Our Story

Enjoy a Slice of Kentucky History®

Handcrafted for over 60 years, Kern’s Derby-Pie® chocolate nut pie is a true – and truly delicious – Kentucky tradition.

Leaudra and Walter Kern, along with their son, George created the very first Derby-Pie® dessert in 1954 at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, and to this day Kern’s Kitchen crafts each pie, one at a time, according to that legendary secret recipe. Premium chocolate and choice walnuts are folded into a decadent filling, then baked in a delicate crust.

Many hours were spent trying to find the unique blend of flavors that make up this classic southern dessert. The result? Well, the proof is in the pie. Perfectly sweet, pleasingly rich, with a light yet sumptuous texture found only in the best of homemade pies. Once developed, a name had to be given. Because each family member had a favorite, the name “Derby Pie” was actually pulled from a hat. With a pie so unique, the name was registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office as well as the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Learn the History
of Kern’s Kitchen!

Tour the Timeline

Kern’s Kitchen’s Team Members

Jon Rupp

The Pie Guy

Had a crib at the Kitchen growing up. Worked at Kern’s Kitchen every spring break from middle school to college. Full time at Kern’s Kitchen for 12 Derby’s.

Alan Rupp

President

Once made the World’s Largest Derby-Pie® - 12’ in diameter. Full time at Kern’s Kitchen for 46 Derby’s.

J.B. Keahey

The Wizard Behind the Curtain

The unofficial fastest human egg cracker in the world. Has cracked over 2 million eggs at Kern’s Kitchen. Full time at Kern’s Kitchen for 11 Derby’s.

For updates and special offers enter your email address below!
Recycling - reduce, reuse, recycle

We Ship Our Products Using 100% Recyclable Materials