Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Update | Shark Tank Season 2
Store-bought beef jerky tends to not taste fresh. Because of this, Ken Howell has taken his family’s original beef jerky recipe and is selling his product to consumers. Will he get a beefed-up deal on
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky after
Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky appeared on
| Shark: | Result: |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Jeff Foxworthy | No Offer |
Shark Tank Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Update
- Entrepreneur: Ken Howell
- Business: Original recipe beef jerky
- Ask: $25,000 for 20% equity stake
- Result: No deal
- Shark: None
Ken brought Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky to
Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky does not include any added preservatives. He says that the flavor of his product will appeal to consumers, thanks to its taste and the lack of chemicals in it.
When asked where the Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky name comes from, Ken explains that his Dad was Uncle Zip. He has since passed away, and Ken is carrying on the torch of his dad’s beef jerky.
Kevin O’Leary says he likes the product but asks about shelf life. Ken says it lasts around two months.
This prompts Robert Herjavec to ask how that would make the beef jerky stand out from other brands that can last for years. Ken reiterates that the flavor is worth the shorter shelf life.
Daymond John asks about sales, and Ken admits from the start that they are down, due to personal circumstances as he grieved the loss of his dad. He says he is basically in a rebuilding stage of life right now.
To that point, he says his sales over the years have totaled $100,000. In the previous year, he sold around $40,000 to $50,000.
At this point, guest shark Jeff Foxworthy chimes in. He says he likes the jerky, despite having his own competing product.
He then asks Ken what he plans to do with an investment. Ken says he wants to spend the money on upgrading the current processing facility and expanding the company.
Robert is not convinced that the business is viable and asks Ken if he is just sticking to it in his dad’s memory. Ken admits that this is a business his dad wanted, so he is going to do whatever it takes to keep his dream alive.
Robert says that the business is just not investible. He is the first shark out.
Daymond echoes the feeling and follows by going out too.
Kevin also goes out, for the same reason and Jeff goes out as well, but because he’s in the same business.
Barbara Corcoran highlights that Ken doesn’t need outside help to make it because he’s already made it in the business before. That said, she is also out.
With no offers from the sharks, Ken left
Our Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky update reveals that the company benefited from its appearance on
Unfortunately, Ken passed away in 2014. Since then, the business was taken over by his friend, who has kept it going.
You can find the jerky options on the Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky website. They also have a Jerky Club, if you’d like to receive monthly deliveries.
If we get any more news on an Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky update, we will let you know!
If you follow the links below, you’ll be able to read all about the products that appeared on Season 2 Episode 4.
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Andrew Smith is the founder and owner of Shark Tank Recap. He is a longtime Shark Tank fan that has been watching it for years and has seen every episode multiple times. His friends know him as the Shark Tank expert, because he can answer any question about the show! His favorite Shark Tank products are Bertello's pizza oven and Bug Bite Thing!