In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for healthier and more sustainable food options. However, finding affordable and tasty plant-based meals can be a challenge. This gap in the market inspired entrepreneur Lucas Bradbury to create Project Pollo, a vegan fast-food chain aiming to make plant-based eating accessible to everyone.
Lucas envisioned a future where delicious, plant-based meals were not only available but also affordable and convenient. With this mission, he launched Project Pollo, focusing on providing high-quality vegan chicken alternatives. The concept quickly gained traction, leading to rapid expansion and national attention.
In May 2022, Lucas appeared on Season 13 of “Shark Tank,” seeking a $2.5 million investment for a 5% stake in his company. Despite the impressive growth and positive reception of his products, the Sharks had reservations, primarily due to the company’s high valuation and aggressive expansion strategy. Ultimately, Lucas left the tank without securing a deal.
Project Pollo Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Lucas was looking for an investment of $2.5 million in exchange for 5% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, he valued his company at $50 million. Lucas did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks. Without a deal, the company’s net worth stayed around $50 million. After the show was aired, Project Pollo saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Project Pollo is $0, as the company shut down all of its locations and is no longer in business.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Barbara Corcoran
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin Hart
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Lucas Bradbury Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Lucas Bradbury’s inspiration for Project Pollo stemmed from his desire to promote healthier eating habits and sustainability. Having worked in the fast-food industry, he recognized the lack of affordable plant-based options. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched Project Pollo as a food truck in San Antonio, Texas. The concept quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of multiple brick-and-mortar locations.
During his “Shark Tank” pitch, Lucas showcased the company’s rapid growth, with 12 locations opened in just two years and plans to expand to 100 locations by 2024. He emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, using compostable packaging and repurposed restaurant spaces. Lucas also highlighted the company’s strong sales, with $10 million in lifetime sales and weekly store sales reaching $23,000.
Despite these achievements, the Sharks were concerned about the company’s $50 million valuation and the risks associated with rapid expansion. Lucas explained that he had raised $1.75 million from a single investor at a $17.5 million valuation and had secured favorable lease agreements during the pandemic. However, these assurances were not enough to alleviate the Sharks’ concerns.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Kevin O’Leary expressed skepticism about the high valuation, stating that he felt the investment would not yield sufficient returns. He was also concerned about potential dilution if the company raised additional funds in the future.
Mark Cuban questioned the health benefits of the plant-based offerings, pointing out that being plant-based does not necessarily equate to being healthy. He also doubted the long-term sustainability of the plant-based fast-food trend.
Kevin Hart appreciated the concept but was wary of the rapid expansion and the associated risks. He believed that the company’s aggressive growth strategy could lead to operational challenges.
Barbara Corcoran compared Project Pollo’s trajectory to that of Tom & Chee, a grilled cheese chain that expanded too quickly and ultimately failed. She was concerned that Project Pollo might face a similar fate.
Lori Greiner echoed the concerns about rapid growth and high valuation. She felt that the company was moving too fast without solidifying its foundation.
The primary concern among the Sharks was the company’s aggressive expansion strategy. Opening multiple locations in a short period without a proven, scalable model raised red flags. Additionally, the $50 million valuation seemed inflated, especially considering the company’s relatively short operational history.
The Sharks were also apprehensive about the health implications of the menu items. While plant-based, the offerings were still fried and not necessarily healthier than traditional fast food. This contradiction between the company’s health-focused branding and its actual menu raised doubts about its long-term appeal.
Product Availability
Project Pollo specializes in vegan chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and other plant-based comfort foods. The company prided itself on using sustainable practices, including compostable packaging and sourcing ingredients responsibly. Initially, the products were available at various locations across Texas and through food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
In an effort to diversify, Lucas launched Side Chicks in February 2023, offering both plant-based and real chicken options. He also explored the idea of virtual kitchens and partnerships with national brands to expand the company’s reach. Plans were in place to introduce frozen versions of the products in grocery stores.
What Happened To The Project Pollo After Shark Tank?
Despite not securing a deal on “Shark Tank,” Project Pollo continued its expansion, reaching 20 locations by September 2022. However, the rapid growth proved unsustainable. By early 2023, the company began facing operational challenges, leading to the closure of several locations.
In April 2023, Project Pollo was acquired by a national franchise group. While this acquisition was initially seen as a positive development, it led to significant restructuring. Many locations were closed, and by the summer of 2024, all Project Pollo and Side Chicks outlets had ceased operations.
Lucas Bradbury stepped down as CEO in 2023, marking the end of an ambitious venture that, despite its early promise, could not maintain its momentum.
Conclusion
Project Pollo’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of rapid expansion in the fast-food industry. While the company’s mission to provide affordable, sustainable, and tasty plant-based options resonated with many, operational challenges and strategic missteps hindered its long-term success.
On “Shark Tank,” the Sharks recognized the potential of the concept but were deterred by the high valuation and aggressive growth strategy. Their concerns ultimately proved valid, as the company struggled to manage its rapid expansion and eventually closed all its locations.
Lucas Bradbury’s vision brought attention to the demand for plant-based fast food, and his efforts contributed to the broader conversation about sustainability and health in the industry. Although Project Pollo is no longer operational, its legacy underscores the importance of strategic planning and scalability in business ventures.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
