Derby-Pie® was born nearly a half century ago as the specialty pastry of the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. The manager of the restaurant, George Kern, developed the recipe with the help of his parents, Walter and Leaudra. Because each family member had their own favorite name for this new pie, the name Derby-Pie® had to be pulled from a hat.
By 1968 Derby-Pie® had become so successful that the name was registered with the U.S. Patent Office and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since then it has been baked and distributed solely by Kern’s Kitchen, a small family operation owned by the Kern’s grandson, Alan Rupp.
The Kern grandchildren take the same pride in preparing Derby-Pie® today that their grandparents did over four decades ago. Only the highest quality ingredients are used and each pie is carefully filled by hand.
Try some the way Leaudra always served it — warm from the oven and topped with real whipped cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a teaspoon of good Kentucky Bourbon over the whipped cream.