named Ikeda’s California Country Market the nation’s best pie shop in its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, giving the family-run business national recognition. Derek Ikeda said the family was speechless after learning of the win and is figuring out how to celebrate and thank supporters.
Ikeda’s California Country Market
The award puts a Sacramento-area shop founded in 1950 into the top spot after decades of serving pies and fruit. Ikeda’s now has two California locations, in Auburn and Davis, and offers 20 pie varieties, including tripleberry, seasonal pumpkin, pecan and cherry cobbler.
Ikeda, a third-generation family member, said he campaigned for votes after the shop was nominated and urged fans and customers to cast daily ballots. He described the effort as fun and invigorating, and said, “I am a pretty competitive person.”
Sam and Sally Ikeda
Sam and Sally Ikeda started the business in 1950 as a fruit stand off Highway 40. The family’s approach has stayed centered on direct customer relationships, which Derek Ikeda described as “building a relationship with customers. Not just a business relationship, but a person-to-person relationship.”
After the win, he added, “We want to thank all the people who supported us.” For readers in Auburn and Davis, the national title turns a local stop into a destination with a verified top ranking and a menu built around the pies that made the shop’s name.
