Countdown to Derby with fifteen fun facts: #8 Derby Pie [Horse Racing]


Just as the Mint Julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Derby Pie® is the signature food. Although many area stores and restaurants sell some version of the sugary sweet chocolate nut dessert, only one bears the official name of Derby Pie®. Kern’s Kitchen, 408 Production Court, Louisville, KY, owns the trademark and the secret recipe to the world renowned Derby Pie®.

George Kern was the manager of Melrose Inn, a restaurant in Prospect, Kentucky, when he developed the recipe in 1954 with his parents, Walter and Leaudra. Once the recipe was perfected, the pie had to have a unique name. Since each member of the family had a different idea for the name, all the suggested names were put into a hat. “Derby Pie” was drawn from the hat and became the official trademarked name. The pie became a hit and has continued to be a success for the family.

Kern’s Kitchen produces between 120,000-130,000 pies each year and one man, Production Mgr./Baker JB Keahey, bakes them all! Of course, the pie is most popular during Kentucky Derby season when 1,892 sheets of it are produced for Churchill Downs and 25,000 slices are served on Derby Day alone.

To make the pie a tradition at your party, visit for area distributers or ordering information.

Photo: Kern’s Kitchen