A man walked out of a pub in Nashville, could not decide between a hamburger and a hot dog, and invented the Hamdog. He then asked the Sharks for just one dollar. This is one of the most bizarre and entertaining pitches in Shark Tank Australia history. Here is what happened to Hamdog after Shark Tank.
What Is Hamdog?
The Hamdog is exactly what it sounds like. A hamburger and a hot dog combined into one meal. The creation consists of a beef patty cut in two, with a frankfurter placed in between the two halves, all served in a specially shaped bun and topped with cheese, pickles, sauces, tomato, lettuce, and onion.
Mark Murray, an Australian living in Perth, conceived the Hamdog in 2004 after facing the universal dilemma of choosing between a hamburger and a hot dog at a bar in Nashville, Tennessee. Instead of choosing, he decided to combine them. He developed the concept, designed the specially shaped bun, and received a US design patent for it in 2009.
The Hamdog gained international attention even before Shark Tank. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel featured it on his show. The novelty factor was undeniable. It retailed for about $8 AUD ($6 USD).
The Shark Tank Pitch
Mark appeared on Season 1 of Shark Tank Australia with what might be the most unusual investment proposition in the show’s history. He asked for just $1 in exchange for 25% of all Hamdog rights and revenue. He was not looking to build a business himself. He wanted a Shark with the contacts to sell the concept to a fast food chain.
He assured the Sharks he had protection through an Australian Design Registration and a US patent. Most Sharks were out immediately. Steve Baxter, Naomi Simson, and Janine Allis all passed. They liked the novelty but could not see it as a serious business.
Andrew Banks was different. He was intrigued by the novelty factor and the appeal to children. He countered with $2 for 50% equity, doubling both the investment and the stake. Banks acknowledged it was a novelty but believed he had the fast food industry contacts to potentially licence the concept. Murray accepted immediately. It was the cheapest deal in Shark Tank history.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
The Shark Tank appearance generated massive media coverage for the Hamdog. The combination of a $2 deal, a patented hot dog, and Jimmy Kimmel coverage made it one of the most talked-about pitches from the first Australian season.
Mark Murray continued to promote the Hamdog concept worldwide. The product was sold at events and through various outlets in Australia. A crowdfunding campaign helped expand the brand’s reach. The Hamdog’s Facebook page accumulated over 17,000 followers, showing genuine consumer interest in the concept.
Murray’s US patent was estimated to have significant value given the size of the American burger market. If the Hamdog were to capture even 1% of the US market, the revenue potential would be enormous. However, breaking into the American fast food industry from Australia proved to be a monumental challenge, even with Andrew Banks’ contacts.
The Hamdog remains available in Australia and continues to generate interest through social media and viral content. The Shark Tank clip remains one of the most-watched from the Australian series.
Hamdog Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Hamdog has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million, driven primarily by the value of its patents, brand recognition, and ongoing sales. Whether you think the Hamdog is genius or madness probably depends on how you feel about combining your hamburger with your hot dog.
The Hamdog pitch remains one of the most memorable moments in Shark Tank Australia history. A $2 investment for 50% of a patented hamburger-hot dog hybrid. Only in Australia. And only on Shark Tank.