Two entrepreneurial sisters from Massachusetts are making waves on the national stage, bringing their beloved Polish food brand, Jaju Pierogi, to ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. Casey and Vanessa White, the co-founders of the company, appeared on the May 3, 2025, episode to pitch their handcrafted pierogi business, rooted deeply in family tradition and cultural heritage.
From Family Recipe to National Brand
Jaju Pierogi started in 2016 when the White sisters decided to transform their Polish grandfather's pierogi recipe into a full-fledged food business. The name “Jaju” is a phonetic take on the Polish word dziadziu, meaning “grandfather,” paying tribute to the family roots behind the brand.
What began at local farmers markets in New England quickly snowballed. Thanks to a growing demand for authentic, frozen pierogi, Jaju Pierogi expanded its distribution. Today, their products can be found in the freezer sections of over 2,500 stores across the U.S., including Whole Foods, Wegmans, and specialty markets.
The ‘Shark Tank’ Pitch
On Shark Tank, the White sisters showcased their variety of pierogi — from traditional potato and cheese to inventive options like jalapeño cheddar and sweet potato caramelized onion. They confidently asked for $300,000 in exchange for 10% of their business, highlighting their impressive sales growth and grassroots success.
Kevin O’Leary made an offer: $300,000 for 20% equity. However, Casey and Vanessa declined, feeling that the valuation didn’t reflect the brand’s current momentum and future potential.
Why Jaju Pierogi Stands Out
Unlike mass-produced frozen foods, Jaju Pierogi is known for its quality and authenticity. Every pierogi is made using small-batch techniques, preserving the chewy dough and hearty filling that Polish grandmothers have perfected over generations.
The brand caters to growing consumer interest in international comfort foods, clean ingredients, and ready-to-eat meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.
The Power of a ‘Shark Tank’ Appearance
Even without striking a deal, Shark Tank often provides a marketing boost that money can’t buy. Viewers across the country now know the name Jaju Pierogi — and with that exposure, the company is poised for even greater growth.
In interviews after the show aired, the sisters emphasized their commitment to staying true to their roots while scaling sustainably. "We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we know there’s still so much room to grow," said Vanessa.
Where to Buy Jaju Pierogi
You can purchase Jaju Pierogi at national retailers or directly from their website:
🔗 https://www.jajupierogi.com
They also offer direct shipping in select states and share creative recipes and pierogi pairings for home cooks looking to get adventurous in the kitchen.
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