Where Is Tailgate N Go From Shark Tank Today?

Tailgating is a tried-and-true sporting tradition. Whether we're talking about an NFL game in Cincinnati or an NBA game in Los Angeles, you can rest assured that at least a few fans are preparing for the big game with a celebratory tailgate party. Although many common tailgating practices are of a modern nature, History tells us that the origins of the tradition actually go back to ancient times. 

Celebrations heralding the fall were common throughout Ancient Rome and Greece, and those attending would be provided food and drink while they took in the entertainment. This tradition persisted throughout the ages until the advent of cars in the early 20th century, at which point modern tailgating traditions began to take shape. As time went on, tailgaters began bringing along portable grills to fix their own meals, while coolers ensured their beverages remained frosty in the hot sun.

Tailgating is just as popular as ever these days, and fans of outdoor merriment have access to amazing gadgets and tools to ensure they can create tasty dishes when away from home. However, hauling all your supplies to and from the stadium parking lot, campground, or local park can be an immense chore. That was the experience of one entrepreneurial family who decided to turn a tailgating inconvenience into an amazing product.

Like many entrepreneurs who appear on ABC's "Shark Tank," the Johnson family, consisting of dad Ron and kids Taylor and Kobe, pitched their product by explaining how they first developed it. According to the Johnsons, one lakeside outing left them in a bit of a pickle. Multiple bags containing the necessary cooking implements proved unwieldy and inconvenient, which inspired the crew to develop a better solution. The result was the Tailgate N Go, a self-contained "outdoor kitchen" that included features like storage racks, magnetic knife holders, and cutting boards. 

Once they made it through the prototype stage and had a solid product on their hands, they sought out the assistance of "Shark Tank" to secure the necessary funds to expand the operation to a much bigger audience. During their pitch in "Shark Tank" Season 11, Episode 5, the Johnsons asked for an investment of $250,000 in exchange for 10% of their business. While most of the Sharks were not satisfied with the sales figures provided by the family, Kevin O'Leary opted to make an offer anyway. 

However, his offer entailed a $250,000 loan with a 10% rate, for which he requested $100 per every Tailgate N Go sold, as well as 10% equity. Unsurprisingly, the Johnsons weren't eager to jump on an expensive royalty deal, so they instead appealed to Guest Shark Matt Higgins. Higgins made his own proposal, offering $250,000 in exchange for 20% of the business, as well as $50 per unit sold. The Johnsons accepted and ultimately left the Tank with a deal.

Matt Higgins' deal appears to have provided the push the Johnsons needed to get more of their products out onto the market. According to the Tailgate N Go front page, there are now four different versions of the product available. Additionally, the attachments page also features a wide variety of different accessories, including grills, griddles, and stoves. The business also has a notable presence on Facebook and Twitter, although the pages lack recent updates. 

Despite the company's lack of social media presence, we have a pretty good idea about the company's current status thanks to a "Shark Tank" Update segment from Season 11, Episode 19. According to the segment, prior to the company's "Shark Tank" appearance, Tailgate N Go had only succeeded in generating $137,000 in sales over the course of two years. Only three months after the "Shark Tank" episode aired, the company's sales increased to a total of $400,000.

According to the segment, the company continued to thrive in 2021, which is when a partnership was developed with the NFL that allows Tailgate N Go to feature team colors and logos as an officially licensed product of the NFL. The company also has a similar deal with the NCAA, to the delight of college sports fans everywhere. There's no telling what the future holds, but it appears that tailgaters love this product and the convenience it affords.