Himeji, Japan

Oklahoma sunset

First Snow of the Season in Oklahoma

Working Late

FRIED PIES

Strangely enough, it was actually a Texan who introduced me to one of Oklahoma’s landmarks, the famous “Fried Pies” restaurant/gas station off I-35. Nestled between Dallas and Oklahoma City, Brian (said Texan) discovered the modest restaurant on a drive back to school after visiting his family in Dallas. I still remember Brian strolling into ad copy layout class after one of his drives and gifting me with me a delicious bite of warm lemon fried pie. Hearing his serendipitous discovery story and getting a sample of the phenomenal product convinced me I would have to make Fried Pies a destination.

Nearly six months later, I made my visit. I vaguely remembered Brian saying the restaurant was located off Exit 51. It really was as simple as that. A huge sign next to the highway got straight to the point—“FRIED PIES”. The interior was run-down with deteriorating wooden panels, but the atmosphere oozed with southern hominess. The specialty pumpkin fried pie I ordered more than made up for the physical interior’s shortcomings. Fried Pies is now a chain with five other locations. This encounter got me thinking about why this particular mom and pop store has succeeded:

1. Plain, straight-forward name. FRIED PIES—how much more can you break it down?

2. Genuine product with a history. Nancy’s grandma’s recipe that fed ranch hands in 1893 is still used today. The pies are advertised as “handmade, flaky, tender, and big as ever” and based on my taste test, she delivers.

3. Good location. The original restaurant overlooks the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains almost midway between Dallas and Oklahoma City. How many people make it their go-to pit stop? My family often frequented the same gas stations when making the trek to Grandma’s house every winter. I wonder how many other families associate Fried Pies with road-trips and are building memories with their little ones?

4. Variety. Dessert or a meal? Sweet or savory? Sugar free? They carry a variety of flavors of fruit, cream, pecan, and more. Even more impressive is how they have expanded the narrow concept of pie into something anyone can enjoy at any time, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner, or dessert.

5. Emotional connection. The no-frills black and white brochure/menu features a heartfelt letter from Nancy that infuses the brand with personality. I picture her as the quintessential sweet grandma who uses the food she prepares as the primary conduit of her love. “Remember that special someone you love (grandma, mama, aunt) that made your favorite.” Bottom line: FRIED PIES= love.

Sunday Night Dinner at Grandma's

No shrinking violet