SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Williams Sonoma, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) portfolio of brands, announced today the launch of Cup Board Pro a unique cutting board product that was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank,™ currently in its tenth season. Invented by Keith Young, a New York City fireman and chef, Cup Board Pro was pitched to Shark Tank™ by Young’s children Kaley, Christian and Keira who chose to honor their father’s legacy by bringing his patented product to Shark Tank™ following his passing from a 9/11-related cancer in 2018.
Williams Sonoma was contacted about the product once all five Sharks made a deal with the Young Family. The Sharks who invested on the October 21 episode are Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner and Matt Higgins. After reviewing the product in its current state, Williams Sonoma connected with Epicurean, a Wisconsin-based cutting board manufacturer renowned for their innovative products as well as their commitment to quality, functionality and durability. The Young Family, in partnership with Epicurean and Williams Sonoma, were able to make minor improvements to Keith Young’s original design in order to make it heat resistant up to 350°F and anti-bacterial. The new Cup Board Pro is also made from sustainably sourced paper composite material that is dishwasher safe. All of the features of the Cup Board Pro that made the original cutting board unique including the removable and collapsible tray as well as the perimeter groove and three wells that channel liquid and juices into the tray remain intact as does the insignia Young had inscribed into each board that honors firefighters who died in the aftermath of 9/11.
The new Cup Board Pro will have a charitable component as part of the deal with the Sharks. All five Sharks agreed to donate the proceeds from their investment in Cup Board Pro to various charitable causes associated with the Fire Department of New York Foundation which directly assists the men and women of the FDNY and their families.
“It’s an incredible honor to have the Young family now be a part of the Williams Sonoma family,” said Williams Sonoma President, Janet Hayes. “Keith Young is an American hero and I’m proud that Williams Sonoma will help his children fulfill his dream. We’re thrilled that the Cup Board Pro can be made in America and can give back to such a worthy cause.”
“Our dad loved shopping in Williams Sonoma so we are very happy that Cup Board Pro will be on the shelves of one of his favorite stores,” said Kaley Young. “When our Shark Tank episode aired we heard from so many viewers who wanted to buy our product right away. We are so proud to offer everyone the latest version of Cup Board Pro. We know that all of the new features of the cutting board would make our dad proud too.”
“Being able to work with the Young Family has been great and creating the relationship with Williams Sonoma has allowed us to create a best-in-class partnership around an incredible product that will now be able to reach its full potential for both the Young family and the consumers who want it,” said Daymond John, one of the five Sharks that invested in Cup Board Pro.
The Cup Board Pro will retail for $59.95 and be available at all Williams Sonoma stores and online at www.williams-sonoma.com.
For more information about Cup Board Pro and to see a video of how the product is made by Epicurean, please visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/cupboardpro.
“Shark Tank™” name and logo used with permission. © 2019 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All rights reserved. No endorsement by the producers/broadcaster of "Shark Tank™" is implied.
About Williams Sonoma
Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) portfolio of brands, Williams Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Each store offers cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williamssonoma.com and the Williams Sonoma blog, Taste, customers can find recipes, tips, and techniques that help them create delicious meals. Williams Sonoma can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Williams Sonoma is also part of The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family of brands.
About Epicurean
Innovation, durability and functionality are at the foundation of the Epicurean brand. We set the standard for the well-equipped kitchen by offering quality cutting boards and kitchen utensils in a range of shapes, sizes, colors and features, which make Epicurean products the perfect tools for everyday food preparation and serving. Our signature material is dishwasher safe, antibacterial and easy on cutlery – meeting the highest standards of cooks and chefs worldwide and earning Epicurean’s place in the heart of the kitchen.
All Epicurean products are thoughtfully designed and responsibly manufactured in the USA. To find out more about Epicurean go to www.epicureanusa.com.
