Established
2013
Franchise Units
14
Minimum Investment
$474,886
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$541,043
Home Based
No
Description
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop is a beloved dessert franchise that brings the warmth and nostalgia of Southern kitchens to communities across the United States. Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo Scott and Meredith Layton, the brand was inspired by their grandmothers' kitchens, aiming to recreate the comforting, scratch-made pies they cherished growing up. With its inviting atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of handcrafted pies, cookies, and other treats, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has become a go-to destination for dessert lovers seeking quality and tradition.
The franchise's commitment to quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and exceptional customer service has earned it a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the dessert industry. As of 2026, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop operates multiple locations, primarily in Texas and the Southeast, with plans for continued expansion.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Proven Business Model: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has demonstrated consistent growth and profitability, with an estimated annual revenue of $17.7 million.
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Low Investment Entry: Startup costs range from $474,886 to $541,043, making it an accessible opportunity for investors.
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Strong Brand Identity: The brand's focus on Southern traditions and scratch-made products resonates with a wide customer base, fostering brand loyalty.
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Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring operational success and brand consistency.
Background
Founded: 2013
Founders: Scott and Meredith Layton
Headquarters: Knoxville, Tennessee
Active Units: 30+ locations across the USA (and growing)
Industry Category: Specialty Bakery / Dessert Retail
The story began with a shared family heritage. Founders Scott and Meredith Layton drew inspiration from their grandmothers, Granny Gale and Nanny, whose original recipes still form the backbone of the menu. After successfully operating an independent bakery, they realized that the warmth and quality of their "cloud-high" pies could be replicated through a franchise model.
Today, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has a strong presence across the Southeast and Midwest, with a strategic expansion plan targeting suburban markets where family values and community ties are strong. The brand remains privately held, ensuring that the original vision of "quality over quantity" isn't diluted by aggressive corporate restructuring.
Support Training
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop offers a robust support system to ensure franchisee success:
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Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to create a welcoming environment that reflects the brand's heritage.
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Comprehensive Training: A thorough training program covering all aspects of operations, including pie preparation, customer service, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems.
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Ongoing Operational Support: Regular visits and consultations from franchise support staff to ensure adherence to brand standards and operational efficiency.
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Marketing Assistance: Access to marketing materials, promotional strategies, and guidance on local marketing efforts to drive customer engagement and sales.
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Product Development: Continuous innovation in menu offerings to keep the product lineup fresh and aligned with customer preferences.
Ideal Candidate
The "Community Mayor": You love people. You want to be the person who knows your customers by name and supports the local high school's bake sale.
Operational Discipline: While the vibe is "Grandma’s Kitchen," the back-of-house must run like a Swiss watch. Attention to detail is non-negotiable.
Business Acumen: Experience in management, hospitality, or retail is highly preferred. You should understand how to read a P&L and manage a small team of 10–15 employees.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have a minimum liquid capital of $150,000 and a net worth of $500,000.
Location Preference: Ideal for suburban shopping centers, lifestyle centers, or high-foot-traffic "main street" locations.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost / Requirement |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $474,886 – $541,043 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $250,000 – $350,000 (Average) |
| Equipment & Furniture Package | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Inventory & Initial Supplies | $10,000 – $15,000 |