“Our spice rub is great on meat, and even on vegetables, which we think our liberal friends will appreciate.”
Thus did Heath Hall, president of D.C.-based Pork Barrel BBQ, begin his pitch on Sunday night’s episode of “Shark Tank,” the ABC show where entrepreneurs ask a panel of venture capitalists to fund their companies.
Six months ago, Hall and Brett Thompson, two former Republican Senate staffers, began their BBQ sauce and rub company, and quickly took second place in the sauce category at the National Capital BBQ Battle. “We’re an American company that isn’t owned or operated by the federal government,” deadpanned Hall.
Ultimately, four of the investors weren’t persuaded, citing challenges in the areas of distribution and marketing. But investor Barbara Corcoran, after first suggesting that Hall wear a pig outfit as a full-time mascot for the company, agreed to give the pair $50,000 in exchange for a 50 percent stake in the company.
Nearly 150 of their family and friends turned out at Mango Mike’s in Alexandria on Sunday to watch their segment. “We’ve been fortunate that Pork Barrel BBQ has had such great support from our family and friends,” said Thompson. “It was an amazing experience to be at Mango Mike’s for our Shark Tank watch party and have them cheering us on as we did battle with the Sharks.”
