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Y’all Sweet Tea Secures $500,000 Investment on Shark Tank

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News Summary

Darien Craig and Brandon Echols from Hayden, Alabama, successfully landed a $500,000 investment for their business, Y’all Sweet Tea, on Shark Tank. Founded in 2021, the company has gained popularity for its Southern-inspired sweet tea and diverse product line, attracting significant attention from both consumers and investors. Following their appearance on the show, sales soared to over $10 million, marking a monumental step in their entrepreneurial journey. With plans for further expansion and a highly celebrated family background, the future looks promising for this dynamic duo.

Exciting News from Hayden, Alabama: Y’all Sweet Tea Grabs $500,000 on Shark Tank!

In a thrilling turn of events, two dynamic entrepreneurs, Darien Craig and Brandon Echols from Hayden, Alabama, have made waves by landing a fantastic $500,000 investment for their business, Y’all Sweet Tea, on the hit ABC show “Shark Tank.” The episode that showcased their entrepreneurial journey aired on November 15, 2024, and it was one for the books!

From Small Town Dreams to Big Time Investment

Founded in 2021, Y’all Sweet Tea specializes in sweet tea that packs a distinctly Southern punch. The drink has become a staple for many, and it’s no surprise that it caught the attention of investors. During their pitch, Craig and Echols presented their company alongside three other startups, truly showcasing what Southern hospitality is all about.

The twist? They walked away with a jaw-dropping offer of $500,000 in exchange for a 15% stake in their growing enterprise from seasoned investors Rashaun Williams and Lori Greiner. Rashaun is notably a co-owner of the Atlanta Falcons and has quite the reputation as a venture capitalist. With such partners, Craig and Echols are set to elevate Y’all Sweet Tea to great heights!

Expanding Products for a Growing Audience

Y’all Sweet Tea has been busy since its inception, expanding its product line beyond tea bags to include an array of items like cookware, spices, and even ground coffee. This diverse selection shows their commitment to providing quality Southern-inspired products to their customers.

The duo has harnessed the power of social media to push their brand forward, collaborating with some remarkable influencers along the way. One noteworthy partner is Brenda Gantt, a beloved Alabama food entrepreneur who has amassed an incredible 4 million followers online. With that kind of influence, it’s no wonder Y’all Sweet Tea is on the rise!

A Surprise and Sweet Family Ties

During their unforgettable Shark Tank appearance, Darien’s grandmother, Sue Garrett (affectionately known as “Mama Sue”), made a surprise visit! Not only did she add a touch of family warmth to the presentation with her famed tea recipe, but she also served drinks to the sharks. Her Southern charm has also attracted a whopping 3.5 million viewers to her cooking videos, making quite the impact in the food community.

Sellout Success Post Shark Tank

After the show, the entrepreneurs launched an irresistible promotion called “The Shark Tank Bundle”, featuring their delightful tea flavors that caught the sharks’ attention. Their flagship product comes in a variety of scrumptious flavors, including classic sweet and unsweet tea, juicy Peach, and refreshing Watermelon, all crafted from cherished family recipes.

Since launching, Y’all Sweet Tea has racked up an impressive $10.3 million in sales, with a staggering 85% of that coming directly from their website! The tea is now available in around 600 grocery stores across the Southeastern United States, and the duo dreams of seeing their products on the shelves of major retailers like Walmart and Target.

A Dream Come True for Craig and Echols

For Craig and Echols, appearing on Shark Tank wasn’t just a business opportunity; it was a lifelong ambition. They have known each other since childhood, creating a strong bond that reflects in their business partnership. They plan to take Y’all Sweet Tea further by bottling their delicious tea for even wider market distribution, aiming to dive into the refrigerated beverage realm.

The stars seem to be aligning for these Southern entrepreneurs as they continue to grow their brand, share their love for tea, and take their place in the ever-expanding world of specialty beverages. With Rashaun Williams and Lori Greiner backing their venture, the future is looking sweet—just like their tea!