Grill Charms Shark Tank: What Happened to the BBQ Innovation After the Show?

Grill Charms made a sizzling entrance on Shark Tank, catching the attention of both the Sharks and viewers with its unique, problem-solving approach to grilling. But where is the brand now, and how did it fare after its pitch?

If you’re searching for the story behind Grill Charms Shark Tank, this article covers the product, the pitch, the deal, and what’s happened since its appearance on one of TV’s most popular business shows.

What Are Grill Charms?

Grill Charms are small stainless steel markers designed to help identify different types of meat on the grill — based on spice level, doneness, allergies, or marinades.

Purpose: To eliminate confusion during grilling by marking each piece of meat with a charm before it’s cooked — so there’s no guessing later.

Each charm is inserted into the meat before grilling and stays securely in place, even during flipping and cooking.

Grill Charms on Shark Tank: The Pitch

Entrepreneur: Leslie Haywood
Season: 1
Episode: 106
Ask: $50,000 for 25% equity
Notable Quote: “Grilling is no longer guesswork.”

Leslie Haywood walked into the Tank with a simple but clever idea — and a clear solution to a common problem. She impressed the Sharks with her personal story and market readiness.

Did Grill Charms Get a Deal on Shark Tank?

Yes! Leslie struck a deal with Shark Kevin Harrington for $50,000 in exchange for 25% equity, exactly as she requested.

Kevin saw the product’s potential for direct response television (DRTV), infomercials, and retail channels — thanks to its mass appeal and gift-worthy packaging.

What Happened After Shark Tank?

After the episode aired, Grill Charms received a surge in orders and publicity, boosting visibility and revenue. The product was featured in:

BBQ blogs and grilling magazines
Gift guides and Father’s Day promotions
Online stores like Amazon and specialty kitchen retailers

Leslie Haywood later exited the business, licensing the product and moving on to support other female entrepreneurs and speak on innovation and empowerment.

As of today, Grill Charms are still available online through select retailers and remain a popular novelty gift for BBQ lovers.

Key Features of Grill Charms

Made from stainless steel (durable and heat-safe)
Available in themed sets: steak doneness, heat level, custom initials, etc.
Reusable and dishwasher safe
Perfect for parties, family dinners, or food allergy management

Why Grill Charms Was a Smart Pitch

Grill Charms appealed to the Sharks because it solved a relatable, everyday problem with a simple, scalable product. Its strengths included:

Low production cost
High perceived value
Mass-market appeal
Gifting potential (Father’s Day, holidays, BBQ sets)

Conclusion

Grill Charms is a great example of how a simple idea with a clear purpose can stand out on Shark Tank and succeed beyond the show. Leslie Haywood’s invention brought order to the chaos of backyard BBQs and proved that innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel — sometimes, it just takes a clever charm.

Whether you’re a grilling pro or shopping for the BBQ enthusiast in your life, Grill Charms remains a smart and practical accessory that started its journey on national TV and fired up the way we grill today.

FAQs

1. What are Grill Charms?

Grill Charms are stainless steel meat markers that help identify grilled items by doneness, spice level, or dietary needs — inserted before cooking.

2. Who pitched Grill Charms on Shark Tank?

Leslie Haywood presented Grill Charms during Season 1, Episode 106, and secured a deal with Kevin Harrington for $50,000 at 25% equity.

3. Did Grill Charms succeed after Shark Tank?

Yes, the brand saw increased sales and national exposure after the show. It was later licensed and continues to be available through select retailers.