Chris and Tiffany McCasland, the husband-and-wife duo behind Maryland-based supplier City Bonfires (PPAI 814515, Standard-Base), entered the Shark Tank on Wednesday night and emerged with a deal.
Robert Herjavec agreed to invest $200,000 for a 20% stake in their newest company, The Chair Blanket. The eponymous product combines fleece on one side with a waterproof backing on the other to transform any chair into a warm, dry and comfortable retreat.
“The entire Shark Tank experience was incredible from start to finish,” Chris McCasland, CEO of City Bonfires and co-founder of The Chair Blanket, tells PPAI Media. “We’re so grateful to the producers, casting team and everyone behind the scenes who treated us with professionalism and respect throughout the process.
“You see the final pitch on TV, but what people don’t see is how thoughtful and supportive the team is in making sure founders have the opportunity to tell their story.”
Chris McCasland
CEO of City Bonfires, Co-founder of The Chair Blanket
Burning With Ambition
Chris, who lost his job as a strategic buyer for Encore Tickets during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Tiffany, a former strategic communications professional at the Pentagon, have built and scaled City Bonfires into a nationally recognized outdoor brand.
- City Bonfires’ S’mores Night Pack was named one of The Coolest Products In Promo in 2025.
However, despite the success of their branded merch supplier, their entrepreneurial spirit just wouldn’t extinguish. Frustration with cold and wet outdoor chairs ignited a new vision: The Chair Blanket.
Engineered with a stretch-to-fit back that hugs most standard chairs to keep it in place, the product eliminates the problem of damp, dirty or freezing seats at tailgates, fire pits, sporting events, concerts and backyard gatherings.
- Each chair cover includes a built-in carry pouch and is machine washable.
“We launched with a presale [in the fall of 2024] to test demand and it completely sold out,” Chris says. “That told us immediately this wasn’t just a good idea. It was a needed product.”
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What began as a limited release quickly turned into rapid multi-channel expansion across direct-to-consumer, Amazon, Walmart.com, TikTok Shop and wholesale platforms. The company has since sold more than 70,000 units and continues to expand into new patterns, seasonal drops and retail partnerships as national awareness builds.
“The speed at which The Chair Blanket has grown has been incredible,” says Tiffany, CEO and co-founder of The Chair Blanket. “Families, sports fans and outdoor lovers instantly understand it. Once you use it, you don’t want to sit without it.”
Spark Your Imagination
Several branded merchandise firms have appeared on Shark Tank over the years, including Georgia-based supplier Flamingo Pre-charged Phone Chargers and Rupt co-founders Mike Szymczak and Jason Lucash, winner of The Pitch – promo’s Shark Tank spin-off – at The PPAI Expo 2025.
Tiffany urges the next crop of entrepreneurs who make it in front of the sharks to make the most of the golden opportunity. “Go for it. If you truly believe in what you’re building, take the leap,” Tiffany says. “Preparation is everything – know your numbers inside and out, anticipate every question and walk into that room with clarity and conviction.”
Tiffany McCasland
CEO/Co-founder, The Chair Blanket
Of course, being able to promote yourself as “As seen on Shark Tank” is a magnet to your booth at trade shows. Now, the McCaslands will be able to capitalize on the distinction.
“Walking into the Tank is intense, but it’s also an honor,” Chris says. “We’re incredibly appreciative to have had the chance to stand on that stage and represent The Chair Blanket.”
