Will a Shark think this is a souper idea?
Company Information
Video
Posts about Souper Cubes on Shark Tank Blog
The Souper Cube – Frozen Portion Control
Souper Cubes Shark Tank Recap
Jacob and Michelle enter the Shark Tank seeking $400,000 for 5% of their business. They tell their story and hand out samples. The Sharks LOVE their margins and their sales figures: $1.6 million in 2020. Almost 80% of their sales are from Amazon. They want the money to amp up their marketing and they want a Shark to help them manage growth and scale the business.
The offers come fast and furious. Kevin and Barbara both fire offers at the Sendowskis. They counter each other and keep lowering their percentages. Lori jumps in and offers a “golden ticket.” She offers exactly what they asked for: $400,000 for 5%. The Sendowskis quickly agree.
Souper Cubes Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. The first re-run of this episode comes just two months after the original air date. This deal did close and the company appears on Lori’s website. In the aftermath of the show’s original air date, they almost completely sold out of product and did $1 million in sales in 24 hours. Just a few months in to 2021, they are on track to triple 2020 sales. 2021 sales were $3.3 million.
The company gets an update segment in episode 1322. In the update segment, they say they did $938,000 in sales in the 24 hours after the original air date. They completely sold out of product! Since that date (about a year later), they did $8.6 million in sales and they have $14 million in lifetime sales. They expanded distribution to Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. Souper Cubes are rolling out in Crate and Barrel, Bed Bath and Beyond and more. They view the product display with Lori in a Bed Bath and Beyond store. The couple says their success is a dream come true.
Since the update, they’ve introduced a stoneware baking dish, cookie tray and no-slip utensils. In February, 2024, Costco began stocking Souper Cubes. They offer a set containing one 1/2-cup, two 1-cup, and two 2-cup containers for $59.99. Apparently, they’re flying off the shelves. The company also released “My Milk Trays” for freezing breast milk. As of July, 2024, annual revenue is $3-$4 million.
