HotShot Coffee Update | Shark Tank Season 7

Danny Grossfeld traveled to Japan in 2009 and noticed how vending machines were used to sell hot canned coffee. People could grab a hot drink instantly without waiting in line or making it themselves. Seeing that the US didn’t have anything like that, he created HotShot, a coffee that stays hot in a special warming box. Will the sharks invest in this business? Let’s get into our HotShot update and pitch recap to find out.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to HotShot after Shark Tank.

Danny entered Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $300,000 for 10% equity in his Hot coffee beverage business. After his pitch, the sharks did not find his business worth investing in, leaving Danny without a deal.

In terms of a HotShot update, the company gained traction after Shark Tank, securing private investments and officially launching. Furthermore, HotShot expanded its retail presence by placing its products in major venues like AMC, Cirque du Soleil, and Walt Disney World.

Shark	Result
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Chris Sacca	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Mark Cuban	No offer

Shark Tank HotShot Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Danny Grossfeld
• Business: Hot coffee beverage in an aluminum can
• Ask: $300,000 for 10% equity
• Result: No deal
• Shark: None

Danny entered Shark Tank with a plan to change how Americans enjoy hot coffee on the go.

He asked for an investment to test the product and secure retail deals, starting with movie theaters.

Danny shared that HotShot Coffee is a ready-to-drink hot coffee in a can. He explained that his product was designed for busy people who don’t have time to brew coffee or wait in line.

Stored in a heated hotbox, the coffee stays at 140 degrees, allowing customers to grab a warm can instantly. He described it as America’s first grab-and-go hot coffee in a can, offering convenience without extra steps.

Danny gave out samples and the sharks liked it. However, Mark Cuban said 140 degrees seemed too hot, but Danny explained that the insulated label made it easy to hold.

Furthermore, Danny explained that he had spent six years testing 1,500 recipes to get the flavor just right.

Moreover, he highlighted that the coffee could stay heated for up to three months without losing quality.

Robert Herjavec, curious about the origins of the idea, asked how Danny came up with it. Danny explained that he discovered canned hot coffee in Japan, where it is a $15 billion industry.

This piqued Robert’s interest, leading him to ask about sales. However, Danny admitted that despite spending six years and $2 million on development, he had yet to sell a single can.

Guest shark Chris Sacca, puzzled by this, asked if Danny had generated $2 million in sales, only to realize that the money had been spent on development instead.

At this point, Kevin O’Leary argued that HotShot Coffee was Danny’s boulder—after years of effort, he had yet to make progress.

Nevertheless, Danny was confident that with a shark’s help, he could break into the market and get the product into stores.

Kevin was the first to drop out, stating bluntly that a business with no sales after six years was nothing more than a hobby.

Robert soon followed, arguing that American consumers already had plenty of coffee options and might not embrace hot canned coffee.

Meanwhile, Chris explained that he had previously invested in Blue Bottle Coffee, a high-end brand that had raised $70 million, and saw HotShot Coffee as direct competition, prompting him to pass as well.

Mark wouldn’t invest but he offered to test HotShot Coffee in one of his Landmark Theaters once it began shipping.

Encouraged, Danny asked if he would consider selling it in his stadiums. However, Mark hesitated and jokingly warned, “the rock is going to come down and squash you.”

His last hope was Lori Greiner, but she also declined, believing too much money had been spent without any return.

Danny left without a deal. Let’s see if the shark’s rejection spurred him to success in our HotShot update.

Shark Tank HotShot Update

Our HotShot update found that the company received significant interest shortly after airing, leading to private investments and the official launch of HotShot on November 2, 2015.

The product lineup included flavors like espresso, caramel, vanilla frappe, and hot chocolate, accompanied by a specialized heating device called the “HotBox” to keep the beverages warm.

In 2018, HotShot secured trial placements in major venues, including Regal, AMC, and Cinemark theaters.

They also landed spots at Cirque du Soleil shows, Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, and Madison Square Garden.

The products were also available on Amazon and in select retail locations.

However, in recent years, HotShot appears to have ceased operations.

he company’s website is inactive, and its social media accounts have been dormant since 2019. Products are also listed as unavailable on Amazon.

Unfortunately, this will be our final HotShot update. 

You can find the links to our other company updates for the products featured in Season 7 Episode 6 below:

• Rent Like a Champion Update
• Windcatcher Update
• Stem Center USA Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 7 products.