Shark Tank: The Kissing Booth That Changed the Game
The Pitch
"Shark Tank" investors and business owners who appear on the show have one thing in common: They each want to make a deal.
The Demonstration
Real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran and venture capitalist Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O’Leary have even been known to take one for the team to ensure a product measures up to the promise its founders claim during the pitch session.
Kisstixx: The Kissing Booth
Kisstixx creators and co-owners Dallas Robinson and Mike Buonomo appeared on the long-running series during Season 3 in 2009. Their invention was a line of mix-and-match lip balms that changed flavors when parties locked lips.
The Kissing Booth
As part of the demonstration, they featured a kissing booth. Corcoran was the only female shark that day, so by default, she was volunteered.
The Kiss
"Barbara are you really gonna kiss Kevin?" asked Robert Herjavec.
Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Corcoran fail to seal the deal on “Shark Tank” with disastrous kiss. (Photos: Shark Tank/ABC)
The Aftermath
As a result, the co-stars had to lock lips for a second time to ignite the flavorful spark. When it was all said and done, Corcoran laughed and pretended to gag, while Kevin said, "Tasty, very tasty."
The Verdict
Despite the kissing booth buddies putting their lips on the line, neither made an offer to help the business scale. Of the five sharks, only Cuban was willing to pony up $200,000, but for 40 percent of Kisstixx. Robinson and Buonomo accepted the deal.
The Outcome
The men made a reported $80,000 in sales and secured Walgreens partnership before the then-Dallas Mavericks owner gained equity. They remained in business until 2018.
Conclusion
As for the blushing lip lockers, Kisstixx is just one of the few times they have indulged audiences and entrepreneurs with quick pecks and flirty demos.
FAQs
- Q: What was the deal with the kissing booth on Shark Tank?
A: The kissing booth was a demonstration of the Kisstixx product, which changed flavors when parties locked lips. - Q: Who was the only female shark that day?
A: Barbara Corcoran - Q: Who made an offer to help the business scale?
A: Mark Cuban was willing to pony up $200,000, but for 40 percent of Kisstixx.
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