The Fizz Ice Cream Floats
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: September 13, 2009
Asking For:
$150,000 for 25%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
The Fizz is a novelty product designed to enhance the experience of consuming root beer floats by creating a fizzy reaction within a specialized cup.
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Background Story
David Chodosh, the founder of The Fizz, is a 51-year-old toymaker who presented his product on Shark Tank with hopes of securing investment from the Sharks. Chodosh described himself as a lifelong enthusiast of toys and games, driven by a childlike curiosity and passion for creativity. He emphasized his dedication to inventing whimsical products that bring joy to people’s lives, especially when it comes to food-related items.
Chodosh’s inspiration for The Fizz stemmed from his observation that the classic root beer float had been somewhat neglected in popular culture for many years. Recognizing the potential to revive interest in this nostalgic treat, he set out to create a unique product that would enhance the experience of consuming root beer floats. Investing over $50,000 in development, Chodosh conceptualized The Fizz as a novel way to infuse excitement and interactivity into the traditional soda and ice cream combination.
The product’s conception reflects Chodosh’s desire to prove the viability of his inventive endeavors to his family, particularly his wife, whom he mentioned during his pitch. This personal motivation underscores his entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed as a toymaker and inventor. Despite facing challenges in securing significant sales and partnerships, Chodosh remains committed to his mission of creating fun and innovative products that inspire joy and creativity in people of all ages.
The Product
The Fizz is a novelty product designed to enhance the experience of consuming root beer floats. It consists of a specialized cup with a unique mechanism that creates a fizzy reaction when combined with bottled soda and ice cream. The cup is pre-loaded with ice cream, and a straw inserted into the bottom assists in drawing the soda into the cup, triggering the fizzy reaction. This interactive process adds an element of excitement and fun to the traditional root beer float.
The product’s primary use is to enjoy root beer floats in a more engaging and entertaining manner. It appeals to both children and adults who appreciate nostalgic treats and novelty items. The benefits of The Fizz include its ability to reinvigorate interest in root beer floats, provide a unique sensory experience, and offer a fun activity for parties and gatherings.
The Fizz can be purchased through various channels, including ice cream stores, vendors at state fairs, and potentially online platforms. Pricing information was not explicitly provided in the transcript, but it can be inferred that the product is sold either individually or in bulk quantities, with the price likely varying depending on the distribution channel and quantity purchased.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
The Fizz’s performance reveals a mixed picture of promise and challenge. While the product generated approximately $84,000 in sales the previous year, primarily through distribution in ice cream stores and state fairs, it faced hurdles in securing significant partnerships and scaling its operations. The company’s primary partners include ice cream stores, vendors at state fairs, and potential promotional partners such as Coca-Cola, which showed interest in using The Fizz for a giveaway promotion.
However, the challenge lies in securing partnerships with major ice cream companies, as Chodosh admitted that he lacked the sales volume to entice them. The Fizz’s customer base consists of individuals who enjoy novelty food products, particularly root beer floats, as well as potential promotional partners seeking unique giveaway items. Given Chodosh’s status as the sole founder and his mention of needing investment to prove his concept, it can be inferred that the company operates with limited resources and may benefit from strategic partnerships or additional funding to support its growth and expansion efforts.
The Negotiations:
In the negotiations for The Fizz, David Chodosh sought $150,000 in exchange for a 25% equity stake in his company. Initially, the Sharks expressed interest in the novelty and potential appeal of the product, particularly its nostalgic value and potential market among children. However, concerns were raised about the scalability of the business and Chodosh’s limited experience in the beverage and ice cream industries.
Despite positive feedback, none of the Sharks were willing to invest in The Fizz. Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, and Robert Herjavec all declined offers due to concerns about the scalability and viability of the business model. Cuban and Herjavec emphasized the need for partnerships with major ice cream companies to drive significant growth, while John and Greiner were skeptical about Chodosh’s ability to navigate the challenges of the beverage and ice cream industries effectively.
Kevin O’Leary, the last Shark to consider a deal, expressed nostalgia for the product but ultimately declined to invest, citing uncertainty about how to effectively monetize and scale The Fizz. Despite the disappointment of not securing a deal, Chodosh remained optimistic about the future of his product, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and determination to continue creating fun and innovative products.
