BarBees Bartending is an online/offline business that sells mixology classes. Most people also know mixology as a cocktail class. This business was founded by Jess Blakeley and Willow Sprague in 2019.
When they start their business, they provide only Bartending and Catering services. When COVID-19 hit, all food businesses shut down. To survive, they started providing virtual classes and this class became a big business opportunity for them.
They started their business in Nashville City, Tennessee, and currently, it is available in 9 other cities. An Expert is needed to expand the business, for this Jess and Willow appeared in Shark Tank Season 15 Episode 12 and asked the Sharks for $75k for 10% equity at a $750k Valuation.
What is BarBees Bartending?
BarBees Bartending is a business that provides mixology classes/cocktail classes. They mainly provide 3 types of classes, cocktail class, corporate class, and bachelorette class. Apart from this they also offer in-person classes. The cost of each person’s 90-minute class ranges from $60-$90.
Their clients have been F45 Training, Paperless Post, BodyArmor, Grammarly, and OV. Along with the classes, they also sell the accessories needed to make cocktails.
| Company Name | BarBees Bartending | |
| Founder | Jess Blakeley and Willow Sprague | |
| Founded | 2019 | |
| Product | Mixology classes | |
| Asked For | $75k for 10% equity | |
| Final Deal | $75k for 20% equity | |
| Shark |  Daniel Lubetzky | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S15 E12 | |
| Air Date | Jan 26, 2023 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Nashville, Tennessee, USA | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $1M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of BarBees Bartending?
The founder and CEO of BarBees Bartending Business is two close friends Jess Blakeley and Willow Sprague. They started this business as Bartending and Catering services in 2019.
Before this business, Jess (Jessica) had worked in a healthcare company. Willow has worked at Cadence Leadership + Communications in various positions for 4 years.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of BarBees Bartending?
Two friends Jess and Willow both entered the Shark Tank and explained to the Sharks about their mobile cocktail class. After this, they asked the Sharks for $75k for 10% equity. In 2019, they launched an event Bartending company, and currently 25 people are working with him.
In 2019, their gross sales were $19,000, after starting virtual classes in 2020, sales were $38,000, in 2021, they have started giving in-person classes along with virtual classes and sales were $76,000.
By 2022, they had expanded to 4 new cities and their gross sales are under $190,000. They are expecting $400,000 in gross sales in 2023. Currently, they are present in 7 cities. They need sharks to expand their business.
Mark Cuban has issues regarding scaling the business, so that is why he is out. Kevin O’Leary said that he is a wine player so he cannot invest in this cocktail business. Daniel Lubetzky offered $75k for 20% equity.
Lori Greiner said that Daniel’s offer is good and she cannot make a better offer, so she is out. Willow countered Daniel’s 15% equity and Daniel said if it takes more time he can go up to 25% equity.
Willow countered another $115k for 20% equity and the deal with Daniel was finalized at $75k for 20% equity.
Sharks Offers list!
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Daniel Lubetzky | $75k for 20% equity (#1) |
 Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
 Mark Cuban | No Offer |
 Daymond John | No Offer |
 Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Founder’s (Countered) | $75k for 15% equity (#1) $115k for 20% equity (#2) |
| Final Deals | $75k for 20% equity |
What Happened To BarBees Bartending After Shark Tank?
BarBees Bartending gets a deal on Shark Tank Daniel invests $75k in this business for 20% equity. Right now we do not have much information related to this business, so we are following the social handles of the founders and the business.
BarBees Bartending Shark Tank Update
Jess and Willow gave a great presentation in Shark Tank and also shared their business scope and sales report with the Sharks. They have to increase their customer base to grow their business. Currently, they are operating in only a few cities but their goal is to expand their business nationwide.
What Is BarBees Bartending’s Net Worth?
BarBees Bartending’s net worth is estimated at $0.5 million. This mixology class business is a profitable business but to expand the business, you will have to spend money on marketing along with good service. Right now mixology classes are available for free on YouTube also.
Annual Revenue by Years
Note: This report is based on our research and data so far. In this, we are only estimating the annual revenue.
| Years | Annual Revenue |
| 2023 | $400k *estimated |
| 2022 | $190k *estimated |
| 2021 | $76k *estimated |
| 2020 | $38k *estimated |
| 2019 | $19k *estimated |
Funding Reports to Date!
| Years | Funding Amount | Investor |
| 2023 | $75k | Daniel Lubetzky |
Is BarBees Bartending Still In Business?
The virtual class industry is growing rapidly and many education-based businesses have now moved to online mode. The size of the global cocktail market in 2022 was US$86 million and this industry is gradually growing.
The official address of this business is Nashville, Tennessee, United States and it has 11-50 employees according to its LinkedIn profile.
Yes, BarBees Bartending is still in business as of January 2024.
frequently asked questions
Who founded BarBees Bartending?
BarBees Bartending was founded by Jess Blakeley and Willow Sprague
Did BarBees Bartending get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, BarBees Bartending got a deal on Shark Tank.
