When Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory entered the Shark Tank in Season 1, it wasn’t just another hopeful startup, it was history in the making. As the very first business to ever pitch on the show, founder Tod Wilson stepped in with fresh-baked confidence and a product that spoke for itself. His sweet potato pies were a hit with the Sharks and viewers alike. But more than a pitch, it was a story of perseverance, ambition, and the tough realities of entrepreneurship.
More than a decade later, fans still ask, What happened after Shark Tank? Is Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory still open? And what is Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory net worth in 2025?
The business is still operating today, though in a more streamlined form, and its estimated net worth sits at around $1 million. While the company faced ups and downs, it remains one of the most memorable brands to ever enter the Tank.
Let’s dive into the full story behind this iconic Shark Tank moment.
Who’s Behind Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory?
Tod Wilson is the brains and baker behind Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory. Born and raised in New Jersey, Wilson originally worked in finance before leaving Wall Street to pursue something closer to home, his mother’s pie recipes.
He began selling pies from his car, eventually building the business into a local sensation. His mission was simple, bring the flavors of traditional, home-baked pies to a wider audience. His shop became a neighborhood favorite for sweet potato, pecan, and other classic Southern-style pies.
“I wanted to make something that reminded people of home,” Wilson once shared. “Something they could taste and instantly feel comforted.”
Even after facing business setbacks, Wilson remained a vocal advocate for small business ownership, especially within the Black entrepreneurial community.
The Shark Tank Pitch, High Stakes in the Tank
In 2009, Tod Wilson walked into the very first episode of Shark Tank and delivered a confident pitch, $460,000 for a 10% stake, placing the company’s valuation at $4.6 million.
The Sharks loved the pies. Kevin Harrington said the sweet potato pie was the best he’d ever had. But concerns were raised over scalability, branding, and whether Wilson could expand beyond his one New Jersey storefront.
Barbara Corcoran pushed hard on the numbers, saying, “You’ve got the product, but I don’t see the business yet.” Still, she and Daymond John saw potential and ultimately partnered on a deal.
The final agreement? Instead of equity, they negotiated 50% of future franchising rights. This allowed Tod to maintain control of the original business while giving the Sharks a piece of any potential expansion.
It wasn’t about just investing in a product, it was about investing in the man
Daymond Jhon
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Immediately after the episode aired, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory experienced a huge spike in demand. Orders poured in from across the country, and Tod expanded into catering, wholesale, and corporate gifting. Annual revenue reportedly grew to over $1.5 million in the years following the show.
However, growth came with challenges. In 2015, the company’s storefront closed due to unpaid taxes and rent disputes. Legal issues stalled further expansion, and franchise plans never materialized.
“I made mistakes. I expanded too fast, and I didn’t have the right legal and financial structure in place,” Wilson later admitted.
Still, the business didn’t die. Tod pivoted to an online-only model, focusing on seasonal pie orders, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Today, Mr. Tod’s operates as a small but active e-commerce brand.
Is Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory Still Open?
Yes, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory is still open. Although the original storefront shut down, the business continues to operate online. Orders are typically limited to seasonal batches, and the company has scaled back to focus on quality over volume.
How Much Was Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory Bought For?
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory was never sold. Tod Wilson still owns the company. The deal with Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran only included franchising rights, which were never executed. Therefore, there was no acquisition or buyout.
Why Did Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory Close Its Storefront?
The retail storefront closed due to financial challenges, including unpaid taxes and lease issues. Wilson acknowledged the difficulties of scaling too quickly without the infrastructure to support it.
Rather than fold entirely, he adapted the business model to focus on direct-to-consumer online sales.
What Is Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory’s New Name?
The company has not rebranded. It still operates under the original name, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory.
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory Reviews, What Do Customers Say?
Mr. Tod’s pies, especially the sweet potato, have consistently received praise for their homemade taste and nostalgic quality. Customers often describe them as “authentic,” “flavorful,” and “better than store-bought pies.”
However, some complaints have surfaced over the years:
- Delayed delivery during peak holiday seasons
- Higher pricing compared to local grocery options
- Limited availability throughout the year
One reviewer noted, “The pie was worth the wait, but shipping took a full week during the holidays.” Still, the overwhelming feedback is positive, with many customers returning year after year for seasonal orders.
What Went Wrong?
Several factors contributed to the company’s struggles:
- Overexpansion, The rapid growth after Shark Tank wasn’t matched with proper infrastructure.
- Legal Issues, Tax problems and lease disputes forced the closure of the storefront.
- Franchise Plans Fell Through, The Sharks’ investment was tied to franchising, which never launched.
Despite these challenges, the brand survived, thanks to Tod’s ability to pivot and focus on niche online sales.
RELATED: This Guy Ate All the Foods from Shark Tank and Rated Them
How Much Has Daymond John Made from Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory?
Financially, Daymond John likely earned very little from this investment. Since the deal was tied to franchising rights, and no franchises were ever developed, there was no substantial return.
This contrasts sharply with his success in companies like Bombas, where his investment yielded millions.
What Other Businesses Has Daymond John Invested In?
Daymond John’s portfolio includes several standout Shark Tank successes:
- Bombas, Now valued at over $100 million, it’s one of Shark Tank’s top deals.
- Sun-Staches, Novelty eyewear brand with strong retail presence.
- Mo’s Bows, A youth-led bowtie business that landed an NBA licensing deal.
While Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory didn’t deliver a massive return, it remains a significant part of Daymond’s legacy as his first Shark Tank deal.
RELATED: DAYMOND JOHN JOINS NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF TO FIGHT DEBT
Final Take, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory Net Worth in 2025
- Net Worth, ~$1 million
- Current Status, Open (Online Only)
- Founder, Tod Wilson
- Sharks Involved, Daymond John & Barbara Corcoran
- Storefront, Closed due to financial/legal issues
- Franchise Plans, Never materialized
- Shark ROI, Minimal
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory may not be the biggest financial success from Shark Tank, but it holds a special place in the show’s history. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always mean scaling nationally, sometimes, it’s about staying resilient and keeping your dream alive, one pie at a time.
“Sometimes the win is just staying in the game,” Wilson once said, and more than a decade later, he’s still in it.
TL;DR
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory net worth is estimated at $1M in 2025. Despite closing its storefront due to financial and legal challenges, the business remains active online following its historic Shark Tank debut.
