Crispy Cones - Shark Tank Update

An entrepreneurial spark ignited during Jeremy Carlson's missionary work in the Czech Republic when he discovered rotisserie-style dough cones that didn't exist in America, leading him and his wife Kaitlyn to create Crispy Cones after years of perfecting their concept at Brigham Young University. Their unique approach transforms traditional ice cream service by grilling fresh dough cones rotisserie-style before coating them with cinnamon sugar or crushed Oreos, then filling them with spreads like Nutella or peanut butter, gourmet soft-serve ice cream, and various toppings that create a customizable dessert experience unlike anything available in the American market.

When Jeremy and Kaitlyn entered Shark Tank seeking $200,000 for 10% equity at a $2 million valuation, they brought impressive growth metrics including progression from just $20,000 in their opening year of 2018 to over $500,000 by 2022, plus two successful locations in Utah and Idaho that demonstrated strong profit margins with production costs of $1.50 per cone against $7.50 average selling prices. Their franchise-focused business model aimed to capitalize on the explosive growth potential they'd already demonstrated, with plans to expand into major markets across the United States while maintaining the artisanal quality and unique experience that differentiated them from conventional ice cream shops through their made-to-order approach and Instagram-worthy presentation.

Barbara Corcoran recognized the franchise potential and ultimately secured a deal for $200,000 for 20% equity, doubling Jeremy and Kaitlyn's original equity offer but providing essential capital and franchising expertise that proved transformational for their expansion goals. We found that the deal with Barbara successfully closed on January 1, 2023, immediately accelerating their growth trajectory as they leveraged her guidance to implement self-serve ordering kiosks that improved operational efficiency and provided valuable customer data while handling the massive crowds drawn by their unique concept.

The Shark Tank appearance generated extraordinary momentum, with the company receiving hundreds of franchise applications from every state within 24 hours of airing, ultimately leading to 55 signed franchise agreements across Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Florida, and Texas by 2024, while lifetime sales skyrocketed from under $500,000 over five years to over $2 million in just seven months post-show. Crispy Cones achieved remarkable milestones including partnerships with food distribution giant Sysco to support nationwide expansion, successful retail operations generating over $1 million in annual revenue with a 60% revenue growth boost from their data-driven kiosk systems, and an estimated net worth of $1.2 million while maintaining strong franchisee satisfaction and preparing for continued expansion into new markets.

The company continues operating successfully through their growing franchise network while planning new locations including a Greenville expansion in 2025, proving how innovative food concepts combined with strategic television exposure and experienced mentorship can transform local businesses into national franchise opportunities. In 2026, the expansion has accelerated further.

March 2026 brought a new Pocatello, Idaho location (covered by local ABC affiliate KIFI as a "Shark Tank success story continues" milestone), followed by the Vancouver, Washington opening at Skyview Station in Salmon Creek — marking Crispy Cones' debut in the Portland metro area, with a KOIN 6 News segment capturing the shop in action. On April 17, 2026, the Billings Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration for the brand's first Montana location at 1001 Shiloh Crossing Blvd in Billings.

On May 8, 2026, franchisee Anusha Appana opened the Charlotte, North Carolina location near the Charlotte Premium Outlets in Steele Creek — the Queen City debut, and Crispy Cones' second North Carolina location alongside the earlier Wilmington shop. As of spring 2026, Crispy Cones operates in more than a dozen states, with the multi-directional expansion demonstrating that Barbara Corcoran's franchise instincts proved exactly right.