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What is BarBees Bartending?
BarBees Bartending is a mobile cocktail class company. They bring the bartending experience to your home or venue for events like bachelorette parties, corporate team building, and birthday celebrations.
BarBees Bartending's Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Jess Blakeley and Willow Sprague, the founders of BarBees Bartending, pitched their mobile cocktail class company, seeking $75,000 for 10% equity. They shared their story of starting as bartenders and growing their business to multiple cities, generating nearly $190,000 in revenue the previous year and projecting $400,000 in the current year. While some sharks were impressed with their growth, concerns about scalability and market saturation led to several dropping out. Daniel Lubetzky offered $75,000 for 20% equity, which, after some negotiation, Jess and Willow accepted.
Who invested in BarBees Bartending?
Daniel LubetzkyBarBees Bartending's Pitch Highlights
The founders, Jess and Willow, met at Belmont University and started the business on a whim after Willow suggested they go to bartending school.
BarBees started as an event bartending company in Nashville, TN, before pivoting to mobile cocktail classes.
The company expanded to four new cities during the year they pitched on Shark Tank and were operating in a total of seven cities.
52% of their business comes from bachelorette parties, while corporate events account for 26%.
BarBees Bartending Shark Tank Update
- Secured a deal with Daniel Lubetzky for $75,000 for 20% equity.
- Expanded services nationwide and to over 10 cities.
- Introduced online booking for virtual and in-person classes.
- Shifted focus from weddings and large events to bachelorette parties and corporate events. 62% of their business comes from bachelorette parties.
Key Milestones
2019 - Company Launch
Launched as a mobile bartending service in Nashville, generating $19,000 in sales.
2020 - Pandemic Pivot
Pivoted to virtual classes during the pandemic, achieving $38,000 in sales.
2021 - Return to In-Person
Resumed in-person classes, reaching $76,000 in sales.
2022 - City Expansion
Expanded to four new cities, generating nearly $190,000 in sales.
2023 - Sales Growth & Award
Projected $400,000 in sales and operated in seven cities. Received the Industry Impact Award at the Belmont University Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards.
2024 - Nationwide Expansion
Expanded to ten cities and offered nationwide classes.
