Dragons’ Den TrackerWhat Happened to Original Jerky (renamed Texas Joe's) After Dragons’ Den?
Original Jerky (renamed Texas Joe's) appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2013, Series 11 Episode 2. The business was a flavoured beef jerky snack. They secured investment from Peter Jones on the show. The company was dissolved in 2019.
The Pitch
Joe Walters walked into the Den in 2013 with a flavoured beef jerky snack. They were asking for £37,500 (received £50,000) in exchange for 24% of the business.
The pitch landed well enough in the Den that at least one Dragon decided to back it.
The Deal
A deal was struck on the show. Peter Jones offered £37,500 (received £50,000) for 24%, and Joe Walters accepted.
It’s worth noting that Dragons’ Den deals agreed on camera often go through further negotiation off-screen. Some complete as shown; others are renegotiated or never finalise at all. The company’s subsequent trading history is the clearest indicator of what actually happened.
What Happened After the Show
Original Jerky (renamed Texas Joe's) did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2019, some 6 years after the pitch.
This is not an unusual outcome. The majority of businesses that appear on Dragons’ Den, deal or no deal, don’t make it in the long run. The show can provide a platform and capital, but it can’t substitute for a sustainable business model.
Is Original Jerky (renamed Texas Joe's) Still in Business?
No. Original Jerky (renamed Texas Joe's) is no longer in business. Based on available records, the company is dissolved (2019).
Related Companies
If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at The Running Mat, BUKcase, The Rotaire Dryline, Nappies2Go. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
