Every day, countless disposable items contribute to environmental pollution. One such item is the humble chopstick. In many countries, billions of chopsticks are used once and then thrown away. This creates a significant waste problem. To tackle this issue, some entrepreneurs have come up with creative solutions.
One notable example is Bryan Parks, the founder of Chopstick Art. He saw an opportunity to turn discarded chopsticks into useful household items. His innovative approach led him to present his idea on the popular TV show, Shark Tank.
The entrepreneur entered the shark tank seeking a $100,000 investment for a 10% equity stake to expand his business further. Did the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out our Chopstick Art update to find out!
Chopstick Art Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Bryant Mason went on Shark Tank asking for $100,000 for 25% of his company. This meant he thought his business was worth $400,000. He did not make a deal with any Shark. The episode was aired on August 16, 2009. The company is still active and continues to operate, selling art made from recycled chopsticks. Using the default 10% yearly growth method, the current net worth of Chopstick Art is estimated to be around $1.8 million in 2025.
After appearing on Shark Tank, the company continued to operate and grow. The exposure from the show helped increase awareness of their unique products. They expanded their product range and formed partnerships with over 200 restaurants to source used chopsticks. Since their appearance, the company’s estimated revenues have reached $1.6 million.
They have maintained a positive reputation and remain in a growth stage. Chopstick Art stayed true to its mission of creating eco-friendly household items and has built an active community around their brand. The Shark Tank experience, while not resulting in a deal, proved valuable for the company’s visibility and development.
Bryan Parks entered the Shark Tank seeking an investment of $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in Chopstick Art. This valued his company at $1 million. Despite his passionate pitch and the uniqueness of his products, none of the Sharks made an offer. They had concerns about the scalability and growth potential of the business. As a result, Bryan left the show without securing a deal.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Daymond John | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin Harrington | Out | N/A | N/A |
Chopstick Art Shark Tank pitch
Bryan Parks, the founder of Chopstick Art, was inspired during a trip to China. He noticed that billions of chopsticks were discarded after a single use, contributing to environmental waste. Motivated to find a solution, Bryan began collecting these used chopsticks. He sanitized them and transformed them into functional and decorative household items.
His goal was to promote environmental sustainability by repurposing waste into valuable products. This led to the creation of Chopstick Art, a company dedicated to reducing waste and offering eco-friendly alternatives.
In his Shark Tank appearance, Bryan presented his products, which included foldable baskets and other household items made from recycled chopsticks. He explained the environmental problem of disposable chopstick waste and how his company addresses this issue. Bryan highlighted that his products were not only eco-friendly but also functional and aesthetically pleasing.
He shared that over five years, his company had generated nearly $500,000 in sales. Bryan sought a $100,000 investment for a 10% equity stake to expand his business further. Keep reading our Chopstick Art update to see what happens next!
During the pitch, the Sharks had several questions:
Kevin O’Leary asked about the production process and the cost of goods sold. Bryan explained that the chopsticks were collected from restaurants, thoroughly sanitized, and then crafted into various products. He mentioned that the cost to produce each item ranged from $7 to $30, depending on the size and complexity.
Robert Herjavec inquired about the scalability of the business. He was concerned about the ability to source enough used chopsticks to meet potential demand. Bryan responded that he had established partnerships with numerous restaurants to supply the used chopsticks and believed that scaling up production was feasible.
Barbara Corcoran questioned the market demand for such products. She wondered if there was a significant customer base interested in items made from recycled chopsticks. Bryan shared that his products had been well-received at various trade shows and that there was a growing market for eco-friendly household items.
After considering Bryan’s pitch and responses, the Sharks shared their thoughts:
Kevin O’Leary appreciated the environmental aspect but was concerned about the profitability and declined to make an offer.
Robert Herjavec liked the creativity but doubted the business’s scalability and chose not to invest.
Kevin Harrington felt that the niche market was too small and decided not to make an offer.
Daymond John admired Bryan’s passion but was uncertain about the growth potential and opted out.
Barbara Corcoran was impressed by the product but questioned the market demand and chose not to invest.
In the end, none of the Sharks made an offer, and Bryan left without a deal.
What Went Wrong With Chopstick Art On Shark Tank?
Several factors contributed to the Sharks’ decision not to invest: The Sharks were worried about the ability to source enough used chopsticks to meet increasing demand. They questioned whether the supply chain could support large-scale production. There were doubts about the size of the target market.
The Sharks were uncertain if there was sufficient consumer interest in products made from recycled chopsticks. Concerns were raised about the profit margins and overall profitability of the business. The Sharks were unsure if the company could achieve significant financial returns. These concerns led the Sharks to conclude that the investment opportunity did not align with their expectations.
Product Availability
The company offers a variety of products made from recycled chopsticks. Their product line includes: Foldable Baskets, Soap Dishes, Trivets, and Coasters. These products are available for purchase on the company’s official website. Prices range from $8.50 for soap dishes to $112 for large folding baskets. The company emphasizes the use of natural dyes and ensures that all products are thoroughly sanitized and safe for use.
Conclusion
Chopstick Art’s journey on Shark Tank highlighted the challenges and opportunities of turning waste into valuable products. Despite not securing a deal, the company continued to thrive, expanding its product line and forming strategic partnerships. Their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative design has resonated with consumers.
As of today, Chopstick Art remains a testament to how passion and perseverance can lead to success, even without initial investor support. We look forward to seeing how the company continues to grow and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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.
