SubZero Ice Cream Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 4
Jerry Hancock presents SubZero Ice Cream, a customizable liquid nitrogen ice cream franchise, seeking investment to expand operations.
SubZero Ice Cream, which appears in Shark Tank Season 4 Episode 13, was created by entrepreneur and chemist Jerry Hancock. He perfected a method of using liquid nitrogen to make custom ice cream flavors on the spot for his customers.
Choose a base (premium, custard, yogurt, low-fat cream, soy, or rice milk), choose a flavor (ANY combination you want), and add mix-ins. Once all the components are in place, the mixture is blasted with liquid nitrogen at negative 321 degrees and, VOILA! SubZero custom ice cream is yours to enjoy! Ice cream lovers can enjoy Ice Cream at the original store in Utah or one of 16 other franchised SubZero Ice Cream shops.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 4 Episodes.
About SubZero Ice Cream
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | SubZero Ice Cream |
| Founder | Jerry Hancock |
| Industry | Food / Ice Cream |
| Product | Customizable liquid nitrogen ice cream |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
| Investment Asked | $300,000 for 12% equity |
| Valuation | $2.5 million |
Hancock and franchisees demonstrate the liquid nitrogen process at local schools, which provides an innovative way to market new franchises. The company was founded in 2004 and began franchising in 2005; it is an Entrepreneur Magazine Top 500 Franchise for 2013.
The SubZero Ice Cream Shark Tank Recap
Jerry and Naomi Hancock bring their SubZero Ice Cream to the Shark Tank seeking a $300,000 investment in return for 12% of their company. Fresh ice cream is created right in front of the customer, in under a minute, from a range of flavors.
The presentation and quality of the product impress the Sharks, but there’s more to sweeten the deal. The business is well established, with two corporate stores, eighteen franchises, and eight more in line to be sold. Sales were $2 million in the past year, with projected sales of $4 million for the next year.
A bad partnership cost the couple $500,000. They want to bring the Shark’s marketing expertise to the table.
Did SubZero Ice Cream Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Daymond John doesn’t feel he “has the time” to develop the business. Kevin O’Leary doesn’t find the product “interesting” enough. Robert Herjavec doesn’t think it makes sense to bring another new partner into the business. Lori Greiner believes the pair can succeed on their own.
The final Shark, Mark Cuban, doesn’t “want to be in the ice cream franchise business.” He goes out, and the pair leave the stage without a Shark deal.
SubZero Ice Cream Shark Tank Update
Since it was already an established business, the Shark Tank effect has boosted business three times for most franchises. In spite of the Sharks turning down the idea, the business seems to have no trouble maintaining momentum. The franchises continue to grow, expanding across the US and internationally. Sub Zero might not have enticed a Shark deal, but the interesting ice cream treat is a hit with customers.
As of May 2022, there are 35 franchises in operation, and annual revenue is more than $15 million. The estimated net worth of SubZero Ice Cream is around $15 million.
Posts about SubZero Ice Cream on Shark Tank Blog
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Franchise
Where Can You Buy It?
There are franchise locations across the country. You can choose the nearest one through their official website. Check out their social media pages for more updates: Facebook and Twitter.
Quick Summary
- Jerry and Naomi Hancock pitch SubZero Ice Cream, seeking $300,000 for 12% equity, but leave the Shark Tank without a deal.
- SubZero Ice Cream offers a unique experience, using liquid nitrogen to instantly freeze custom ice cream flavors, with 18 franchises and $2 million in sales at the time of the pitch.
- Despite not securing an investment, SubZero saw significant growth after appearing on Shark Tank, with 35 franchises and $15 million in annual revenue by 2022.
Curious to know about the other businesses that appeared on the same episode? Check out their business updates!
- Coffee Joulies Shark Tank Update
- Teddy Needs a Bath Shark Tank Update
- Urbio Shark Tank Update
- Litter Jewelry Shark Tank Update
