Baking Strides: Achatz Handmade Pie Co. Leverages MDARD Grant to Boost Operational Efficiency

What’s the secret to Achatz Handmade Pie Company's success?

David Achatz learned how to run complex operations during his service in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974. He used that know-how to start Achatz Family Restaurant in Armada, the very same business where he met his wife, Wendy.

After selling their restaurant, David and Wendy began making pies at home and selling them at the Armada Flea Market. By 1993, they were selling over 100 pies each Sunday. Just two years later, David and Wendy bought a local orchard to ensure they’d have enough apples to keep up with demand for their product.  

In the early 2000s, the Achatzes opened additional locations throughout Michigan and then expanded to wholesale, selling around the nation. They bought a 27,000-square-foot bake house and have since been adding tools to produce their pies with greater ease and at larger scale.

To support this drive for greater efficiency, Achatz Handmade Pies applied for – and received – a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in July 2026. The $93,000 in grant funding enabled the company to purchase a case palletizer that automates their packaging line.

“MDARD has been a big contributor, and we meet with them regularly to find out what new opportunities are available and to keep up with broader trends in the economy,” said David Yono, Director of Operations at Achatz Handmade Pie Co. “[MDARD’s support has] been big for our team, helping introduce new efficiencies and stay competitive in a challenging marketplace.”

Achatz prides themselves on being the bridge between farmers and consumers. Most of their pies are made of locally grown Michigan fruit and locally sourced flour, butter and milk. The company emphasizes using ingredients that are free of chemicals and grown or raised humanely and respectfully. And they partner with farmers who protect the soil, water, and air to ensure the long-term sustainability of Michigan agriculture and the environment.

So, there you have it. Achatz Handmade Pie Co.’s recipe for success combines sustainability, efficiency, a whole lot of hard work, and a handmade touch. And they’re working to pass that legacy on to the next generation.

“Every pie [we make] is still picked up and put onto a tray that goes onto a rack and that rack is rolled into an oven where the pies are baked, cooled and then hand packed,” said Zack Achatz, Brand Manager at Achatz Homemade Pie Co. and son of owners David and Wendy Achatz. “It feels great to be a part of a Michigan product that we can really say is Michigan.”