Alabama friends Darien Craig and Brandon Echols launched Y’all Sweet Tea in 2021 after years of hard work. In 2015, Craig invested $300 from his last paycheck to start selling tea, with Echols joining soon after. They built their brand at farmers’ markets and festivals before creating their popular signature blend. Fast forward to Season 16 of “Shark Tank”, the duo brought not only their sweet tea but also their Southern charm—and internet-famous “Mama Sue”—to the show.
The Sharks were impressed by their confident pitch and innovative use of Southern influencers, such as Brenda Gantt, who helped Y’all Sweet Tea build a loyal following. The tea’s flavor earned praise, and their numbers were even more impressive: $10.3 million in sales since 2021, with expectations of over $5 million in 2025.
Craig and Echols asked for $500,000 for 5%. While guest Shark Rashaun Williams offered the full ask for 10%, Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner jumped in with competing deals. In the end, the founders accepted Williams and Greiner’s joint offer: $500,000 for 15% equity.
What Happened After the Episode Aired
According to SharkTankRecap, the week after the episode premiered in November 2024, business skyrocketed. After their Shark Tank debut in November 2024, Y’all Sweet Tea experienced a significant spike in traffic and sales. According to Echols, the company received nearly 10,000 orders in just a few days, calling it “one of the biggest weeks we’ve ever had.”
Approximately 9,000 packages were shipped out immediately. Although viewer reactions were mixed, the “Shark Tank” effect paid off.
Y’all Sweet Tea continued growing its presence in stores—600 and counting—and officially landed shelf space at Walmart, something the duo had hinted at on the show. Their peach tea sold 10,000 bags in just 35 minutes. Demand wasn’t an issue.
Where ‘Y’all Sweet Tea’ Is Now
As of May 2025, the company is still thriving. Their product lineup now includes flavors such as Georgia Peach, Strawberry Splash Bash, and Very Raspberry—sold in gallon and half-gallon bags, available in both caffeinated and decaf options.
They’ve also expanded into sauces and seasonings, including BBQ sauce based on their tea flavors and fun blends like “Texas Street Taco.”
What’s Next for Y’all Sweet Tea?
Darien Craig and Brandon Echols are still running the show and have teased three new products set to drop by late May 2025. With Walmart on board, strong ties with Brenda Gantt and Mama Sue, and thousands of five-star reviews, the brand is growing fast.
They marked their fourth anniversary with new merch and a surprise spot on The Jennifer Hudson Show, thanks to Shark Lori Greiner.
Y’all Sweet Tea now offers a variety of flavors, alongside bundles, seasonings, and branded drinkware. Products are available on their website and at Walmart.
Although no new funding has been announced, the company is focusing on product expansion, strong influencer marketing, and expanding its retail reach.
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Darien Craig & Brandon Echols of ‘Y’all Sweet Tea’ on ‘Shark Tank’—UPDATE