Sometimes, the simplest things in life offer the most satisfaction. Get Fried is a restaurant franchise specializing in gourmet topped French fries and finger food favorites on the go. Fried Green Tomatoes is a mobile food business that serves. Ultimately, Holly chose to go with Barbaras deal. Corcoran would give her the $200,000for 30% of the business. Three months later, she was in California answering the sharks questions about sales ($268,000 in total sales in 2018) and food truck revenue (between $600 and $800 an hour). Place breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Although online and in-store marketing was not originally part of her plan, she began to consider seriously the value of expanding her business in that direction. Scoop the flour onto a plate or in large bowl. On January 15, 2016, Fried Green Tomatoes announced the arrival of their products at The Market, a retail store in Atlanta, Georgia. Directions. But as we traveled around. One of the greatest friendships in Southern fictional history is that of Idgie and Ruth, the two women at the heart of the classic film Fried Green Tomatoes. Where Is Fried Green Tomatoes From Shark Tank Today. Heat 2 cm oil in a . She knew a thing or two about franchising. And don't forget to wash it all down with Mike's famous Mango Tea or Lemonade. Add the tomatoes and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until . A former Shark Tank contestant,Cousins Maine Lobster credits Corcoran's involvement as "a mentor and business partner" a major part of its ongoing success, perthe company website. She has a bachelors degree in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University and 18 years of experience in the culinary industry. What Happened to WiSpots after the Shark Tank Pitch? 'Shark Tank' exclusive: The new list of the 20 best-selling products from the show, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Instructions. However, their Facebook page has about 2900 followers and is definitely more active. In another small bowl add the flour, salt and pepper. She later accepted an offer from Barbara of $200,000 for a 30% stake, which lowered the companys valuation to $666,666.66. The initial franchise fee is $49,000 with the required liquid capital being $200,000. What Happened to Underease Underwear after Shark Tank? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you already had a series of franchisees making money, that makes it more believable that you could pour gasoline on the fire and make it bigger. She accepted offer from Barbara Corcoran. Lori Greiner thought Cooper had done an excellent job building the company, but felt the product wasnt a fit: What youve done is quite amazing, and Im sure youre having a lot more fun working for yourself. He didnt think it was investable for him and he hated the valuation. Savory Green Tomato Cobbler ~ Food52. Gandolfo's Deli started as a stationery restaurant business in New York but now also offers interesting food truck franchising opportunities. Comfort food and hard working honest folks! In another small bowl add the cornmeal, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. However, the good news is that Cooper's initial food truck appears to be still up and running. John Bussell. However, a review of Alexander's LinkedIn profile features no mention of Cooper or Fried Green Tomatoes. Dip one tomato slice into the flour, tossing so both sides and all of the edges are coated. What Happened To Fried Green Tomatoes After Shark Tank? Scalloped Green Tomatoes ~ Martha Stewart. She has worked in management and operations at The Hermitage House Smorgasbord and is a partner in the Blue Goose Caf. Fried Green Tomatoes Menu. Despite Daymonds offer, Cooper agreed to Barbaras offer of $200,000 for a 30% stake. 5. Your email address will not be published. Holly Cooper is seeking $200,000 for a 15% stake in her company Fried Green TomatoesFrom Season 11 Episode 21Watch Now: https://www.ctv.ca/shows/shark-tank . If you're looking to upgrade your fried green tomato side dish into an entre, Broad Street Peaux Boys has a po' boy called "The Southern" which has golden fried green tomatoes, creole pimento cheese, red onion and remoulade sauce. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Place the slices into containers in layers separated by . After selling out of tomatoes nearly every night, Holly & her family realized they had a unique product that customers loved. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. on-set train coordinator (as Sid E. Horne) Lee Ivey . Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and let slices stand for 15 minutes for the salt to draw out extra juices. 2023 Journal Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Finally, you could find their food truck at the Tennessee Wilson County Fair according to the official Facebook page. At our company, kindness matters! Even though Daymond made a bid, the entrepreneur behind this company opted to go with Barbara. Flagg is an executive producer of a TV show based on her book, currently in development at NBC. Initial Franchise Fee $30,000. Combine our love of southern staples with contagious southern hospitality to create unforgettable moments. The National Center for Home Food Preservation says to start with firm green tomatoes, then wash, core and slice them 1/4-inch thick. Plus, when pulling up a schedule of the food truck's stops onStreetFoodFinder, it looks like the truck only visits areas in Tennessee, suggesting there's no fleet of food trucks franchised around the country. In a deep-fryer, preheat oil to 350 degrees F. Season tomatoes, on both sides, with salt and pepper. In the case of Fried Green Tomatoes, founder Holly Cooper made her pitchon the show and sought $200,000 for a 15% stake in her company, a food truck business that also sells its batter mix and secret sauce on store shelves. This method of preparation is used because it allows the weight of the tomatoes to press the cornmeal onto the underside while preventing them from floating in the oil. He also didnt think it was investable, so he went out. When asked about her biggest goals for her business on the show, Cooper said she would "love to be able to franchise our food truck," adding that she's had "more than a dozen people" approach her about potentially purchasing a franchise. We create moments that mater. Whisk the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and cayenne together in a medium bowl. Kevin OLeary loved the food, but he wanted to know what separated her business from the many other food trucks. After the airing, we opened a second truck in Nashville. But the bright, green hue really makes it stand out. Since then it has caught on like wildfire satisfying palates all over the southeast. Business: Fried food truck and retail batters. +1 865-237-7998. Lets look at how she did in the tank during Season 11 in our Shark Tank Fried Green Tomatoes update and pitch recap. Well, this kind of math I can do because I know it inside and out, Corcoran said. 5. general foreman (as John Holliday) Syd E. Horne . The Spruce/Cara Cormack. Everything is made fresh to order. Green Tomato Chipotle Mac and Cheese ~ The Brewer and the Baker. Enjoy! Out. Green Tomato Ketchup @ thespruceeats.com. But, as we traveled around pleasing the palates of folks all across the southeastern United States, we continually received requests from thosewho wanted to take home our batter mix and The Secret Sauce. 245. Fried Green Tomatoes appeared on the 20th season of Shark Tank in May 1st 2020. Jennifer Hawk. Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck in Nashville. Kevin OLeary was the first to go out. Holly appeared on Shark Tank season 11 episode 20 seeking a $200,000 investment in exchange for a 15% stake in her business, Fried Green Tomatoes. Additionally, a recent tweet from business consultant Jeff Alexander hinted that a franchise partnership was in the works. Daymond John also made an offer: $200,000 for 25%. Dredge tomato slices in remaining 1/4 cup flour; dip in egg mixture, and dredge in cornmeal mixture. Believe it or not, this tastes a lot like traditional tomato soup you know and love. "We did $268,000 [in total sales for 2018 . While the company is still in business, Hollys brick-and-mortar location never opened. Launched in August of 2012, the Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck made its debut at the prestigiousWilson County (TN) Fair, one of the largest in the nation. a early meal. We also try the local-food specialty loco moco: an enormous plateau of rice topped with a well-done hamburger patty, drenched in a viscous, dark-brown goo and topped with a fried egg. Outstanding service and an inviting atmosphere make Fried Green Tomatoes a must stop while in downtown historic Galena, Illinois. Barbara invested $200,000 for a 30% stake in the business. assistant: Act III Val Keys . Have nearby a pan to place breaded slices. Manage My Truck. He felt that her $1.3 million valuation didnt make sense, given her limited sales. 1,345 Followers, 83 Following, 99 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Fried Green Tomatoes (@friedgreentomatoes_secretsauce) Corcoran ultimately won Cooper over because of her experience working with Sabin Lomac to franchise Cousins Maine Lobster, another popular food truck that appeared on "Shark Tank". We treat our customers like family and believe that instilling those same values within our company help create a brighter future for our employees and their families too. Asking for $200,000 for 15% of her company, Holly . We took our family recipes and . Before Cooper could answer, Daymond John chimed in with an offer of his own,now that I saw Barbara all over this like a truffle pig on a truffle. He offered $200,000 for 25% of the company. Fry, flipping as needed, until golden on both sides. And the SI Cover Dog, made in collaboration with Sports Illustrated magazine for a special story, with a bratwurst topped with jalapeo-apple coleslaw, fried mac and cheese, barbecue aioli, house-cured beer pickles and green onion. Ad Hundreds Of Business Opportunities To Choose From For a Brighter Future. Meanwhile, slice tomatoes into in slices. We believe that our southern hospitality and our hand-battered, farm fresh menu items have created a recipe for success. Sometimes, the simplest things in life offer the most satisfaction. Were working with the same company Barbara used for that franchising deal, she says. Trying to find a Fried Green Tomatoes? From that very first outing, it was obvious that great southern hospitality combined with delectable fried green tomatoes were a recipe for . Though there is a "find stores" section on the company's website, there is no method to actually search where the products are sold. Tennessee Food Truck Entrepreneur Serves Up a Deal Shark Tank Investor Cant Resist. We bring the heart of the South straight to your sidewalk by partnering with local farmers so you can enjoy the best home-grown ingredients. Barbara Corcoran, who had prior experience building a similar business, offered $200,000 for a 30% stake, and Daymond John also offered $200,000 for a 25% stake. Holly Cooper wants the Sharks to get a taste of Fried Green Tomatoes, her batter mixes and "secret sauce" inspired by her food truck, in Shark Tank episode 1121.Cooper, a food industry veteran of over 18 years, got started in the food truck business back in 2012 and began selling southern comfort food: Po Boys, catfish, fried pickles and, of course, Fried Green Tomatoes. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife and cutting board to slice each tomato into inch pieces (no larger). For each tablespoon of fat left in the pan, add one of flour and dissolve. American, Southern. Fried Green Tomatoes Batter Mix Pickle Tomato Zucchini Tomatoe Tomatos Zuchinnni Tempura Zuchini Vegetables Okra Seen On Shark Tank My Natural Gourmet, Little Burros Garden Tray Update | Shark Tank Season 11, HotShot Coffee Update | Shark Tank Season 7, S.W.A.G Essentials Mens Soap Update | Shark Tank Season 6, Gameday Couture Female Sports Apparel Update | Shark Tank Season 6, Veggie Mama Popsicles | Shark Tank Season 5, RuffleButts Kids Clothing Update | Shark Tank Season 5, BareEASE Numbing Kit Update | Shark Tank Season 5, ScreenMend Screen Repair Kit Update | Shark Tank Season 5. Besides their famous fried green tomatoes, they also offer the following items. After years of stellar word of mouth reviews, Cooper decided to package the batter and sauce mixes for retail purposes. They expanded their menu the following year to include other southern staples everyone loved. American . 6/22/2020. However, it doesnt appear that the deals with big box stores ever went through. Then a consistent request came through from many food truck patrons. Mashed also checked Kroger, the most popular grocery store in Tennessee, per Supermarket Page, and could not find the items listed there, either. Host Barbara Corcoran was particularly excited, citing her previous experience with Cousins Maine Lobster as a factor. We took our family recipes and inspiration from our favorite beach trips along the Gulf Coast to create a unique food truck experience that keeps customers coming back. 1893 is the year coffee returned to Africa after traveling around the globe since it was discovered in Ethiopia Brass Roots is a New Orleans-based company that is dedicated to providing healthy and delicious snacks that also give back to the community. Pincho Factory. Over 800 retailers have carried our product, says Cooper, who also sells online and is promoted through the Pick Tennessee Products program. After scoring a deal with Barbara Corcoran on the Shark Tank stage, we want to see where they are at now. From that very first outing, it was obvious that great southern hospitality combined with delectable fried green tomatoes were a recipe for success. Whisk eggs in another, and use the third plate for cornmeal. Since then it has caught on like wildfire satisfying palates all over the southeast. Season with salt and pepper and pour over the tomatoes. Holly is seeking $200,000 in return for a 15% stake in the business. It's unclear why Cooper didn't end up franchising her trucks, though the "Shark Tank" Recap blog suggests the pandemic might have played a role since Cooper's episode premiered in early 2020. With a desire to spread home-cooked southern favorites throughout the Nashville area, Holly has created a successful food truck business, Fried Green Tomatoes, that is able to generate $6400 in . Pull up a chair, lets talk Franchising. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set out a large rimmed baking sheet. Working in 2-3 batches, dredge the tomato slices in cornstarch on both sides then dip into the batter. Pincho factory serves fresh, 100% natural, anti-biotic free, made to order, and award winning food. Hankering for some delicious southern cooking? It's been nearly two years since Cooper and her business appeared on the show how is Fried Green Tomatoes doing now? Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun CLOSED. Cooper scored a deal with business shark Barbara Corcoran to create an empire of Fried Green Tomatoes food truck franchises. Gandolfo's Deli. Despite her success, the Sharks had mixed reactions to her business, with some believing it was too new and others impressed by her accomplishments but not interested in the product. The Frescos Naturales is a Latino-owned beverage company that specializes in creating delicious and refreshing aguas frescos, also known as frescas. Holly Gatlin Cooper is the owner of Fried Green Tomatoes, a food truck that debuted in 2012 in Tennessee. Southern Bistro Shrimp and Grits ~ Nourish and Nestle. In May 2019, Holly got the call that she made the cut - and in June she & her family flew to L.A. to bring their southern charm to the tank. Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 370 F. The Spruce/Cara Cormack. 5.0 overall rating across 2 reviews. The food truck is operated by IHolly Darryl Lauren and Kala. Lori Greiner followed as she liked healthy low-fat options, and fried foods werent for her. As the food trucks popularity grew, her fans encouraged her to try out for Shark Tank. In 2018, Cooper made $268,000 from her food truck and retail business. Discard the ends. Barbara Corcoran, who had great success with an earlier food-truck investment, Cousins Maine Lobster,realized Cooper could make $6,400 a day and $3 million a year if her truck stayed open six or seven days a week. Whisk or stir to combine and set aside. Fried foods are a cornerstone of the American diet, and Holly Cooper is hoping to break into that market. Address: Pizitz Food Hall, 1821 2nd Ave N #3112, Birmingham, AL 35203. 1. Based on Fannie Flagg's classic novel, the movie tells the intertwined stories of two friendships. In 2012, she established her current food truck business, and began selling fried green tomatoes, those cornmeal-battered, deep fried, lip-smacking good delicacies, along with other tasty Southern foods such as grouper sandwiches, shrimp Po-boys, catfish sandwiches and fried pickles. assistant: Mr. Avnet Nancy Jane King . Say it with flowers. Say it even better with flower-pressed cookies. Lay the sliced green tomatoes out on a large cookie sheet or plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper. We have our delicious batter and secret sauce ready to buy & ship so you can enjoy anywhere, anytime. Place the cornstarch in a separate bowl. I would be so excited to collaborate with her on some ideas, she says. Tomato Fest is our largest event of the season! With her family by her side, she debuted her signature fried green tomatoes at the local Wilson County Fair. This is a fun, tomato-filled event for the entire family . Launched in August of 2012, the Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck made its debut at the prestigious Wilson County (TN) Fair, one of the largest in the nation. Fried Green Tomatoes founder Holly Cooper pitched her brand on Shark Tank and asked $200,000 for a 15% stake in her company, a food truck business that also sells its batter mix and secret sauce on store shelves. In 2012, Cooper talked her way into the Wilson County Fair, an event thats so popular, hopeful vendors wait years to land a spot. Do not recommend. Barbara Corcoran brought up Cousins Maine Lobster, a food truck she invested in. Mike's Fried Green Tomatoes promises what the name delivers-amazing fried green tomatoes. Its primary menu item is its signature fried green tomato sandwich. Arrange the tomatoes on a serving dish and keep them warm. Also our burgers are hand patted grilled to perfection. Find out what that means for the business today in our Shark Tank Fried Green Tomatoes update. In the meantime, set flour aside in a small bowl or plate. Whilethe home base for the Fried Green Tomatoes food truck is Nashville, Tennessee, perCNBC,recent posts from the company'sInstagram page list the latest food truck appearance taking place in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. From that very first outing, it was obvious that great southern hospitality combined with delectable fried green tomatoes were a recipe for . 2 years ago on Facebook Request content removal. Remove from the oil with tongs, draining excess oil, onto a paper towel lined oven safe plate or sheet pan. Despite Holly Cooper's acceptance of Corcoran's offer, there's no indication that a partnership has been struck. Have no fear; we've compiled a list of all the Fried Green Tomatoes locations. So what is Fried Green Tomatoes all about? In 2012, Cooper launched a wildly successful food truck where she sold southern culinary staples like po' boy sandwiches and fried green tomatoes. We built a appetite for dinner. The instructions are simple: "Cut a thin slice from top and bottom and throw them away, then cut the remainder in slices, roll in flour, sprinkle with pepper and salt, and fry brown in butter." The writer also notes, "These are delicious for breakfast." By the 1880s, fried green tomatoes started appearing in a lot more newspapers, magazines . That's definitely the philosophy behind entrepreneur and "food industry veteran" Holly Cooper, according to the Shark Tank Blog. And based on the Fried Green Tomatoeswebsite, it doesn't appear that the brand has branched out too far. To test whether the oil is ready, insert the handle end of a wooden spoon into it. Expansion has continued to over 40 retailers in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as online sales available through their website. Drain on paper towels or a rack. Mark Cuban, on the other hand, thought that Holly needed to expand the business to 5-10 employees. Required fields are marked *. Fromthat veryfirst outing, it was obvious that great southern hospitality combined with delectablefried green tomatoes were a recipe for success. Fried Green Tomatoes (the 1991 film) was my favorite movie of all time., Your email address will not be published. It's the latest restaurant to open in a series of restaurants from the owners of . Plus, Mashed checked big-box retailer websites, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and could not find the products listed. RSMs Social Enterprise, Good Hope Farms, is the primary vehicle. Galena's Fried Green Tomatoes restaurant proudly serves the finest USDA Choice Steaks, Fresh Seafood and boasts a Wine Spectator Award Winning wine list. Holly Cooper pitched her company, Fried Green Tomatoes, on ABC's Shark Tank. Here's to hoping that Cooper will one day be able to capitalize on the steam generated by her appearance on Shark Tank. I absolutely credit that fair for getting my big start, she says. As Ninny recounts the exploits of her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson), owner of a small Alabama caf in the 1920s, and the bond Idgie shared with her friend Ruth (Mary . TN. Add the buttermilk and whisk until smooth. painter Kelly Jarquin . Update on Fried Green Tomatoes on Shark Tank. We take pride in maintaining small business values in a big business market. In March 2019, Holly found a rare opportunity to audition for Shark Tank - the show had open auditions in Nashville. When producers came to Nashville in 2019 on a casting call, Cooper seized the golden opportunity and auditioned. Savory Corn and Green Tomato Cakes ~ Syrup and Biscuits. Curious what the food truck offers on the menu? The food truck dispenses their signature burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries and tots, and drinks. Mobile food truck service. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Several at a time, fry the green tomatoes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Find information on exactly where our food comes from, along with delicious recipes, helpful tips and reliable data. For more than a decade, we've seen some of thebest food businesses appear on "Shark Tank" and have watched small businesses grow into huge success stories. Slow service and not that good. Season 14 Episode 8, Shark Tank Air Date: 05/01/20 Season 11 Episode 20. All of a sudden Barbara can do math, OLeary chimed. Pepper Water and Tea for 2 at the food truck. In May, 2019 the Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck was chosen by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as a vendor at the National Restaurant Associations American Food Fair in Chicago. Dust tomato slices with flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip in the egg mixture and coat in breadcrumbs. Shark: Barbara Corcoran. That's definitely the philosophy behind entrepreneur and "food industry veteran" Holly Cooper, according to the Shark Tank Blog.In 2012, Cooper launched a wildly successful food truck where she sold southern culinary staples like po' boy sandwiches and fried green tomatoes. Receiving two offers, Cooper accepted Corcorans deal of $200,000 for a 30% stake, basing the decision on Corcorans experience franchising Cousins Maine Lobster, which has expanded to 31 locations since its debut on Shark Tank. Although Cooper claimed that she wanted to franchise her food truck, two years later in 2022, the food truck only seems to visit areas in Tennessee, suggesting there's no fleet of food trucks franchised around the country. The Trucks first stop was at the Wilson County (Tennessee) Fair, which is one of the largest fairs in the nation. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Drop tomatoes, in batches, into hot oil, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until golden. After getting into a bidding war with Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran ultimately made a deal with Cooper for a 30% stake worth $200,000 in order to expand the products' reach into big box stores. Place flour and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Another one of Cooper's biggest aspirations was to see her Fried Green Tomatoes batter mix and secret sauce sold in big-box stores. Loria Stern created the original Flower Pressed Shortbread Cookie, each one uniquely designed Kahawa is coffee in Swahili. The Fried Green Tomatoes food truck is located in Nashville, Tennessee, but the company's batter and secret sauce are sold in boutique stores nationwide. See the schedule, book an event, or browse food trucks, trailers, carts, and stands near you. We hand batter most every item on our menu. The Reuben Some Dirt On It Dog, with reuben macaroni-and-cheese, fried pickles, green onion and secret sauce. When Holly Cooper was suddenly let go from her corporate restaurant job, she decided to start her own food truck. Yes. 104 E. Gregory St. Gaby's Taqueria is one of Pensacola's newest restaurants, having just opened in November. You can use either green tomatoes or tomatillos in this shakshuka recipe. 2:07. Take a look at our menu to see what weve got on the grill! Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck in Nashville. Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck, as seen on Shark Tank! Total Estimated Initial Investment $357,000 - $455,500. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs and salt and pepper on another plate. Fried Green Tomatoes. Dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat. In the case of Fried Green Tomatoes, founder Holly Cooper made her pitch on the show and sought $200,000 for a 15% stake in her company, a food truck business that also sells its batter mix and secret sauce on store shelves. Featuring: Food Trucks (look for fried green tomatoes!) The tomato and pickle batters both retail for $9.99, while the secret sauce is listed for $3.99. . Wine & Design Shark Tank Net Worth 2023/What Happened To Wine & Design After the Shark Tank Pitch? After making it through round two, Holly had one final audition standing between her & L.A. The Nashville-area entrepreneurs pitch to the investors on ABCs Shark Tank may be her most important sale ever. Pour oil to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch in a large cast-iron skillet; heat to 375F. Heat plenty of lard or vegetable oil over medium heat in your favorite thick-bottomed skillet. A Nashville native brought a little Southern charm into the Shark Tank Friday with her Fried Green Tomatoes food-truck. Cooper saw a lot of promise in her products, which eventually led to an appearance on Shark Tank. Rest Stop Ministries is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization in the Nashville, TN area dedicated to holistically restore survivors and stop sex trafficking. The company has a small presence online with only 5 posts on Instagram, and 350 followers. For the fried green tomatoes: Pour the vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and attach a deep-frying thermometer. One critical factor in stopping the cycle of victimization is Economic Empowerment. Holly landed a deal with Barbara Corcoran, and in 2020 the episode aired as part of season 11. Dredge tomato slices in remaining 1/4 cup flour; dip in egg mixture, and dredge in cornmeal mixture. We believe that our southern hospitality and our hand-battered, farm fresh menu items have created a recipe for success. In a large skillet fry bacon until crisp. Not to be negative, but I have to speak the truth: I am Mr. Wonderful, OLeary said. 3. The Batter Mix, the Secret Sauce, and Fried Pickle Batter. The fried fish, chicken wings, fried okra, and fries are also a hot, crispy delight. The downside was that he didnt know anything about franchising. Holly Cooper, of Old Hickory, Tennessee, graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, and spent 18 years in the food industry, managing and operating The Hermitage House Smorgasbord and as a partner in the Blue Goose Caf. Barbara Corcoran negotiated a $200,000 deal with Cooper for a 30% stake in order to expand the products' reach into big box stores.