Buena Papa on Shark Tank

Buena Papa is a restaurant concept serving loaded French fry dishes with a variety of toppings. It offers fries as a full meal, aimed at diners looking for indulgent comfort food.

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⏱ Buena Papa in 30 seconds

The ask$400K for 7%Valued at $5.71M
In the tankDeal: $400K for 19%With Robert
After the showDeal closedSurvived due diligence
TodayStill in businessFranchising fry bar chain expanding across the Southeast

Buena Papa Shark Tank deal

Asked for: $400,000 for 7%
Asking valuation: $5.71M
Result: Deal
Final deal: $400,000 for 19%
Deal valuation: $2.11M
Shark: Robert Herjavec
Founders: James and Johanna Windon
From: -
Aired: Oct 20, 2023

Asked

$5.71M

Got

$2.11M

Would you have invested in Buena Papa?

The pitch

James and Johanna Windon pitched Buena Papa in Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 4 (aired Oct 20, 2023). They asked for $400,000 in exchange for 7% equity, valuing the business at $5.71M. The entrepreneurs walked away with a deal from Robert Herjavec: $400,000 for 19%. That put the final valuation at $2.11M, 63% below what they originally asked for.

Meet the founders

What happened to Buena Papa after Shark Tank?

Still in business Last checked October 3, 2026

Buena Papa Fry Bar is a Latin-inspired fast-casual concept built around loaded fries, opened in Raleigh in 2021 by James and Johanna Windon after their cleaning business closed during the pandemic. On Shark Tank in October 2023, Robert Herjavec invested $400,000 for 19%. QSR Magazine reported sales rose 20 to 30 percent after the show and that the company had signed nine franchise agreements within weeks. The chain has since opened new units, including one in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood.

✅ The on-air deal closed after due diligence.

Update: Franchising fry bar chain expanding across the Southeast

Timeline since the show

2021
James and Johanna Windon opened Buena Papa Fry Bar in Raleigh, North Carolina
2023-10
Robert Herjavec invested $400,000 for 19%
2023-10
Signed nine franchise agreements across the Southeast, per QSR Magazine
2024
Opened a Shark Tank-branded location in Wynwood, Miami

Sources (5)

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Frequently asked questions

Did Buena Papa get a deal on Shark Tank?

Yes. Buena Papa got a deal with Robert Herjavec for $400,000 and 19% equity.

Which Shark invested in Buena Papa?

Robert Herjavec invested in Buena Papa on Season 15 of Shark Tank. Note that some on-air deals change or fall through during due diligence.

Is Buena Papa still in business?

As of our last check (October 2026), Buena Papa appears to still be in business. Its official website is online, and franchising fry bar chain expanding across the Southeast.

What season and episode was Buena Papa on Shark Tank?

Buena Papa appeared in Season 15, Episode 4, which first aired on October 20, 2023.

Where can I buy Buena Papa?

You can buy Buena Papa from its official website and often on Amazon.

What was Buena Papa's valuation on Shark Tank?

The founders valued Buena Papa at $5,714,286 when they entered the Tank, and the final deal valued it at $2,105,263.