Imagine you’re hosting a barbecue. You’ve got a variety of meats on the grill, some spicy, some mild, some cooked rare, others well-done. As the grill master, it’s your job to keep track of which piece is which. But with all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to mix them up. This common grilling problem can lead to serving the wrong piece to your guests, causing disappointment or even dietary issues.
Leslie Haywood, a stay-at-home mom from Charleston, South Carolina, faced this exact challenge. One day, her husband accidentally gave her a spicy piece of chicken instead of a mild one. This mix-up sparked an idea in Leslie’s mind. She envisioned a simple tool that could mark each piece of meat, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want.
That’s how Grill Charms was born. Small, stainless steel markers that you insert into meat before grilling to identify its type or doneness.
To bring her innovative product to a wider audience, Leslie decided to pitch Grill Charms on the popular TV show, Shark Tank. She hoped to secure an investment that would help her scale production and reach more customers. She asked for $50,000 in exchange for a 25% equity stake in Grill Charms. Did the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out our Grill Charms update to find out!
Grill Charms Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Leslie Haywood went on Shark Tank asking for $50,000 for 25% of her company. This meant she thought her business was worth $200,000. She made a deal with Robert Herjavec (and others) for $50,000 for 25%. That deal kept the value at $200,000. The episode was aired on September 29, 2009. The company later licensed the product to Fox Run Brands and is still listed “active (licensed)”. Using the default 10% yearly growth method from 2009 to 2025 (~16 years), the estimated current net worth is around $200,000 × (1.10^16) ≈ $930,000 in 2025.
After appearing on Shark Tank, Leslie’s journey took several turns. Initially, she secured a deal with Robert Herjavec, who offered $50,000 for a 25% stake in her company. This partnership provided the necessary funds and mentorship to expand her business.
In early 2013, Leslie entered into a licensing agreement with Fox Run Brands, a company specializing in kitchen and grilling products. This collaboration allowed Grill Charms to reach a broader market, as Fox Run handled manufacturing and distribution. The product was featured in various retail stores and online platforms, making it accessible to grilling enthusiasts nationwide.
However, by 2020, the licensing agreement with Fox Run had concluded, and Grill Charms was no longer available on their website. As of today, the product is out of stock at major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. The company’s current status appears to be inactive, with no recent updates or product availability.
Yes, Leslie Haywood successfully secured a deal on Shark Tank. She asked for $50,000 in exchange for a 25% equity stake in Grill Charms. After presenting her product and engaging in negotiations with the Sharks, Robert Herjavec agreed to her terms, investing $50,000 for 25% equity.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | $50,000 for 25% equity | N/A | Yes |
| Kevin O’Leary | 1# $50,000 for 50% equity + 7% royalty 2# $50,000 for 20% equity + 7% royalty | N/A | No |
| Daymond John and Kevin Harrington | $50,000 for 50% equity | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin Harrington | $50,000 for 50% equity | N/A | No |
Grill Charms Shark Tank pitch
Leslie Haywood, a dedicated mother and wife, enjoyed hosting barbecues for family and friends. During one of these gatherings, a simple mistake occurred: her husband served her a piece of chicken that was spicier than she could handle. This mix-up highlighted a common problem in grilling, identifying different types of meat and their levels of doneness.
Determined to find a solution, Leslie brainstormed ideas and came up with Grill Charms. These small, stainless steel markers could be inserted into meat before cooking, allowing the cook to easily identify each piece’s seasoning or doneness. This innovation aimed to eliminate confusion and ensure everyone received their preferred meal.
When Leslie stepped into the Shark Tank, she exuded confidence and passion for her product. She began by sharing her personal story about the spicy chicken mix-up. This led to the creation of Grill Charms. Holding up the small, metal markers, she demonstrated how they could be inserted into pieces of meat before grilling.
Leslie explained that Grill Charms were made of high-quality stainless steel, making them durable and heat-resistant. Each charm featured a unique design, representing different marinades, levels of spiciness, or doneness. This system allowed grill masters to keep track of various preferences, ensuring each guest received their desired meal.
She also highlighted her early successes. Before appearing on Shark Tank, Grill Charms were already available in 103 independent retail stores across the United States, Canada, and Sweden. In the past year, she had generated $60,000 in sales, with each set of six charms priced at $19.95. Keep reading our Grill Charms update to see what happens next!
During Leslie’s pitch, the Sharks had several questions to better understand the product and its potential.
Kevin O’Leary asked, “What prevents someone from copying your idea?” Leslie responded that she had a patent-pending, aiming to protect her unique concept.
Robert Herjavec inquired, “How are you currently manufacturing the charms?” Leslie explained that she was working with a local manufacturer but needed investment to scale production and reduce costs.
Kevin Harrington questioned, “What are your plans for marketing and distribution?” Leslie shared her vision of partnering with larger retailers and utilizing online platforms to reach a broader audience.
Daymond John asked, “Have you faced any challenges with the product?” Leslie admitted that educating consumers about the product’s purpose was a hurdle, but positive customer feedback kept her motivated.
Barbara Corcoran inquired, “What are your profit margins?” Leslie detailed her costs, indicating a healthy margin but emphasizing the need for investment to achieve economies of scale.
After hearing Leslie’s pitch and responses, the Sharks deliberated.
Kevin O’Leary expressed interest but was concerned about the risk. He offered $50,000 for 50% equity and a 7% royalty on sales.
Kevin Harrington saw potential in the product but wanted a significant stake. He matched O’Leary’s offer of $50,000 for 50% equity, but without the royalty.
Robert Herjavec believed in Leslie’s vision and the product’s uniqueness. He offered $50,000 for 25% equity, aligning with Leslie’s initial proposal.
Daymond John decided not to make an offer, stating that the product didn’t align with his expertise.
Barbara Corcoran also chose to pass, feeling that Leslie had sufficient offers to consider.
Leslie weighed her options and ultimately accepted Robert Herjavec’s offer of $50,000 for 25% equity. This partnership provided her with the necessary funds and a strategic partner to help grow Grill Charms.
Product Availability
From our Grill Charms Update Research, Grill Charms appears to be out of business. The product is no longer available on major retail platforms like Amazon, Walmart, or the company’s official website. The last major update came in 2013 when Leslie entered a licensing agreement with Fox Run Brands.
This deal helped distribute Grill Charms on a larger scale, but by 2020, the product had disappeared from the market. There are no recent social media updates or website activity related to Grill Charms, which suggests that the business has either been discontinued or remains inactive.
Conclusion
Grill Charms was a smart and practical idea that solved a common grilling problem. Leslie Haywood successfully pitched her product on Shark Tank, securing a $50,000 deal with Robert Herjavec. She managed to scale her business and even landed a licensing agreement with Fox Run Brands.
However, despite its initial success, Grill Charms eventually faded from the market. Challenges such as consumer education, retail distribution hurdles, and possible competition likely contributed to its decline.
While Grill Charms is no longer available, Leslie Haywood’s journey remains an inspiring example of how innovation can come from everyday problems. Her story shows that even if a business doesn’t last forever, taking a chance on an idea can lead to exciting opportunities and valuable learning experiences.
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.
