Julian Pie Company Is A Little-Known Southern California Spot That’s In The Middle Of Nowhere, But Worth The Drive

Family run Julian Pie Company has been churning out delicious pies for decades. You may have to trek out to the middle of nowhere to visit their store at 21976 Highway 79 in Santa Ysabel, but it's worth every mile.

The pie company was established by Liz Smothers. After recognizing her talent while working for other bakeries, Smothers struck out on her own with Julian Pie Company in 1986.

In the same year, the Smothers family bought an apple orchard of 17,000 trees that supply fresh apples for the pie shop.

Today Liz has taken a step back from the day-to-day of the business, although she still monitors quality control and customer satisfaction. She also serves as a mentor to start-up small businesses.

Julian Pie Company offers a wide selection of flavors, including 17 different types of apple and apple-combo pies using the yield of the orchard. If apple isn't your thing, try the rhubarb, peach, cherry, blueberry, or pecan.

You don't have to be a local to enjoy the delicious flavors, the company ships around the country. The pies arrive frozen and directions are provided to cook them to the flaky perfection they're meant to be.

The business is still family run after more than 30 years. Liz's son Tim runs the everyday operations and her grandchildren often help out in the kitchen.

Julian Pie Company was named by Food Network as one of the best things to eat in California. It may be a drive out to the Santa Ysabel location, but just think of that as more time to work up an appetite. That first flaky, sweet bite will make it all worth it.

For more information, visit the Julian Pie Company Facebook page or visit their website, here.