Bon Appe Sweet - Shark Tank Update

Thereasa Black entered Shark Tank season 17, episode 9, with Bon AppéSweet, a better-for-you dessert brand built on the idea that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the expense of health. Asking $70,000 for 10%, Thereasa immediately impressed the Sharks-not just with her product, but with her story.

A former U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer who once drove an aircraft carrier, she now personally manufactures her chocolate in her own facility, bringing discipline and control to every step of the business.

Bon AppéSweet’s date-sweetened chocolate bars cost $2.48 to produce and sell direct-to-consumer for $8.50, while also gaining retail traction in 376 Walmart locations and Whole Foods, where the brand generated roughly $100,000 in sales at each retailer. In total, the company posted $526,000 in 2024 revenue, though it was not yet profitable, reporting a $141,000 loss largely due to a one-time investor finder’s fee.

Despite the lack of profit, the Sharks were surprised by how low the valuation was, given the margins, retail footprint, and founder’s execution. Rashaun Williams quickly stepped in with an offer slightly above the ask-$75,000 for 10%-before Robert Herjavec jumped in to partner, adding $100,000 for another 10%.

Seeing the opportunity to bring on two strategic partners, Thereasa accepted the combined deal of $175,000 for 20%, securing Shark backing to help Bon AppéSweet scale its mission of mindful indulgence while expanding deeper into national retail.

After closing a two-Shark deal, Bon AppéSweet leaned into scaling operations while maintaining founder control over production quality. With Robert Herjavec and Rashaun Williams backing the brand, the company focused on strengthening retail relationships, optimizing margins, and expanding distribution within existing national partners.

The post-show spotlight reinforced Bon AppéSweet’s credibility in the better-for-you dessert space, where clean ingredients and founder authenticity matter. Addressing prior one-time expenses improved the company’s financial picture, and Shark guidance helped refine pricing and growth strategy.

The brand emerged positioned as a disciplined, mission-driven food company ready for wider national reach.