"I'm choking on the valuation" — When Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary said "no" to Project Pollo

Project Pollo, a plant-based fast-food company hoping to transform the market with its meatless options, made a daring pitch in the Shark Tank Season 13 episode 24. In 2022, Lucas Bradbury, the company's founder, valued his business at an astounding $50 million and went into the tank looking for a $2.5 million investment with 5% stock. The sharks were impressed by his efforts to increase the accessibility of plant-based meals, but they were dubious about the high valuation. Particularly surprised, Kevin O'Leary exclaimed,

"I'm choking on the valuation," he said.

The sharks questioned the profitability and scalability of Project Pollo as Bradbury fervently described its quick growth and its objective of competing with large fast-food chains. Despite its numerous outlets and encouraging sales, the company's financial viability and possible market saturation were major worries. Bradbury's concept was admirable, but Mark Cuban didn't think the business was ready for investment. Meanwhile, Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran found it difficult to discern a definite return on their investment.

The Sharks ultimately decided against investing, pointing to the brand's high valuation and lack of assurance regarding its long-term viability. The final blow was given by O'Leary, who likened the surface to being "deep-fried." Bradbury was unwavering in his resolve to use plant-based innovation to upend the fast-food sector, even when Project Pollo failed to close a contract.

When Project Pollo appeared on Shark Tank Season 10 Episode 24

Lucas Bradbury, the founder of Project Pollo, made a daring debut on Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 24, selling his rapidly expanding plant-based fast-food restaurant. Bradbury sought a $2.5 million investment for a mere 5% stake in order to establish Project Pollo as a significant rival to conventional chicken eateries. The sharks were interested in his purpose but were instantly taken aback by the company's valuation, which sparked a contentious debate.

Project Pollo founder Lucas Bradbury walked down the Shark Tank's red carpet in season 10. By providing reasonably priced, high-protein substitutes for fried chicken, his plant-based fast-food restaurant sought to upend the established chicken market. Bradbury highlighted that Project Pollo was a movement toward sustainable and ethical eating, not merely a fad, with a menu that included soy-based chicken alternatives.

Project Pollo had already grown quickly at the time of his pitch, with 12 outlets throughout Texas and $2.7 million in sales. By 2025, Bradbury predicted the company would have 100 outlets and $50 million in revenue. He emphasized how affordable his brand's meals are compared to those of his plant-based rivals, opening up plant-based fast food to a larger market. Bradbury was confident in his expansion plan and thought Project Pollo could take the market by storm.

The sharks weren't convinced, even though Bradbury had great sales figures. In particular, Kevin O'Leary objected to the valuation, claiming he was shocked by the numbers. Concerns regarding the rapid growth and profitability were also expressed by the other investors. Finally, Bradbury left without a deal since none of the Sharks were prepared to bite. But Project Pollo's work didn't end with the Tank.