Have you ever struggled to find a snack that satisfies your craving for something creamy, savory, and full of flavor? Many people love the taste of buffalo chicken but wish there were more creative ways to enjoy it beyond the usual wings or sandwiches.
This is where David and Nique Mealy come in. They created Back 9 Dips, a line of buffalo chicken dips that takes the classic taste of buffalo chicken and turns it into a delicious, ready-to-eat snack. David and Nique saw a gap in the market. People loved buffalo chicken, but no one was offering it in a convenient dip form.
They decided to take this idea to Shark Tank in Season 4, hoping to impress the Sharks and secure funding to grow their business. Their product was unique, but did it stand out enough to earn a deal? David and Nique asked for $150,000 in exchange for 15% equity in their company. Did the Sharks see its potential? Check out our Back 9 Dips update to find out!
Back 9 Dips Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
David and Dominique Ronnel went on Shark Tank asking for $150,000 for 15% of their company. This meant they thought their business was worth $1,000,000. They made a deal with Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec for $150,000 for 25%, lowering the valuation to $600,000. The episode was aired on October 5, 2012. The chicken dip brand later shut down due to production issues. The current net worth of Back 9 Dips is $0 in 2025.
The company experienced both highs and challenges after Shark Tank. David and Nique left the tank with a deal from Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec, who offered $150,000 for 25% of the company. This partnership gave Back 9 Dips a boost, and they continued to expand their presence in grocery stores across the country.
Initially, the product received a lot of attention. People loved the idea of buffalo chicken in a dip form, and the flavors were a hit with customers. The brand even secured deals with major supermarket chains, increasing its reach. However, despite the early success, the company faced challenges with scaling production and managing distribution.
As of today, Back 9 Dips is no longer in business. While the product had strong initial sales and gained popularity, the company could not sustain operations in the long run.
Yes, David and Nique secured a deal on Shark Tank. Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec teamed up to offer $150,000 for 25% equity in Back 9 Dips. The deal was finalized after some negotiation, and both Sharks believed in the product’s potential.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Lori Griener | $150,000 for 25% equity | N/A | Yes |
| Robert Herjavec | Partnered with Lori | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Daymond John | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Back 9 Dips shark tank pitch
David and Nique Mealy were passionate food lovers. They always enjoyed experimenting with different recipes and flavors. Their inspiration for Back 9 Dips came from a love of buffalo chicken. They noticed that while many people enjoyed buffalo chicken wings, it wasn’t always convenient to eat.
They decided to turn this popular flavor into a dip that could be enjoyed anywhere. They started small, creating the dip in their kitchen and testing it with friends and family. It quickly became a hit. However, scaling up production was a challenge. They worked hard to perfect the recipe, ensure consistent quality, and package the product for grocery store shelves.
David and Nique entered the Shark Tank with confidence. They began their pitch by explaining the problem they were solving. Buffalo chicken was a beloved flavor, but there were limited ways to enjoy it outside of traditional wings. Their solution was Back 9 Dips, a line of creamy, flavorful dips made with real buffalo chicken.
They showcased their product and even gave the Sharks a live tasting. The Sharks enjoyed the taste, though Kevin O’Leary couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of chicken breasts being blended to make the dip. Despite his jokes, the presentation went well, and the Sharks appreciated the unique product.
David and Nique asked for $150,000 in exchange for 15% equity in their company. They explained that they had already secured 400 accounts, including major supermarkets, and had generated $400,000 in sales over two years. The Sharks were impressed with their margins, which included a cost of $2.52 per unit and a retail price ranging from $7.99 to $8.99. Keep reading our Back 9 Dips update to see what happens next!
The Sharks had several questions about Back 9 Dips. Here’s what they asked and how David and Nique responded:
Kevin O’Leary: “How exactly do you make this product? Are you really blending chicken breasts?” David confirmed that they used real chicken, blending it to create the creamy texture of the dip. Kevin found this amusing but admitted the taste was good.
Mark Cuban: “What’s your strategy for scaling this business?” David and Nique explained their plan to expand their presence in supermarkets and grow their distribution network.
Lori Greiner: “What makes your product stand out from other dips on the market?” The founders highlighted their unique recipe, which used real chicken and bold buffalo flavors.
Daymond John: “What challenges have you faced so far?” David and Nique shared that managing production and meeting growing demand had been their biggest hurdles.
Each Shark had a different response to Back 9 Dips.
Lori Greiner: She liked the taste of the product and appreciated its uniqueness. She initially went out, thinking she wasn’t the right partner, but later teamed up with Robert to make an offer.
Robert Herjavec: He was hesitant at first, calling the food industry “brutal.” However, he came back in and partnered with Lori to offer $150,000 for 25% equity.
Kevin O’Leary: He didn’t mind the idea of blended chicken but felt the business was too risky for him. He decided to pass.
Mark Cuban: He believed in focusing on areas where he could add value. Since he didn’t feel he was a good fit for the food industry, he went out.
Daymond John: He liked the product but was concerned about the challenges of the food industry. He decided not to invest.
In the end, David and Nique accepted Lori and Robert’s offer of $150,000 for 25% equity.
Product Availability
From our Back 9 Dips update research, the product is no longer available. Initially, the dips were sold in major supermarkets and had strong sales. However, the company struggled with scaling production and maintaining consistent distribution. This ultimately led to the business shutting down.
Conclusion
Back 9 Dips started with a unique idea and gained traction quickly. David and Nique impressed the Sharks with their passion and hard work, securing a deal with Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec. While the product had potential, the challenges of scaling and sustaining a food business proved too difficult to overcome.
Although Back 9 Dips is no longer in business, its journey serves as a reminder of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more updates on Shark Tank companies and their progress.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib an undergraduate student of Bachelors in Business Administration. Shark Tank is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. The show provides a fascinating insight into the world of entrepreneurship by presenting creative solutions to common problems, which strongly connects to my academic interests. I’m interested in learning more about the strategic thinking and creativity that lead these companies as each pitch provides insightful information. I’ve found that watching Shark Tank has inspired my enthusiasm for business and entrepreneurship and has been a very enlightening and motivating experience. Apart from business and writing, I love food, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. Read more About me.
