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March 05, 2025
The Grand Traverse Pie Company was started in 1996 by a husband and wife, Mike and Denise Busley. Michigan natives, the Busley’s were living in San Diego, California when they met the owner of Julian Pie Company, Liz Smothers, who shared her knowledge of everything pie with Mike and Denise. Bringing that knowledge back home, they opened their first shop in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. What started as one shop with six employees is now eleven shops across Michigan and Indiana with over 300 employees.
Over the past few years, Grand Traverse Pie Co. has participated in multiple food shows including the National Restaurant Association show working with Food Export and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) International Marketing team. By participating in the Michigan Pavilion and acquiring a booth, the company had great success in growing their brand and reputation amongst other Michigan companies and industry professionals.
In 2024, the company partnered with Pure Michigan to create two new pies using Michigan-grown fruit and agricultural products. They used this partnership and the creation of their new pies to promote Michigan growers and the importance of Michigan agriculture. In addition to supporting the state’s food and agriculture industry, they used the partnership as an opportunity to give back by donating some of the proceeds to MI Kids Matter to help support early childhood development. Amongst the expansion of their products, they were also able to put in a third oven, purchase new equipment, and hire additional staff in anticipation of growth and to keep up with growing demand.
Through continued participation in trade shows, the company has been able to create new relationships with different distributors, allowing them to expand into new states and markets with their pies. They now have pies available in grocery stores in over 15 states. With this growth, they have been able to add an additional five positions to their staff.
MDARD has supported Grand Traverse Pie Company by connecting them to new buyers at trade shows, grant opportunities, ways to expand their business, new supply chains, and more. Companies like Grand Traverse Pie Company are examples of what unique and extraordinary products can be made right here in Michigan.
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