Gato Cafe – Cafe With Cats
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
đź•“ Air Date: May 15, 2015
Asking For:
$100,000 for 20%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Gato Café aims to create a unique cat café experience where patrons can enjoy coffee, pastries, and quality time with rescue cats, providing a positive environment for both customers and feline friends.
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Background Story
Gato CafĂ©, founded by Adriana Montano, is a visionary concept aiming to introduce the first cat cafĂ© in Boca Raton, Florida. Adriana’s background is steeped in a five-year experience within an animal nonprofit dedicated exclusively to cats. Her passion for feline welfare and her desire to create a positive, adoption-focused environment are the driving forces behind Gato CafĂ©. The idea for Gato CafĂ© originated from the global trend of cat cafĂ©s, where patrons can enjoy beverages and prepackaged food in the company of resident cats.
Inspired by the rising popularity of these establishments worldwide, Adriana saw an opportunity to bring this unique experience to the diverse community of Boca Raton. She envisions Gato Café not just as a place for coffee and pastries but as a haven for rescue cats seeking adoption. Adriana, showcases her commitment to addressing the alarming euthanasia rates in traditional shelters. Her aspiration is to offer a welcoming space where patrons can not only enjoy the company of cats but also contribute to their well-being by providing them a chance for adoption.
The founder’s background in marketing, including a quirky story about her early exposure to cat food promotions during her college years, adds a personal touch to the pitch. While facing skepticism from the Sharks regarding the lack of an established property and concrete financial numbers, Adriana remains steadfast in her belief that Gato CafĂ© can become a significant attraction in Boca Raton. Her dedication to creating a positive, rescue-focused environment for both patrons and cats is evident, and she expresses openness to negotiation to turn her cat-loving dream into a reality.
The Product
Gato Café introduces a unique and immersive experience where patrons can enjoy quality time with rescue cats while indulging in beverages and prepackaged food. The product revolves around the concept of a cat café, offering a cozy and inviting environment for cat enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing space. Customers pay a reasonable $9 entry fee, providing them access to the café and the chance to interact with a variety of rescue cats.
The cafĂ© serves as a haven for these feline companions, emphasizing the positive impact of spending time with cats on patrons’ well-being. The $9 entry fee covers not only the experience of being surrounded by playful and entertaining cats but also the opportunity to enjoy a selection of beverages and prepackaged food items.
Gato Café distinguishes itself by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting it apart from traditional pet stores. The concept is designed to appeal to individuals who may not have pets at home or those seeking a unique and stress-relieving environment. While the café is currently in the conceptual stage, founder Adriana Montano expresses openness to negotiations, emphasizing the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Gato CafĂ© is in the conceptual stage, with no established property yet. Founder Adriana Montano envisions bringing the cat cafĂ© concept to Boca Raton, Florida, but the lack of concrete numbers and an operational site raises skepticism among the Sharks regarding the company’s current health and position. Adriana emphasizes her expertise in animal nonprofits, specifically in the cat domain, as her background. However, the absence of an operational site and financial figures hinders a comprehensive assessment of the company’s performance.
The funding status of Gato CafĂ© remains undisclosed during the pitch, and it is unclear how the company plans to secure the $100,000 sought from the Sharks. The absence of established numbers and financial data makes it challenging to evaluate the company’s profits, losses, or available capital accurately. Gato CafĂ©’s current structure is presented as a concept without a physical location. Adriana’s openness to negotiation indicates flexibility in securing funding and potentially adjusting the company’s structure based on investor input.
The challenge lies in convincing investors of the viability of the concept and its potential for success in the competitive hospitality industry. While Gato CafĂ© faces skepticism due to its conceptual stage, the founder remains optimistic about the venture’s future success. The pitch suggests that, with the right investment and support, Gato CafĂ© aims to become a significant attraction in Boca Raton, offering a unique experience for cat enthusiasts and contributing to feline welfare through adoption-focused initiatives.
The Negotiations:
The negotiations for Gato CafĂ© unfold with Adriana Montano seeking $100,000 in exchange for a 20% equity stake in her cat cafĂ© concept. However, the lack of an established property and financial data raises concerns among the Sharks, impacting the negotiation dynamics. Mark Cuban is the first to bow out, expressing doubts about the profitability of the concept and its potential as a viable business. Kevin O’Leary follows suit, questioning the need for customers to pay an entry fee when they could visit traditional shelters for free.
Barbara Corcoran, while acknowledging the admirable mission, ultimately exits the deal. Daymond John and Lori Greiner express appreciation for the concept and Adriana’s commitment to feline welfare. Despite their positive feedback, both Sharks ultimately decline to invest, citing the challenge of investing in a concept without an established property or proven business model. The negotiations highlight the Sharks’ hesitations and skepticism regarding Gato CafĂ©’s readiness for investment. The absence of concrete numbers and an operational site contributes to the Sharks’ collective decision not to invest.
In response, Adriana remains open to negotiation, emphasizing her commitment and expertise in the domain of animal nonprofits. However, the Sharks express concerns about investing without a clearer understanding of the company’s potential for profitability. In the end, no deal is struck, leaving Gato CafĂ© without the desired investment from the Sharks. Adriana, undeterred, expresses confidence that Gato CafĂ© will thrive even without the Sharks’ backing, citing the uniqueness of the concept and its potential appeal to the diverse community in Boca Raton, Florida.
