0Our Story
The vision for GoBQ started in 2012 with the founding of Grillfold LLC and the creation of our first prototype. By 2014, we had a utility patent and our trademarked brand. Since then, GoBQ launched an Indiegogo campaign that raised over $115,000 from 711 backers from 44 countries buying over 650 grills and then an additional $8,000+ on Backerkit. After this international outpouring of support, we developed our production model, fulfilled all of our backer obligations, and began direct online sales.
The Problem
Before GoBQ, there was no grill that was both portable and effective. Those that were small enough to carry around were far too small to be actually effective as grills, heating up insufficiently, lacking grill space or missing a lid. Metal grills are hard to clean and frustrating to store, and they often stay hot for a long time, making them even harder and more dangerous to pack up.
The Solution
GoBQ turned the portable grill market on its head by substituting fireproof fabric for metal when making its grills. GoBQ uses a silicone coated fiberglass fabric in its grills, with foldable cooking grates and a collapsable charcoal basket made out of metal, allowing it to be compact enough to fit in a backpack but expand into a cooking surface with 7 inches of clearance. From a backpack, GoBQ can expand large enough to be a portable smoker and grill as many as 9 burgers at a time.
Our Traction
As of early 2020, we have sold over 1,400 units in 44 different countries. We were born out of strong community support with a successful Indiegogo campaign, during which Kingsford Charcoal bought all our Special Edition grills, worth $20,000. Kingsford also arranged a Chicago television appearance for us and used our grills as raffle prizes. Both our loyal consumer base and mainstream recognition bring us pride and show that we have what it takes to continue to grow as a company.
We have been featured by over 50 online, TV and print media channels and had two network TV appearances, became a Walmart.com online wholesale vendor and opened Amazon and Amazon Prime sales channels. Our customers give us rave reviews, and we are committed to continuing to serve them through new innovations and products, like the propane prototype currently in research and development stages.
What We Do
Grillfold, LLC. was founded in 2012 to develop, manufacture and sell innovative ultra-portable grills made from flexible flame- and heat-resistant materials. The first product in our line is the “GoBQ® Grill," a grill designed to serve hikers, campers, tailgaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. It is lightweight, compact, fast to set up and only the first of many potential GoBQ products to utilize unique materials and design to revolutionize grilling.
The Market
GoBQ is at the intersection of a number of huge markets. The tailgating industry alone is $11.4B, the outdoor gear market is a massive $120B (2012 outdoor industry assoc.) and the grill market alone is $2.7B (Mintel. Grill and Barbecuing July 2018). The grill market has long lacked innovation and is ripe for disruption. The market research also indicates that people are willing to invest in grilling equipment, as 32% of people plan on buying a grill in the next year and 13% of all Americans enjoy grilling away from home.
How We Are Different
We believe we are the first and only portable grill made from fireproof fabric, and we have a utility patent on our innovation. This puts our grills far ahead of the competition in terms of portability.
*Images are computer generated demo versions.
We believe no other complete grill can fit in a backpack, and no other grill cools down nearly as quickly as ours. Because of that, we serve a market that no other grill can serve.
The Business Model
We have three different sales methods: business to consumer sales, retail sales and promotional product market sales. We sell online through our website and Amazon, and we also sell directly to consumers at different events. We partner both with Walmart and an assortment of small businesses for our retail sales. Expanding our retail operations is our next step in taking GoBQ to the next level.
The Vision
As a result of our continued success and endorsements, we have great confidence in our products. At least half of the money we raise through StartEngine will be spent on marketing, through a variety of mediums. Our growth plan centers around both expanding to new consumers and growing our product line to include customizable colors, licensing, grilling tools and accessories and a propane model. In 2020, we expect to sell 2,900 units.
We plan to be the go-to company for portable grilling. We currently have the best portable grill on the market, and our goal is to create a line of products centered around grilling away from it all. We could expand to selling utensils, charcoal bags, custom GoBQ backpacks, and other supplies. GoBQ has the potential to become a leader in the grill market, and we project acquisition after 3-5 years to a strategic partner in a similar industry.
*Propane image is a computer generated version
The flagship GoBQ grill is our charcoal model. It is a foldable fireproof fabric, and it has ample grill surface and a cover to allow for easy, delicious grilling.
The majority of grills are propane fueled, so we have been developing a propane GoBQ grill. This model will offer the same comfortable cooking surface as the charcoal model but will use the most popular fuel.
We plan to create a line of portable GoBQ grill tools to go along with our two grill models. These items will make us into a one-stop-shop to be able to grill anywhere, anytime.
Our Team
Our founding duo brings a mixture of leadership experience, brand development and creative innovation. Together, they possess a diverse set of skills and interests that have carried the company to the success it enjoys today. Our advisors also bring great value to our company, as they have varying skills, proven track records, recognition and valuable insight.
We have the privilege to consult with nationally respected culinary figures, experts in finance, inventors and business leaders. They provide invaluable guidance, support and leadership to our company.
Why Invest
The chance to invest in GoBQ is an opportunity to own a part of a fun and exciting company that is revolutionizing outdoor cooking. With our success, traction and attention, we are poised for rapid growth as we release new products and attract new consumers. No other company has innovated in our market for decades, so we have an opportunity to disrupt a stagnant market. And lastly, the active grilling and cooking cultures surrounding sports, tailgating and hiking suggest that there will be opportunities for licensing sports teams and other brands on products.
The GoBQ’s stylish and easy-to-clean design, quality materials, and (most importantly) its portability, are all what makes this grill unique and worth your money. Ideal for day fishing excursions or extended hunting expeditions, I give the GoBQ two thumbs up and five stars!
You can carry this portable grill by packing it in your backpack or carrying it to the tailgate… see how easy and simple it is!
GoBQ breaks the typical outdoor, packable grill mold, as it folds up to duffel-bag size, so you can actually fit it in your backpack.
Bottom line: I find this grill enchanting. It’s well built and worked as advertised.
Tired of lugging that heavy, bulky metal grill to your tailgate spot? Go Tailgating with GoBQ!
The season of nonstop tailgating is almost upon us. Here to maximize your burger output with the minimal amount of effort is the GoBQ Grill, a fully-funded Indiegogo campaign ready to make your summer mightier and meatier.
Company | : | GoBQ Grills, Inc. |
Corporate Address | : | 3742 N Janssen, STE 1, Chicago, IL 60613 |
Offering Minimum | : | $9,999.60 |
Offering Maximum | : | $1,069,999.80 |
Minimum Investment Amount(per investor) | : | $300.00 |
Offering Type | : | Equity |
Security Name | : | Common Stock |
Minimum Number of Shares Offered | : | 16,666 |
Maximum Number of Shares Offered | : | 1,783,333 |
Price per Share | : | $0.60 |
Pre-Money Valuation | : | $6,000,000.00 |
*Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares. See Bonus info below.
Perks* and Investment Bonus
All Investor Owners Club
5% discount on all GoBQ online purchases for LIFE
30% off any GoBQ black grill purchased from the website
Early access to products
Private owners group
Early Bird
First 48 hours - Friends and Family Early Birds | 15% bonus shares
Next 5 days - Early Bird Bonus | 10% bonus shares
Volume
$500+ | CEO Designed GOBQ® Grill T-Shirt - Boldly Grill Where No One Has Grilled Before (see artwork in media upload)
$1,000 | Above + Owners Exclusive GOBQ® Charcoal Grill
$2,500+ | Above +10% lifetime discount of online purchase
$5,000+ | Above + 5% bonus shares
$10,000+ | $2500 and above tier + 10% bonus shares
$20,000+ | $2500 and above tier + Invitation to private GoBQ Lakeshore Party in Chicago to grill with the GoBQ team + 15% bonus shares
$50,000+ | Above+ 20% bonus + Personal Customized GoBQ® Charcoal Grill + 2 domestic round trip airfare tickets (up to $1000 total) and 2 nights in a four-star hotel.
*All perks will occur after the offering is completed.
The 10% Bonus for StartEngine Shareholders
GoBQ Grills, Inc., will offer 10% additional bonus shares for all investments that are committed by investors that are eligible for the StartEngine Crowdfunding Inc. OWNer's bonus.
This means eligible StartEngine shareholders will receive a 10% bonus for any shares they purchase in this offering. For example, if you buy 100 shares of Common Stock at $0.60 / share, you will receive 110 shares of Common Stock, meaning you'll own 110 shares for $60. Fractional shares will not be distributed and share bonuses will be determined by rounding down to the nearest whole share.
This 10% Bonus is only valid during the investors eligibility period. Investors eligible for this bonus will also have priority if they are on a waitlist to invest and the company surpasses its maximum funding goal. They will have the first opportunity to invest should room in the offering become available if prior investments are cancelled or fail.
Investors will only receive a single bonus, which will be the highest bonus rate they are eligible for.
A crowdfunding investment involves risk. You should not invest any funds in this offering unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. In making an investment decision, investors must rely on their own examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. These securities have not been recommended or approved by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority. Furthermore, these authorities have not passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this document. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not pass upon the merits of any securities offered or the terms of the offering, nor does it pass upon the accuracy or completeness of any offering document or literature. These securities are offered under an exemption from registration; however, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not made an independent determination that these securities are exempt from registration.
Last stage of assembly is humming along, here are some of the first units ready for final inspection. (Aren't they GORGEOUS?) Stay tuned for more updates, we have several retailer and distributor opportunities in the pipeline and will be announcing when and where these units will be deployed.
Remember our equity campaign is coming to a close and we will NOT be extending this offering. so if your any of your friends or family want to invest, or add to your investment, now it the time! Check the expiration date at the top of the GoBQ campaign page for the deadline.
Oh, and KEEP ON GRILLIN'!
Todd Zaroban
Co-founder/CEO
GoBQ Grills, Inc.
Spring greetings to our amazing GoBQ supporters! Wow, how time has flown by since we first launched our StartEngine campaign last year. Thanks to our investors, we've achieved many of our production and R&D goals and surpassed several milestones since then. We secured a second provisional patent, opened our Chicago assembly shop, and won several national media accolades — to name a few.
Now that we’re entering a new stage of growth, we wanted to let you know that the sun is setting on our StartEngine equity campaign, and we will NOT be extending this offering. So if you or any of your friends or family want to participate and purchase shares of GOBQ Grills, Inc., be sure to check the campaign expiration date and invest while there's still time.
And to our existing investors, thank you SO MUCH for all your enthusiasm and support. Not only does the capital you’re investing help us directly fund the growth of our company — you’re also contributing expertise, connections in the industry, sales support and valuable feedback that really makes this venture a genuine grassroots success.
We’ll continue to post updates about our progress, upcoming events, retail and distributor deals, and other important developments as they occur.
Best Regards,
Todd Zaroban
Co-founder/CEO
GoBQ Grills, Inc.
With a new season of grilling bliss upon us, we’re thrilled to have once again been picked the BEST COLLAPSIBLE GRILL for Popular Mechanics’ BEST PORTABLE GRILLS OF SUMMER 2021 list! These types of accolades from nationally recognized publishers are key as we continue to grow and expand into new retail markets. More news on that coming soon!
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello!
As you might know, GoBQ Grills, Inc. has exceeded its minimum funding goal. When a company reaches its minimum on StartEngine, it's about to begin withdrawing funds. If you invested in GoBQ Grills, Inc. be on the lookout for an email that describes more about the disbursement process.
This campaign will continue to accept investments until its indicated closing date.
Thanks for funding the future.
-StartEngine
We been in production for several weeks now and the shop is humming as we assemble mountains of metal legs and lid frames and prepare for the next phase of bolting the fabric shells to the bases (pictured) and riveting them onto the lid frames.
Also we’re VERY excited to learn that many of the trade shows and events we had planned to attend last year but were canceled, are opening back up this summer. We'll be sure to let you know when and where we'll be GoBQing!
Cheers!
Todd Zaroban
Co-founder/CEO
GoBQ Grills, Inc.
Please excuse the mess, we're surrounded by parts galore which are being built into pallets of GoBQs ready for fulfillment and distribution. Your investment is coming to life!
At first glance the GoBQ seems like a pretty simple product to make right? But did you know there are over 80 unique parts that go into each unit? That doesn't even include replicated parts such as the 192 steel tiles connected by 364 rings in each charcoal basket designed to easily collapse when folded. All said and done there are over 780 parts in every GoBQ which is pretty amazing when you consider that it's ready to go out of the box with NO ASSEMBLY required.
Stay tuned for announcements of our upcoming series of LIVE “Meet the CEO” video events, and be sure to sign up to our email list at gobqgrills.com/signup
Thank you so much as always for your support!
Todd Zaroban
Co-founder/CEO
GoBQ Grills, Inc.
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello!
As you might know, GoBQ Grills, Inc. has exceeded its minimum funding goal. When a company reaches its minimum on StartEngine, it's about to begin withdrawing funds. If you invested in GoBQ Grills, Inc. be on the lookout for an email that describes more about the disbursement process.
This campaign will continue to accept investments until its indicated closing date.
Thanks for funding the future.
-StartEngine
Hey all, hope you're beginning to thaw out from what has hopefully been the worst of our winter torture. Spring is around the corner, and in time for prime grilling season we would like to announce the GoBQ Investors Owners Club portal is now online!
The GoBQ INVESTOR CLUB is an exclusive online portal where our cherished investors can redeem all their StartEngine rewards, indulge in exclusive investor content, and receive other special offers as they become available.
If you are an investor, you should have received an email notice with your login information to the portal last week. If not, please contact us on our website's contact page and we’ll be sure to help you with your account. If you're a recent investor, keep in mind it can take a few weeks for your investment to be processed so you will not receive a notice until the investment is closed.
Thank you again, have a great week, and feel free to start dreaming about where YOU will GoBQ!
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello! Recently, a change was made to the GoBQ Grills, Inc. offering. Here's an excerpt describing the specifics of the change:
GoBQ Grills, Inc. extended the length of their campaign.
When live offerings undergo changes like these on StartEngine, the SEC requires that certain investments be reconfirmed. If your investment requires reconfirmation, you will be contacted by StartEngine via email with further instructions.
Ok sorry (not sorry) for the bad pun, but we wanted to share this cool video of new GoBQ fabric parts being made. This clip shows the digital cutting machine trimming out the fabric patterns for the grill base and lid. Precision is critical at this stage because the lid fabric must fit perfectly to the frame and the base fabric needs to be accurate or the grilling grate won’t fit properly on the grate rests.
Next step is sewing all the pieces together, adding rivet and air vent grommets, and installing snaps for the removable Ember Guard that protects the GoBQ from wear and tear.
This batch of parts will soon be shipped to our NEW Chicago workshop, where we'll complete assembly and packaging and have new inventory ready for the 2021 grilling season. More news and updates coming soon, so don't blink!
Stay warm, safe and healthy,
Todd Zaroban
Co-founder/CEO
GoBQ Grills, Inc.
The next phase will be to step through a series of performance and durability tests and quality checks before we commence with larger volume parts production and assembly.
Gotta love it when you're popular with THE mechanics!
Production/Manufacturing
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