Once A Hard Sell, Wal-Mart's Patti LaBelle Pies Fly Off Shelves
Earlier this year, singer and cookbook author Patti LaBelle teamed up with Wal-Mart to make a sweet potato pie.
It costs $3.48, it's got her face on the box, and sales were just OK when it came out in September.
But today, it's a scarcity. The pies have sold out in many Wal-Mart stores and are going for up to $40 on eBay. (We found this Craigslist listing selling slices for $10 each in Washington, D.C.)
And that's all because of this guy. (Warning: The video includes some profanity.)
A singer named James Wright posted this video to Facebook last week. In it, he unboxes and eats the Patti LaBelle pie while breaking into song like he's in a Patti LaBelle musical (with the occasional profanity thrown in). The video has since racked up over 8.5 million views, and Wal-Mart hasn't been able to keep up with the ensuing demand for pie.
According to Kerry Robinson, vice president for bakery and deli at Wal-Mart, they were selling a pie per second last weekend, after the video dropped.
That number is close to the reigning king of holiday pies, pumpkin. It's also caused some supply issues for LaBelle's pies.
"We are working very hard with our supplier to try and produce more product," says Robinson. "We're in the process of securing another 2 million pounds of sweet potatoes."
Syreeta Gates is banking on those 2 million pounds coming through by Saturday. She lives in New York City, and she's hoping to buy a couple pies this weekend.
"I've been a fan of Patti LaBelle for my entire life," Gates says. "I remember my mother playing her at home, and I have all the cookbooks. But after I saw the video, I said, 'You know what? I think I'm going to go out and buy some pies.' "
She's got the cookbooks, and she can make the pie herself. But she's still going out to buy a bunch for her friends. Because she says it's not about the taste: It's about taking part in a wider celebration of black culture.
"I'm sure a lot of our grandmas can make sweet potato pies that are equivalent, if not possibly better, than Patti LaBelle's pie," Gates says. "People congregate around food. But this is the first time in a real way that the community — black people, or people of color — have communed around food via the Internet." They're "breaking bread" together, she says.
And to participate in that, Gates says, is a treat. It's like Thanksgiving came early.
FAQs
"On average, Walmart sells 36,000 Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pies every single day," according to the brand.
What is Patti Pies net worth? ›
A Look Into Patti LaBelle's $60M Fortune And Family Life Of Five Children. Bernadette Giacomazzo. Jan 19, 2022. Whether you know her for her music or her “Patti Pies,” Patti LaBelle is an icon.
What singer sells pies at Walmart? ›
Patti LaBelle Pies in Bakery & Bread - Walmart.com.
When did Patti pies come out? ›
Since 2015, the singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman has become a staple of the holiday thanks to her delicious, mouthwatering, and tender Good Life by Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie —perfect for those palates that always craves a flaky crust with a creamy filling.
What is the number one selling pie in America? ›
Apple Pie. Coming in at number one on the list is apple pie. This classic dessert is not only a staple at the American dinner table, although it didn't get its start in America.
What is the number 1 pie eaten at Thanksgiving? ›
Not surprisingly, pumpkin pie is America's top choice.
How long do Patti LaBelle pies last? ›
Continue baking until the filling is set and doesn't jiggle when the pie is gently shaken, about 30 minutes more. Transfer the pie to the wire rack and let cool completely. (The pie can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Who is the owner of House of Pies? ›
At one time, there were nearly three dozen House of Pies outlets across just the Southland. Now current House of Pies owner Victor Watana tells the Ledger that he envisions bringing the House of Pies name back, at least in some limited ways.
Who owns Big Jack pies? ›
Pioneer Foods customer care: 080 021 2360
For over 40 years, we've filled our pies with the best quality meats, ingredients and SA's best puff pastry. Big Jack has become the iconic, perfect meal companion for people on the go.
Who makes the pies for McDonald's? ›
All of the pies sold at US McDonald's are made in Tulsa. For more than 50 years, all the pies sold in US McDonald's have been made exclusively at Bama Companies in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Bama also makes biscuits and hotcakes for the fast-food chain.)
Table Talk Pies is the manufacturer of Walmart's private label, 74-cent Freshness Guaranteed, The Bakery collection pies. Of the 250 million pies per year Table Top Pies manufacturers, 185 million pies goes to Walmart.
Does Costco make their pies? ›
There are technically 12 servings per container, but I'm thinking you could easily feed more people than that with this thing. According to The Costco Connection, the pie dough is made in-house. At the Costco warehouse in Issaquah, WA, they make at least 10,000 pies—just in the five days leading up to Thanksgiving.
What is the oldest pie? ›
The Ancient Egyptians were the first to invent a dish close to what we know as a pie today. They had a honey filling covered in a crusty cake made from oats, wheat, rye or barley. A recipe for chicken pie was also discovered on a tablet carved prior to 2000 BC.
What was the first pie called? ›
In medieval England, they were called pyes, and instead of being predominantly sweet, they were most often filled with meat — beef, lamb, wild duck, magpie pigeon — spiced with pepper, currants or dates.
Can Patti LaBelle pie be frozen? ›
You totally can! Just note that, although sweet potato pie can be frozen for up to 3 months, its texture might change a bit. Once your pie has completely cooled, wrap it securely in a few layers of plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil or place in an airtight freezer container.
Who has Patti LaBelle sweet potato pies? ›
Patti LaBelle 8 inch Sweet Potato Pie 21 oz, 1 Count - Walmart.com.
What is the best time of year to buy sweet potatoes? ›
Sweet potatoes are available year-round, and are at their peak during the winter. Choose small to medium sweet potatoes that are heavy for their size. Avoid any with bruises or signs of sprouting. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes should have uniformly colored skin.
What season is sweet potato available? ›
Sweet potatoes are a fall crop because they take 100-150 days to mature. They are planted in the spring and harvested late August to early November.
What pie sells the most at Thanksgiving? ›
Pumpkin pie is Americans' top choice for a Thanksgiving pie — with pecan pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pie right behind it.
