Biography of Holly Cooper: Founder of Fried Green Tomatoes -Entrepreneur
Journey of Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Success Story
A Humble Beginning
In 2012, Holly Cooper embarked on a journey to bring a
beloved Southern classic to the streets. With a small food truck and a heart
full of dreams, she introduced her signature fried green tomatoes at the Wilson
County Fair in Tennessee. The response was overwhelming—customers loved the
crispy, flavorful treat, and the truck sold out night after night. Encouraged
by this success, Holly, with her family by her side, decided to expand her menu
to include other popular Southern dishes.
From Local Favorite to Growing Brand
As the business grew, Holly’s customers began asking for
more. They wanted to recreate the delicious flavors at home. Recognizing this
demand, she and her team worked on packaging their signature fried green tomato
batter, fried pickle batter, and secret sauce. By 2016, these products were
available in retail stores, making it easier for people to enjoy their favorite
Southern flavors from the comfort of their kitchens.
A Big Opportunity Knocks
In March 2019, an exciting opportunity presented itself—open
auditions for Shark Tank were being held in Nashville. Holly saw this as a
chance to take her business to the next level. She prepared her pitch and
impressed the judges enough to move to the next round. She then submitted a
video pitch, making it one step closer to the final audition.
Making It to the Tank
By May 2019, Holly received the call she had been hoping
for—she was selected to appear on Shark Tank! In June, she and her family
traveled to Los Angeles to showcase their brand in front of the sharks. It was
a nerve-wracking experience, but Holly was determined to share her passion and
prove that Fried Green Tomatoes was a business worth investing in.
Facing the Sharks
On the show, Holly pitched her business, asking for $200,000
in exchange for 30% equity. The sharks loved the food, but some were hesitant
about the valuation and the small team running the business. Kevin O’Leary and
Mark Cuban admired her product but decided to pass. Lori Greiner and Daymond
John also declined, citing personal investment preferences.
A Surprising Turn of Events
Just when it seemed like Holly might walk away empty-handed,
Barbara Corcoran stepped in with an offer. She saw great potential in the brand
and offered the $200,000 investment in exchange for 30% equity. Daymond John,
seeing Barbara’s enthusiasm, tried to undercut her offer by proposing a deal
for 25% equity. With guidance from Mark Cuban, Holly decided to go with
Barbara, believing she was the right partner to help grow the business.
The Deal That Never Happened
Although Holly agreed to the deal on-air, it never
materialized. This is not uncommon on Shark Tank, as nearly half of the deals
made on the show do not close. For reasons unknown, Holly never heard back from
Barbara Corcoran to finalize the investment. Despite this setback, appearing on
Shark Tank gave Fried Green Tomatoes national exposure.
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The Power of Publicity
Even without the deal, the show provided incredible
marketing value. Many Shark Tank participants see a surge in sales due to the
exposure, which is estimated to be worth millions in advertising dollars.
However, Holly’s momentum was temporarily slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic,
which affected businesses worldwide.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the pandemic, Holly and her team remained
determined. They focused on their core strengths—quality ingredients, excellent
customer service, and expanding their product line. As restrictions lifted,
they saw an increase in demand for both their food truck and retail products.
A Second Food Truck Rolls Out
With business booming, Holly decided to expand. In 2020,
after her Shark Tank episode aired, she launched a second food truck in
Nashville. This allowed them to reach more customers and participate in more
events, fairs, and festivals. The response was overwhelmingly positive, proving
that Fried Green Tomatoes had built a loyal following.
Taking the Business Nationwide
By 2022, Holly was ready for the next big step—franchising.
She wanted to bring the heart and soul of Southern cooking to more communities
across the country. With a strong brand and a proven business model, the
franchise program was launched, allowing other entrepreneurs to bring Fried
Green Tomatoes to their local markets.
A Family-Centered Business
Through all the ups and downs, Holly has remained true to
her vision of delivering high-quality, Southern-inspired food. Her business is
more than just a company—it’s a family-driven passion. She continues to work
closely with her team, ensuring that every product maintains the same taste and
authenticity that made it a hit from the beginning.
Farm-Fresh Ingredients and Southern Hospitality
One of the key aspects of Fried Green Tomatoes’ success is
its commitment to fresh ingredients. Holly has partnered with local farmers to
source the best produce, ensuring that customers always get the highest quality
food. In addition, Southern hospitality remains at the heart of the business,
making every customer feel like part of the family.
Building an Empire
What started as a single food truck at a local fair has
grown into a thriving brand with retail products, multiple food trucks, and
franchise opportunities. Holly’s journey is a testament to the power of
perseverance, passion, and belief in one’s product. She has turned a simple
Southern dish into a business empire.
The Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Holly has big plans for Fried Green Tomatoes.
With continued growth in retail sales, food trucks, and franchising, the
business is set to expand even further. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring
entrepreneurs everywhere—showing that with hard work, determination, and a
little bit of Southern charm, anything is possible.
Timeline for story
2012 – Holly Cooper starts Fried Green Tomatoes food truck
at Wilson County Fair.
2016 – Retail launch of fried green tomato batter, pickle
batter, and secret sauce.
March 2019 – Holly auditions for Shark Tank in Nashville.
May 2019 – She gets selected to appear on Shark Tank.
June 2019 – Holly pitches on Shark Tank and accepts Barbara
Corcoran’s offer.
2020 – A second food truck launches in Nashville after Shark
Tank exposure.
2022 – Franchise program launches to expand nationwide.
