Raleigh Seafood Truck Owner Rejected by 'Shark Tank' Now Has Global Fans

Isaac Horton's Oak City Fish & Chips food truck pitch didn't land a deal, but the exposure led to a franchise boom.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished, stainless steel food truck grill with sizzling shrimp and golden-fried fish fillets, conceptually representing the quality and craftsmanship of Oak City Fish & Chips' signature menu items.The mouthwatering seafood dishes that captivated the 'Shark Tank' panel have now attracted a global following for Oak City Fish & Chips.Today in Raleigh

Isaac Horton, founder of the Raleigh-based Oak City Fish & Chips food truck, appeared on 'Shark Tank' to pitch his vision of turning his business into a nationwide franchise. While the sharks liked his food and numbers, they ultimately passed on investing, wary of a franchise-only model without a brick-and-mortar anchor. Despite the rejection, the exposure from the unaired episode led to a surge of franchise inquiries from around the world, and Oak City Fish & Chips is now moving forward with expansion plans.

Why it matters

Horton's story highlights how even a 'Shark Tank' rejection can lead to unexpected success for an entrepreneur with a strong product and business model. The popularity of Oak City Fish & Chips, despite not securing a deal, demonstrates the power of television exposure and the appeal of a mission-driven, community-focused food business.

The details

Horton had hoped to pitch his franchise vision to Barbara Corcoran, the 'Shark Tank' panel's real estate mogul and small business champion, but she was absent the day he appeared. While the sharks were enthusiastic about the quality of Horton's food, they ultimately declined to invest, citing concerns over the franchise-only model without a brick-and-mortar anchor. Despite being cut from the season entirely, the unaired episode was later posted to YouTube, where it garnered hundreds of thousands of views and led to a flood of franchise inquiries from across the country and around the world.

  • Horton appeared on 'Shark Tank' to pitch his business in 2026.
  • More than a year after taping, Oak City Fish & Chips is now moving forward with franchise expansion and plans to announce its first round of franchisees this summer.

The players

Isaac Horton

The founder of Oak City Fish & Chips, a Raleigh-based seafood food truck.

Barbara Corcoran

A 'Shark Tank' panelist and real estate mogul known for her support of small businesses.

Oak City Fish & Chips

A Raleigh-based seafood food truck founded by Isaac Horton that is now expanding into a nationwide franchise.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone's dream in the business community is to get on 'Shark Tank' -- to get on the big stage before experienced, seasoned entrepreneurs, billionaires, and hundred-millionaires and pitch your concept.”

— Isaac Horton, Founder, Oak City Fish & Chips

“Barbara, we are still waiting on you to call us. I want you, Barbara.”

— Isaac Horton, Founder, Oak City Fish & Chips

What’s next

Oak City Fish & Chips plans to announce its first round of franchisees this summer as it moves forward with expansion.

The takeaway

Horton's story shows how even a 'Shark Tank' rejection can lead to unexpected success for an entrepreneur with a strong product and business model. The popularity of Oak City Fish & Chips, despite not securing a deal, demonstrates the power of television exposure and the appeal of a mission-driven, community-focused food business.