What if we told you there’s an ice cream that looks like fried chicken—and it’s not a prank? Meet Life Raft Treats, the brainchild of pastry chef Cynthia Wong and her husband, John.
Their company brings a wild mix of fun and flavor to the frozen dessert world, and yes, they recently showed up on Shark Tank to pitch their one-of-a-kind treats.
In this Life Raft Treats Shark Tank update, we’re diving into everything—from the Life Raft Treats Shark Tank pitch to what’s been cooking since their appearance on the show.
Whether you’re a dessert lover, an entrepreneur, or just curious to know if the Sharks bit into this crispy-looking ice cream dream, stick around. It gets sweet!
In a hurry? Here’s a quick look at what happened to Life Raft Treats after Shark Tank.
Cynthia and her husband, John, appeared on Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 2, asking for $250,000 in exchange for 5% equity in their business, Life Raft Treats. Despite their engaging pitch, they walked away without an investment due to the sharks’ concerns about the difficulties of operating in the frozen food sector.
As for the latest Life Raft Treats update, the company has grown its direct-to-consumer sales and private event bookings, which are fully scheduled through mid-2025. Additionally, they’ve secured significant retail partnerships to boost their regional presence.
Table of Contents
Life Raft Treats Shark Tank Deal
| Shark | Result |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer |
| Todd Graves | No offer |
| Mark Cuban | No offer |
| Daymond John | No offer |
| Lori Greiner | No offer |
Life Raft Treats Company Overview
Life Raft Treats isn’t your typical ice cream company. Founded by award-winning pastry chef Cynthia Wong, it’s a dessert brand that turns ordinary frozen treats into playful, artistic creations.
The company’s best-seller?
A quirky product called “Not Fried Chicken,” which is—get this—an ice cream bar that looks exactly like a fried chicken drumstick.
But there’s more…
Life Raft Treats also makes whimsical desserts shaped like hot dogs and other unexpected foods. Everything is made from sweet ingredients, of course, but it’s the clever designs that really steal the show.
And let’s not forget—they’re not just doing this for giggles. Cynthia and John are on a mission to bring more fun and surprise to the frozen dessert aisle, while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity.
Life Raft Treats Shark Tank Pitch
If there was ever a Shark Tank pitch that made the Sharks do a double-take, this was it. Cynthia Wong and her husband, John, walked onto the stage and served up what looked like a bucket of crispy fried chicken—but surprise!
It was all ice cream…
Let’s break down exactly what went down during the pitch—from the wow moment to the hard numbers and, of course, the Sharks’ reactions.
A Playful Start To A Serious Business
Right off the bat, Cynthia and John captured attention with their wildly unique product, “Not Fried Chicken”—a dessert that looks like your favorite fast-food drumstick but is actually a masterfully crafted ice cream bar. The Sharks were definitely intrigued.
But this wasn’t just a gimmick. Behind the playful exterior was a serious ask: they were looking for investment to scale their direct-to-consumer sales and upgrade their website, making it easier for more people across the country to get their hands on these quirky frozen delights.
They proudly explained that Life Raft Treats is all about blending creativity, art, and flavor into an unforgettable dessert experience.
And their vision was crystal clear: bring a smile to people’s faces—one drumstick (or hot dog-shaped ice cream) at a time.
Life Raft Treats Financial Breakdown: Revenue, Pricing & Expansion
Naturally, the Sharks wanted to dig into the numbers. And honestly? Cynthia and John brought some impressive stats to the table:
- 2023 Sales: $1.2 million
- 2023 Profit: $60,000
- 2024 Sales (so far): $750,000
- 2024 Projected Sales: $1.7 million
Their flagship product, the “Not Fried Chicken” bucket, sells for $109 including delivery, and online orders are handled through a third-party fulfillment partner—though that partner does take a 20% cut of every sale.
On the distribution front, the couple shared that Life Raft Treats has expanded into about 500 retail stores nationwide, including major players like Mariano’s in the Midwest and Central Market in Texas.
They also highlighted the artistic element behind every treat, proudly calling their brand a “creative, high-quality frozen goods company.”
But as we know, numbers are everything in the Tank. And while the Sharks were impressed with the concept and traction, things took a chilly turn during negotiations.
Shark Reactions On Shark Tank Life Raft Treats Pitch
Mark Cuban – First One Out
Mark didn’t waste much time. Although he complimented the fun and creativity behind the business, he bluntly admitted that the frozen food space is just too complicated for him. Without much back and forth, he became the first shark to drop out.
Verdict: “I love the creativity, but this space is too tough. I’m out.”
Daymond John – Loved the Product, But…
Daymond was clearly entertained by the pitch and said as much. He even called it an “amazing idea.” But when it came down to offering a deal, he just didn’t see how he could add value to a frozen dessert brand.
Verdict: “I think it’s awesome. I just don’t know what I could bring to help you. I’m out.”
Lori Greiner – Conflict of Interest
Lori was hooked from the start—but not in the way you’d hope. She quickly revealed that she’s already invested in another Shark Tank frozen dessert brand, Frozen Farmer, which made Life Raft Treats a direct competitor.
Because of that, she had to step away from negotiations.
Verdict: “I love this, but I already work with a very similar brand. It wouldn’t be fair. I’m out.”
Kevin O’Leary – No Sweetness in the Metrics
Mr. Wonderful did what he does best: pick apart the financials. He felt the profit margins weren’t quite there, and the business development wasn’t far enough along to justify an investment.
And in classic Kevin fashion, he dropped a line that only he could deliver: “It’s not deep-fried enough for me.” Yep, that actually happened.
Verdict: “The metrics don’t make sense to me. I’m out.”
Todd Graves – Chicken Guy, Not Ice Cream Guy
As the guest Shark and founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, you’d think Todd might be charmed by an ice cream that looks like fried chicken. But surprisingly, he was the last to drop out.
Todd explained that his 28-year-long focus has been on serving fresh chicken, and the frozen dessert space just didn’t fit with his long-term goals.
Verdict: “I love chicken, but not this kind. I’m out.”
Did Life Raft Treats Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
In the end, none of the Sharks made an offer, and Cynthia and John left the Tank without a deal.
But here’s the thing: they didn’t leave empty-handed. They walked out with more exposure than money could buy and a chance to tell their story to millions of Shark Tank viewers.
And let’s be honest—sometimes, that kind of brand spotlight is worth more than any shark’s checkbook.
Now, it’s time to check how the couple has navigated their company’s journey in our Life Raft Treats update.
Life Raft Treats Shark Tank Update
While the Sharks may not have invested, the exposure from Shark Tank gave Life Raft Treats a serious visibility boost.
Within hours of the episode airing, social media lit up with fans praising the couple’s creativity and resilience.
And online orders?…
Let’s just say they weren’t slow. The website saw a surge in traffic, and ice cream fans from all corners of the U.S. wanted to get their hands on that fried-chicken-shaped frozen goodness.
In our Shark Tank Life Raft Treats update, we found that people weren’t just curious—they were obsessed. It wasn’t just about the ice cream anymore. It was about supporting a small business with a big imagination.
How the Business Is Doing Now: Life Raft Treats After Shark Tank
Despite walking away without a deal, Life Raft Treats didn’t slow down. In fact, they’re doing better than ever.
In 2023, they raked in $1.2 million in sales with a profit of $60,000. Not bad for a novelty ice cream business, right?
As of 2024, they’ve already hit $750,000 in sales and are tracking toward $1.7 million by year’s end. Talk about growth!
They’ve also expanded their distribution—partnering with retailers like Mariano’s and Central Market—and are now stocked in around 500 stores across the U.S. Oh, and they didn’t stop there.
They’re also working with distributors like Gourmet Foods International and P10 Foods, helping Life Raft Treats reach even more frozen aisles across the country.
So if you thought they melted under the pressure, think again.
Events, Bookings & Private Sales: Life Raft Treats Update
Here’s something not everyone knows: Life Raft Treats isn’t just selling to individuals—they’re killing it in the event catering game too.
As of this Life Raft Treats update, private bookings start at $5,000 and custom-designed projects can go up to $7,000.
Think corporate events, weddings, or branded collaborations. And thanks to high demand, they’re fully booked for private gigs until mid-2025. Yep, that far in advance.
Whether it’s a wedding dessert station or a fun pop-up at a festival, Life Raft Treats is clearly becoming the go-to for people looking to make a (very cool) statement.
How They Sell: Online Orders & Shipping with a Twist
One thing the Sharks loved (but also worried about) was the shipping logistics. Cynthia and John currently fulfill online orders through a third-party shipping partner who handles delivery with dry ice.
Yes, it’s costly. That third party takes a 20% cut, which does bite into the margins. However, the tradeoff is freshness and nationwide reach. You can get a bucket of “Not Fried Chicken” shipped straight to your door for $109—including shipping.
And considering how unique the experience is, fans say it’s worth every penny.
Life Raft Treats Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Post-show, fans of Life Raft Treats flooded their social channels with messages of love and support. Many viewers were disappointed that the Sharks didn’t invest and praised Cynthia and John for staying true to their vision.
The company also received shout-outs from various media outlets and foodie influencers. Everyone wanted to know more about the “chicken that’s not chicken.” It’s the kind of buzz most small brands only dream of.
In fact, this Shark Tank Life Raft Treats update proves that sometimes, the best “deal” is the exposure itself.
So What’s Next? Future Plans for Life Raft Treats
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this couple, it’s that they’re full of surprises. The future looks deliciously bright for Life Raft Treats.
While they haven’t revealed any new Shark-worthy products yet, fans are hoping for even more food-illusion desserts in the future.
Could we see an ice cream taco? A frozen sushi roll? Who knows! One thing’s for sure—Cynthia’s creativity knows no bounds.
They’re also exploring ways to improve shipping logistics and maybe even expand into international markets. Stay tuned, because this ice cream company is far from melting away.
Read More: Little Saints After Shark Tank Update
FAQs – Life Raft Treats Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 2
Who Owns Life Raft Treats?
Cynthia Wong, an award-winning pastry chef, co-founded the company with her husband, John.
Did Life Raft Treats Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
No, Life Raft Treats did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. Although the Sharks loved the creativity behind the product, each one backed out for different reasons—ranging from industry complexity to conflicts of interest. Despite that, the company gained major exposure and continued growing after the show.
What Makes Life Raft Treats Special?
Life Raft Treats stands out for its playful, art-inspired frozen desserts—like their signature “Not Fried Chicken,” an ice cream bar that looks exactly like a fried chicken drumstick. Their creative twist on classic treats delivers both flavor and fun, making dessert a full sensory experience.
Where Can I Buy Life Raft Treats?
You can buy Life Raft Treats directly from their official website, where they offer nationwide shipping packed with dry ice to keep everything fresh. They’re also available in around 500 retail stores across the U.S., including popular chains like Mariano’s and Central Market.
How Is Life Raft Doing After Shark Tank?
Life Raft Treats is thriving after Shark Tank, despite not getting a deal. The company has expanded its retail presence to over 500 stores, continued strong online sales, and is fully booked for private events through mid-2025. Sales are on track to reach $1.7 million this year.
What Products Are In Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 2?
In Season 16, Episode 2 of Shark Tank, entrepreneurs showcased four standout products: Topsail Steamer – at-home seafood steam pots, Life Raft Treats – fried chicken‑shaped ice cream novelties, RigStrips – magnetic solutions for securing skis and snowboards, and Bucket Golf – a portable backyard golf game.
Final Thoughts: Shark Tank Life Raft Treats Update
To sum it all up: No deal? No problem.
In this Life Raft Treats Shark Tank update, we’ve seen how Cynthia and John took the exposure and ran with it—straight into the hearts (and freezers) of dessert lovers everywhere.
They’ve proven that being different can work, and that being playful doesn’t mean you’re not serious about business.
Whether you’re cheering them on from afar or placing your own order for “Not Fried Chicken,” one thing is clear: Life Raft Treats is here to stay.
It will be exciting to find out what Cynthia and John have planned in the next few months in our upcoming Life Raft Treat update.
To stay updated on Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 2, make sure to visit the links below:
- Topsail Steamer Update After Shark Tank
- RigStrips Update After Shark Tank
- BucketGolf Update After Shark Tank
Before leaving, be sure to browse through our entire collection of products and company updates featured in all episodes of Shark Tank Season 16.