The Cookie Kahuna entered the Shark Tank in Season 8. The cookies, which come in three flavors, Original Chocolate Chip, Butterscotch Macadamia and Chocolate Chip Pecan, are made in Hawaii by legendary baker Wally Amos, known for his former cookie company Famous Amos.
We interviewed Amos, who entered the Tank on October 7th and did not get a deal. As for his future plans, he said, “I have a feeling much of my time will be spent keeping up with the demand my appearance on Shark Tank has created…I am very thankful to have had the Shark Tank experience. I believe it will add years to my business life.”
Here’s what else he told us about…
Interested in tasting The Cookie Kahuna? Buy them here.
The Formula
The Cookie Kahuna is the same formula I used 41 years ago when I launched Famous Amos at 7181 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Why would I change a winning formula? Chocolate is still the largest ingredient, at 32 percent in my cookies. I still use real butter and pure vanilla extract. Those are the three most important ingredients, the ones that give you the great taste that is identified with a Wally Amos cookie. In food, it is critical that any food product taste good. I have honored that tradition with every cookie company I have ever owned. No doubt about it, taste is king and will forever be!
Partnership with Costco
Costco has been absolutely fantastic to work with. They were our first retail account, and have worked with us to grow our business gradually. We could not have asked for a better retail partner. They have encouraged us to grow gradually to develop long term sales. They are excellent partners.
How His Appearance on the ‘Tank’ Came About
My friend, Brian Whiteman, who has had multiple appearances on Shark Tank, suggested they use me. He held my hand through the entire process and was a great support. I do not believe I would have made it without him. I am thankful for the Shark Tank staff for their support and encouragement. It was very positive experience. What a fantastic organization!
The Importance of Help
The only thing I can do by myself is to fail. Anyone that strives to succeed must have good people to help them. Since losing Famous Amos, due to my ignorance and faulty thinking that I knew more than everyone else, I have made it a point to always have a partner who was good at business.
Nerves in the ‘Tank’
By the time I reached the Tank, I had worked through my nervousness. Because I have had years of experience, I was surprised that I actually had a spell of nervousness. Actually, Marc and Jeff, the creators of Drop Stop actually coached me back to myself. The entire staff were very encouraging and supportive. In my 41 years of being in the public, my Shark Tank experience was the most supportive.
Other Shark Tank food products:
