Dura Tent Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 4
Dan Rothweil pitches DURA Tent, a portable tabletop food screen that keeps insects and germs away from outdoor food spreads, on Shark Tank Season 4.
DURA Tent entrepreneur Dan Rothweil appeared on Shark Tank Season 4 Episode 12 seeking investment for his business. He is not a germaphobe, but he designed his tabletop food screen to keep nasty insects and the germs they carry off of outdoor food spreads. Anyone who has ever been to a picnic, tailgate party, or camping is familiar with flies and insects landing on their food; DURA Tent eliminates the problem.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 4 Episodes.
About DURA Tent
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | DURA Tent |
| Founder | Dan Rothweil |
| Industry | Outdoor Products |
| Product | Tabletop Food Screen for Outdoor Use |
| Investment Asked | $50,000 for 30% equity |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
| Valuation | $166,667 (before Shark Tank) |
The DURA Tent is made out of the same materials as full-sized camping tents designed to house people, folds up into a small package, and is easily portable. The company bills itself as “‘The’ Table Top Food Screen,” and has been in business for a little more than four years, and has had increasing sales each year.
Dura Tent Shark Tank Recap
Dan Rothweil comes to the Shark Tank looking for an investment of $50,000 in return for 30% of the company. The pitch is compelling. He includes a short video clip detailing how flies carry E. coli and other dangerous bacteria.
The Sharks chuckle, and Kevin O’Leary asks if “we’re going camping with our food,” but the laughter turns to impressed “wow”s when Rothweil explains he’s sold 50,000 units already. The tents sell for $19.95-$34.95, depending on the size, and cost $4.65 and $7.27 each to make.
The numbers look good, but Lori Greiner questions the math. Rothweil hasn’t done the arithmetic correctly, and it trips him up. His sales are actually at $35,000, heading for $40,000, still impressive sales.
The Sharks move on, with Kevin O’Leary asking about patents. Rothweil has patents on his tents and is willing to sell them to a tent manufacturer, but he’s interested in selling through QVC.
Did Dura Tent Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Robert Herjavec can’t get behind the idea of putting food under a tent. Mark Cuban doesn’t feel he can “add value” to the product. They both go out. Kevin O’Leary believes “you’re going to sell a bunch of fly tents.” He makes an offer for $50,000 and doesn’t want equity. He wants $2 on each small tent and $2.50 on the larger tents.
Rothweil wants more marketing clout. O’Leary invites Lori Greiner to join the deal. Greiner doesn’t believe there’s a strong market. She’s out.
Daymond John is out based on Lori’s refusal. Rothweil turns down O’Leary’s offer because he’s looking for marketing, more than money. It’s a nervy move.
Dura Tent Shark Tank Update
Rothweil didn’t get the deal he desired from Lori Greiner, but he took her suggestion for a name change to heart. The product has been rebranded as the “Picnic Pal” and is being sold through the new website. Even though Rothweil didn’t get a Shark to bite on his food tent, he achieved his goal of taking a product from conception to consumer, and is doing a brisk business selling tents for summer food.
As of August 2021, the products are “currently unavailable” on Amazon and “sold out” on the company website. As of December 2021, the products are back online on Amazon and the company website. By May 2022, annual revenue is just under $1 million.
The estimated net worth of Dura Tent as of 2025 is around $432K.
Posts about DURA Tent on Shark Tank Blog
Where Can You Buy It?
Dura Tent (portable food tents) products are available for purchase on their official website, Amazon, and other retailers. Check out their social media pages, such as Facebook, for more updates.
Quick Summary
- DURA Tent is a portable food tent designed to protect food from insects and germs during outdoor activities.
- Dan Rothweil pitched for $50,000 in exchange for 30% equity but turned down an offer from Kevin O’Leary.
- Despite no deal, the product was rebranded as “Picnic Pal” and achieved nearly $1 million in annual revenue by 2022.
Curious to know about other businesses that appeared on Shark Tank Season 4 Episode 12? Check out their business updates!
Dan Rothweil, I know how to market, brand and explode your business. Please contact me ASAP….REALLY!
As of 31 Jan 2021 Picnic Pal is available on Amazon. Just ordered.