It all started with a grilled cheese donut that went viral. By 2025, Tom and Chee, once a humble food tent in Cincinnati, is still alive, but not under its original founders. While fans remember their quirky pitch on Shark Tank in 2013, few realize the brand was sold, restructured, and quietly survived the chaos of overexpansion. Here’s what really happened before and after the tank—and what Tom and Chee is worth in 2025.
A Grilled Cheese Donut That Got National Attention
What makes Tom and Chee so unforgettable? A freakishly delicious idea: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, with their flagship being a donut sliced in half, grilled with cheese in the middle.
They pitched their concept on Season 4, Episode 26 of Shark Tank back in May 2013, asking the Sharks for help expanding their already-growing chain. What happened next launched them into the national spotlight—but it didn’t all go as planned.
What Happened in the Tank? Mark and Barbara Bit, But One Walked Away
Founders Corey Ward and Trew Quackenbush asked for $600,000 in exchange for 10% equity.
The Sharks were intrigued, especially by their growing fan base, unique menu, and fast-growing revenue. Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban teamed up and offered $600,000 for 30%, with Barbara asking for exclusive rights in New York and Mark requesting Texas.
“You guys made me hungry. I’m in,” Barbara smiled, right before Mark Cuban jumped on board.
The deal made headlines. But after filming, only Barbara remained loosely involved. Mark walked away, reportedly due to differences in scaling strategy and franchise control.
“Mark had a different vision, and we weren’t willing to give up full control. Barbara stayed on, but we reduced her share,” Corey later shared in an interview.
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Tom and Chee Pitch on Shark Tank
| Company name | Tom and Chee |
| Product | A chain of grilled cheese and tomato soup shops |
| Episode | Season 04 Episode 02 |
| Founders | Trew Quakenbush and Cory War |
| Asked for | $600,000 for 10% equity |
| Final deal | $600,000 for 30% equity |
| Sharks | Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban |
| Location | Cincinnati, Ohio |
If you were a Shark, would you have invested in Tom and Chee for $600K?
What Changed After the Show? A Franchise Boom and a Fast Burn
Tom and Chee exploded after Shark Tank. Media outlets went wild over the grilled cheese donut. In just a year, they grew from a handful of locations to over 35 across the U.S.
But the fast growth led to serious operational issues. Many franchisees struggled. Standards dropped. Customers complained. And the once quirky brand began to collapse under its own weight.
By 2015, several stores had shut down. In 2017, the brand was acquired by GSR Brands, the parent company of Gold Star Chili. The acquisition aimed to stabilize the company, retrain staff, and fix franchise systems.
Since then, GSR restructured Tom and Chee into a “melt-focused” fast-casual brand, maintaining the grilled cheese donut but streamlining operations.
Tom and Chee Net Worth 2025
In 2025, Tom and Chee is still active, with several locations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
Exact revenue figures aren’t public, but based on historical data and franchising performance, Tom and Chee’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million to $3 million. That’s a far cry from the $14 million+ annual sales they briefly hit post-Shark Tank.
Barbara Corcoran’s involvement has since faded. While she was part of the original deal, her stake was reduced, and she no longer publicly comments on the brand.
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From Shark Deal to Acquisition: What Really Happened?
- Deal Made: Barbara and Mark offered $600K for 30%.
- Deal Outcome: Only Barbara’s portion went through, and her involvement was minimal.
- Why It Fell Apart: The founders didn’t want to give up too much control. Mark Cuban wanted a tighter grip on scaling, which the founders resisted.
Was it the right call? Hindsight says maybe not. But the founders were adamant about staying true to their vision.
Where Is Tom and Chee Headed in 2025?
Today, Tom and Chee is a smaller, more focused franchise, operating under the guidance of GSR Brands.
Their current stores highlight a curated menu with melts, soups, and yes—the grilled cheese donut is still there. They’ve even rebranded interiors to match modern fast-casual trends.
The brand is not expanding aggressively, but GSR is open to slow franchising, particularly in the Midwest and South. The 2020s have been about resetting, not racing.
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What’s Next for the Founders?
Both founders have moved on from daily operations.
- Trew Quackenbush now teaches high school in Ohio.
- Corey Ward is focused on creative projects, including art and game design.
“The grilled cheese donut was a crazy ride. I’ve moved on, but I still love seeing it make people smile,” Trew said in a 2025 interview.
Could Tom and Chee Make a Comeback?
Absolutely. With a quirky product that still draws attention and a loyal local following, Tom and Chee has the potential to grow again—but more sustainably this time.
They’re focused on quality, franchisee success, and tight menus. If the market continues to favor nostalgia and comfort food, Tom and Chee could ride a second wave of success in 2026 and beyond.
🔹 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Tom and Chee Net Worth 2025: Once a viral grilled cheese sensation, Tom and Chee is still operating under new ownership with a $2–3M valuation.
FAQs
Is Tom and Chee still in business in 2025?
Yes, Tom and Chee is still operating in 2025, with active franchise locations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Oklahoma under GSR Brands.
Did Tom and Chee get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban offered $600,000 for 30%, but Mark dropped out post-show. Barbara stayed on briefly.
What is Tom and Chee’s net worth in 2025?
Tom and Chee’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between $2 million and $3 million, based on current franchise operations and ownership under GSR Brands.
Who owns Tom and Chee now?
The brand was acquired in 2017 by GSR Brands, which also owns Gold Star Chili.
Are the original founders still involved?
No, both founders have stepped away. Trew Quackenbush is a teacher, and Corey Ward has moved into creative work.
