Chef Big Shake Foods (CBS Foods) is owned by Shawn Davis, aka Chef Big Shake. Their flagship product, shrimp burgers, brought about a change to the traditional BBQ way. The chef deviated from the usual meat sources that people opted for and showed them how they could ‘shake it up’ a little.
Ever since his childhood, Davis had a passion for cooking and experimenting with food. He was given the opportunity to live with a family who owned an Italian restaurant. This allowed him to see how different flavor combinations could be used in various foods.
He came up with this idea when his daughter was 10. After coming home from school one day, she showed him a pamphlet that she got from school about vegetarian options. She told him that she wanted to eat a cruelty-free option. He wanted to support her interest and this led to the discovery of the infamous shrimp burger. After becoming a hit at family gatherings, Shawn’s friend filled out his application for Shark Tank.
Shawn Davis appeared on the show in 2011 to get the required investment to make his burgers available in grocery stores on a national level. Having experienced working in a professional kitchen, Davis had high hopes of making it to the top. He had already sold over 22,000 and made a profit of approximately $30,000. Although it was very ambitious, Davis saw the initial success of his burgers and decided to take the next big step.
The bestselling point of these burgers is that they’re a healthier option than your classic beef burger. They come in a variety of flavors such as Teriyaki, Jalapeno, and Cajun. They’re also cruelty-free and a more natural option. The flavor of the patties is very different: the juiciness combined with the variety of spices is nothing less than mouthwatering.
Are They Still an Active Company?
Yes, they are active and still in business. It’s available in most grocery stores as well as on their website online but his restaurant is known as Big Shake’s Hot Chicken now.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Shawn Davis entered Shark Tank with the aim of securing a $200,000 investment for a 25% ownership of the company. He began his pitch by introducing the Sharks to the 4 different flavors and proceeded to give them samples so that the taste of the burgers could speak for itself.
Already having a good idea of how to pitch, Shawn told them about the market for hamburgers and how he is convinced that his burgers will take off as soon as they enter the competition.
The Sharks seemed pretty impressed with the taste of the burgers but it wasn’t as easy to convince them as Davis had hoped. Kevin wanted to know how much profit Shawn was making by selling one burger. Kevin said that he felt the $.87 cost of production compared to the $1.63 price showed a “light” margin. Davis didn’t give up. He replied that they were not just buying the burger, they were buying the brand and the overall margins were pretty good.
Mark was interested but said that he wasn’t well informed about the food business and doesn’t want to risk anything. The other Sharks weren’t interested either: Barbara didn’t like shrimp, and Robert and Daymond had concerns about the valuation.
Shawn Davis ultimately left the stage without securing a deal from any of the Sharks. Davis wasn’t disheartened and said,“Everything happens for a reason.”
Our Review of Chef Big Shake Foods
We decided to sample Shawn’s shrimp burgers for ourselves and see if they’re worth the hype.
The burgers are soft and juicy. The patty is made with the perfect mix of spices and can be eaten on its own or with your favorite veggies and sauces. The shrimp’s taste is not overwhelming, and the difference in texture is what makes it stand out the most. You can choose your flavor depending on how spicy you like your burger as there are options catering to different tastebuds. The burgers are also a healthier option as compared to other burger patties.
The bad news is that it’s not for people who don’t like seafood. This healthy option is also pretty expensive since a pack of 9 burger patties will cost you $100.
Pros of Chef Big Shake Foods
- Healthier than red meat
- Fewer calories
- Keto-friendly
- Smells good
- Can be baked, grilled, or sauteed
- Doesn’t taste too fishy
Cons of Chef Big Shake Foods
- Very expensive therefore it prevents everyone from trying it out
- Not a perfect substitute for beef burgers
Who Is Chef Big Shake Foods For?
The Shrimp Patties are perfect for people who want to move their diet away from red meat and find a good substitute for traditional burgers. If you’re a seafood lover or if you’re someone who’s usually on the hunt for new and delicious food options, then CBS Foods shrimp patties are for you. They’re also keto-friendly and can be cooked in a variety of ways just like normal beef burgers.
Are There Any Alternatives?
There aren’t many companies that sell frozen shrimp burgers, but there are a few seafood options available if you’re looking to try something other than beef or chicken.
Seafood dumplings made from lobster, crab, and shrimp are a good alternative to these shrimp burgers. Just like the burgers, you’ll get to balance your diet with white meat. These dumplings come with a dipping sauce and are chemical-free.
Unlike the shrimp burgers, they’re not keto-friendly and contain more calories.
Our Final Thoughts
While some people are skeptical about the idea of seafood patties, CBS Food’s Shrimp Patties might just change their minds. Since this product does not contain a strong fishy taste and is much healthier, it’s a better option as compared to red meat.
On top of this, the soft chewy consistency makes the patty even more delectable and it can also be mixed with different vegetables and condiments to create a burger personalized to your taste buds.
In many ways, it’s not the same as a beef burger, but it’s the next best healthiest thing available.
