According to Cleveland.com, in exchange for $300,000, John gets a 30 percent stake in Baker's food company, Queen Ann Inc., and an agreement to license Baker's patented de-boning process to a major pork producer.
Check out Baker's new website, bubbasbonelessribs.com, to purchase boneless rib steaks, barbecue sauce, dry rub or his cookbook.
Congratulations, Bubba!
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Northeast Ohio's own Al "Bubba" Baker, former Browns defensive linebacker and current restauranteur, has a shot at making millions.
Baker owns Bubba's-Q World Famous Bar-B-Q and Catering in Avon. As Baker knows, baby back ribs are a barbeque favorite, but the deliciousness comes with a price. They're messy. Really, really messy.
The Ohio restauranteur has found a way around the mess. Baker developed a method of cooking ribs and completely removing the bones, resulting in the patented De-Boned Baby Back Rib Steak. Rather than getting half the meat stuck in your teeth and sauce everywhere, Baker's dry rubbed and Applewood smoked rib steak is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork.
Baker's creation of civilized ribs has paved the way for his appearance on ABC's hit show "Shark Tank" this Friday. As one of 22 finalists from about 35,000 applicants, Baker made a two minute and seven second pitch to the "sharks," hoping to convince them to back his business.
The "sharks" are Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, QVC personality Lori Greiner, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion and branding expert Daymond John, and venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary. The self-made millionaire and billionaire tycoons consider the entrepreneur's pitches and give them the chance to potentially make business deals to secure their own fortunes.
With the help of local supermarket chain Heinen's, Baker has been able to distribute his Rib Steak as a frozen, heat and eat item on a small scale. Should he score financial backing through the show, Baker hopes to distribute nationally. Hopefully the "sharks" have a taste for ribs.
