News Summary

Casey and Vanessa White, co-owners of Jaju Pierogi, showcased their family-owned business on ‘Shark Tank’ on May 2, 2025. The sisters pitched their Polish food brand, aiming to attract investment for growth while maintaining their family legacy. Founded in 2016, Jaju Pierogi offers various flavors rooted in their heritage and has expanded to over 2,500 stores nationwide. Despite tough negotiations and offers from investors, the sisters prioritized their autonomy as they look to further grow their brand, including trials with major retailers like Costco.

Boston – Sisters Casey and Vanessa White, co-owners of Jaju Pierogi, recently showcased their family-owned Polish food business on the popular television show “Shark Tank” in hopes of securing investment to further grow their brand. The episode aired on May 2, 2025, at 8/7c on ABC, where the sisters aimed to attract the attention of the show’s successful investors, referred to as “sharks.”

Jaju Pierogi, named after the phonetic spelling of “Dziadziu,” meaning grandfather in Polish, was started by the sisters in 2016 in Boston. Their business specializes in a variety of pierogi flavors that reflect their heritage, including classic potato and cheese, cabbage and mushroom, and butternut squash and sage. The inspiration for their recipes stems from their grandfather’s cooking, who owned a Polish deli called Waniewski Farms in western Massachusetts. The sisters emphasized the emotional connection they have with their food, describing pierogi as their “love language.”

Initially selling their pierogi at local farmers’ markets, Jaju Pierogi has rapidly expanded since then, currently reaching over 2,500 stores across the United States. Among the major retailers that stock their products are Big Y Foods and River Valley Coop. Despite facing the challenges of navigating an expensive grocery industry, the sisters have largely self-funded their business and acquired substantial operational experience over the years due to limited funding. This has equipped them to manage various aspects of business operations as they strive for growth.

Pitching on “Shark Tank” required Casey and Vanessa to successfully go through a rigorous six-month application and audition process. They entered into the pitch with a clear strategy and a specific shark in mind for potential investment. In preparation for their appearance, the sisters donned themed attire, with Vanessa notably dressing in a pierogi costume. This playful approach added an element of charm to their presentation, complementing their serious business endeavors.

During their appearance on the show, the sisters faced questions regarding the company’s valuation and its profit margins. Initially, shark Kevin O’Leary expressed interest by making an offer to invest; however, the sisters chose to hold off on accepting it, wishing to consider all potential offers. Fellow shark Robert Herjavec showed interest in investing but suggested a partnership with Daniel Lubetzky, which Lubetzky ultimately declined. Additionally, Lori Greiner proposed a joint partnership with O’Leary, but he rejected her involvement.

After navigating several negotiations, Casey and Vanessa ultimately decided to reject O’Leary’s offer. A significant factor in their decision was their desire to maintain autonomy over their business. This resolute stance underscored the importance of their family legacy and the deep emotional ties they have to their product and brand.

Looking ahead, the sisters are actively exploring further growth opportunities, including a trial run of their products at a Costco in Florida. After their appearance on “Shark Tank,” Casey and Vanessa aimed not only to attract potential investors but also to raise awareness for Jaju Pierogi, highlighting their authentic family recipes and love for their creations. The experience on national television may further propel their brand and introduce more consumers to the cherished flavors of authentic Polish pierogi.