(Detroit, Mich.): McClary Bros., a rapidly growing metro Detroit business that makes small batch drinking vinegars, will be featured later this month as a contestant on the ABC television network’s hit reality business show, “Shark Tank.” Metro Detroit viewers can tune in to watch the show on Friday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m. (ET).
Business owner, Jess Sanchez McClary, launched McClary Bros. in 2012 to create a unique line of drinking vinegars for use in craft cocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks. In April of this year, “Shark Tank” producers selected McClary to appear on the show after a casting call audition here in Detroit. As part of the show, McClary was given the opportunity to pitch an investment deal to the show’s expert panel of business investors, otherwise known as the “Sharks.”
“We are extremely excited to be featured on the show,” said McClary. “This is an amazing opportunity to give exposure to our product and to help educate consumers on drinking vinegars and how they can be used.”
The episode featuring McClary Bros. was taped in California on the “Shark Tank” set in June of this year. When the episode airs on Sept. 25, viewers will have a chance to watch McClary make her pitch to four Sharks including Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary, as well as one guest Shark, actor Ashton Kutcher. After the pitch, viewers will watch to see if McClary was able to negotiate an investment deal with any of the Sharks.
What is a Drinking Vinegar?
McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars, or shrubs as they are commonly referred to, are a drink mixer that was popularized during America’s colonial era. McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars are made with organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs. As the craft cocktail trend has grown in popularity within the beverage industry and popular culture, McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars are often used by bars and restaurants in unique cocktail recipes and by individuals creating cocktails at home. Many consumers also enjoy them simply mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing drink punctuated by the tang of vinegar.
Supporting Local Food Growers and Local Workforce McClary Bros.
Drinking Vinegars are made with local Michigan ingredients whenever possible and popular flavors include Michigan Apple Pie, Michigan Beet and Carrot, Pineapple Fennel Seed, and Lemon Ginger. The drinking vinegars are manufactured by workers at Hopeful Harvest, a for-profit subsidiary of Forgotten Harvest in southeast Michigan. Through Hopeful Harvest’s workforce development program, displaced workers are trained in food manufacturing and given marketable job skills and experience to help them re-enter the workforce. All profits from Hopeful Harvest go back to Forgotten Harvest to help support the organization’s efforts to provide food to area families and individuals in need.
McClary Bros.’ Success Highlights the Opportunity for Start-ups and Small Businesses in Detroit
When McClary founded McClary Bros. in 2012, she and her husband dreamed of building a business that could one day be passed on to their young twin sons. Once underway, they quickly found an extremely welcoming business community that has been integral to the growth and success of their business. Last year, McClary was even invited to participate in the local class of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program which has allowed her to really hone her business skills and be that much more strategic in her efforts. Today, McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars are sold or served in more than 300 bars, restaurants and retail locations in 17 states and their reach is only continuing to grow.
McClary Bros. is a small business in southeast Michigan specializing in the creation of drinking vinegars for use in craft cocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages. Their products are sold online and in more than 300 bars, restaurants and retail locations in 17 states. For more information, see their web site at www.mcclarybros.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr.
About Forgotten Harvest
Oak Park, Michigan-based Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to fight two problems: hunger and waste. Forgotten Harvest “rescued” nearly 41 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from over 800 locations, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources. This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free-
of-charge to 280 emergency food providers in the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest has been ranked as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years. Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at www.forgottenharvest.org.
About Hopeful Harvest
Hopeful Harvest, a social enterprise subsidiary of Forgotten Harvest, is a full service provider of processing and co-packing services to food entrepreneurs throughout metro Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. We provide a state of the art commercial kitchen, a full line of food processing and manufacturing equipment and ongoing assistance and support to local food entrepreneurs and the growing food community. All profits generated by Hopeful Harvest are provided to Forgotten Harvest to support its fresh food rescue and delivery mission dedicated to feeding those in need throughout metro Detroit.