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GRAND TRAVERSE PIE COMPANY
The Owners: Denise and Mike Busley
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The Story: After dating at and graduating Michigan State University, Denise and Mike moved out to San Diego. They started careers, welcomed a daughter and a son, and lived a great life. With family still in Michigan, they were rethinking “quality of life.” They had discovered a little bakery in Julian, California, filled with the aroma of fresh pies and a friendly owner, Liz Smothers, who greeted everyone like family. It was a happy place; they wondered if this was a good business model: Move to a small town and open a “pie shop?” With Liz’s guidance they donned aprons, got baking, and cooked up a plan. In a brilliant move, they realized the cherry capital of the world didn’t have an “official pie shop.” The Grand Traverse Pie Co. opened for business in July 1996 on West Front St., and by noon they were sold out. Winters were harder, but they got by, delivering pies downstate. In time, this created the demand for more pie shops.
Today: Denise and Mike have baked a pie empire. They’ve rolled out 15 “cookie cutter” company stores and have built a happy environment for hundreds of employees. You can pick up GT pies at local grocery stores. From their online store, ship them anywhere in the US. Mike remains the President, while Denise focuses on charity community efforts. Through GT Pie programs tied to company profits, they’ve donated countless monies helping those in need, all thanks to pie.
What’s next?:“You won’t see more stores added. We are increasing grocery store distribution. We are focused on what ‘pie’ represents. You gather your loved ones around a table. Choosing classic comfort foods represents a greater good. Pick up our savory pies, pot pie, or quiche as your ‘out of the box’ idea for dinner. We even have stocked freezers in our stores, uncooked to finish baking in your own oven.”
Fun Facts:
The company sells around 500,000 pies a year.
GT Pie has 40 seasonal varieties of pie, including cheesecake.
GT Pie has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show. Not just pie! Their food menu was custom-made by a retired chef.
