Outdoor cooking brings joy and freedom. Whether it is camping in the woods or tailgating a game, the experience is special. But there is a problem. When you reach your spot, you unpack dozens of bags. Utensils scatter everywhere. You forgot your cutting board. You lose track of spices. It takes hours to set up. That stress can ruin the fun.
Tailgate N Go offers a simple solution. It is a portable kitchen in a box. You wheel it to your campsite or stadium. It has built‑in cutting boards, a bottle opener, knife magnets, storage racks, and even a sink attachment. It rotates a full 360 degrees. You can cook, prep, and clean all in one compact unit.
The problem it solves is real. Families, tailgaters, and campers all struggle with packing and setup. This product brings order and convenience. A ready‑to‑use kitchen wherever you go becomes possible. It helps you enjoy the outdoors, not battle organization. On Shark Tank, the Johnson family asked for a $250,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity in their company
Tailgate N Go Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Ron was looking for an investment of $250k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, he valued his company at $2.5 million. Ron successfully secured a deal with Matt Higgins for an investment of $250k for 20% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $1.25 million. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Tailgate N Go is around $5.5 million.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Daymond John | Out | N/A | N/A |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kevin O’Leary | $250,000 line of credit at 10% interest + 10% equity + $100/unit royalty per sale | 250,000 for 15% equity $250,000 as a line of credit at 10% interest for 10% equity, $50 per unit royalty in perpetuity | No |
Matt Higgins | $250,000 for 20% equity + $50/unit royalty until reimbursed | $250,000 for 20% equity | Yes |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
The Johnson family Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
The Johnsons are a family of makers. Ron has a metal machine shop in Colorado. He built prototypes by hand. Taylor studied communications at Colorado Mesa University. Kobe, their son, was born deaf and became the first deaf entrepreneur on Shark Tank.
They tested Tailgate N Go at campouts and tailgates. They refined designs until assembly was quick and intuitive. They chose lightweight aluminum to balance strength and mobility. They added magnetic knife holders, condiment racks, paper towel dispensers, bottle openers, and modular attachments.
They self‑funded the production costs of over $700 per unit. They priced the box at $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the model. Their factory could only make a few dozen per month, but sales tripled in six months. They had local interest and patent filings.
They prepared for Shark Tank. They wanted funds to expand manufacturing, reduce costs, and scale attachments. They knew success meant partnership with someone who understood sports fans and logistics.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
When they arrived, Mark Cuban praised their hustle. He saw their America‑first work ethic but admitted outdoor products don’t excite him. He bowed out.
Lori Greiner liked their story and family focus. But she asked about unit cost. They explained over $700 per unit. She felt the product was too pricey and declined.
Kevin O’Leary came next. He respected their craftsmanship. He saw potential with his “Chef Wonderful” brand. However, he questioned their valuation. He offered $250,000 as a line of credit with 10 percent interest, 10 percent equity, and $100 per unit royalty forever. It was a tough deal. It placed a heavy burden on each sale. The Johnsons declined.
Guest Shark Matt Higgins spoke last. He loves sports fans and mobile kitchens. He initially said no, citing unit cost and niche market. But after Ron asked again, they countered with 20 percent equity. They hoped for lowered royalties and eager investment.
Matt made a final offer: $250,000 for 20 percent equity plus $50 per unit royalty until reimbursement. It was fair and aligned incentives. The Johnsons accepted. They shook hands.
Product Availability
Today, Tailgate N Go sells several versions on its website. There is the original box priced at $1,895. The Overlander box is $1,795. They also offer NCAA and NFL‑licensed versions at about $1,995.
The box includes 360‑degree storage, integrated accessories like cutting boards and a bottle opener, and attachable stove, griddle, sink, grease guard, and hitch accessory.
Payments can be made via the site. They ship across the U.S. It’s a family business in Colorado. All units are made in the USA.
There is no mainstream retail presence. Most sales occur through their site. They also sell attachments via Amazon and at outdoor events.
What Happened To The *Company After Shark Tank?
Pre‑Tank sales were $137,000 over two years. After airing, they made $400,000 in just three months. Matt’s involvement unlocked NFL licensing. They launched team‑branded boxes, sold through NFL Shop and their site. They later added NCAA licensing with many Division‑1 teams. They continued to sell 500 to 1,000 units a year into 2022. Their annual revenue ranged from $800,000 to $1.4 million by mid‑2024.
They faced challenges during the pandemic. Trade‑show cancellations slowed marketing. Aluminum prices soared by over 100 percent. Supply chain delays hit them, too. They overcame those by relying on NFL licensing, online promotion, and optimizing factory output. EMJD, their fabrication partner, helped refine manufacturing and lower costs.
They maintain an active Facebook page. Instagram and Twitter show less activity. The family still runs it from Colorado. Matt Higgins said future plans include sports league expansion and placement in major retailers. The current price is about $500 profit per box at current cost, and sells 750 units a year.
Conclusion
Tailgate N Go shows how a family problem became a real business. It tackles outdoor cooking mess and chaos with a clever kit. On Shark Tank, the Johnsons earned a deal with Matt Higgins. The funds and connections helped restructure production, add NFL and NCAA licensing, and boost sales.
They saw a surge in revenue, from $137,000 to $400,000 in three months. Today, they sell nearly $1 million to $1.4 million annually. They keep growing with branded units, add‑ons, and refinements.
Their journey is full of grit. They faced cost challenges, high retail prices, and market niche constraints. But they kept going. They created an American‑made product, led by a machine‑shop dad, with two entrepreneurial kids. They built something meaningful, convenient, and fun.
The family’s success shows that Shark Tank is about more than immediate funding. It is about momentum, credibility, and doors opening. Tailgate N Go continues to roll forward. Their threaded kitchen design and sports licensing may turn the organization under the stars into a widespread ritual. Cheers to outdoor chefs and teams alike.

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.