Legendary singer, Patti LaBelle, whose voice captivated millions and defined an entire generation, is more than just a music icon.
She’s also one of the most influential and trailblazing black entrepreneurs of this century, with her own brand of bedding, cookbooks, and a sweet potato pie that turned into a viral sensation over the past decade.
Patti’s Sweet Potato Pie became a cultural phenomenon, pretty much overnight, and continues to bring millions of dollars in sales each year.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the fascinating story behind this hot-selling pie, how it came to be, how it brings in sales figures that constantly turn heads, and how they all connect to Patti’s impressive net worth.
The Patti LaBelle’s Pies Story
Having been passionate about cooking all her life, Patti often cooked for friends, family, and even a few fans on weekends and vacations. During this period, she had also been perfecting a sweet potato pie recipe over several years, which eventually went berserk on social media.
It all began when TV and YouTube personality, James Wright Chanel posted a video of himself singing praises of Patti’s pie while taking his very first bite. The video went viral, racking up millions of views almost overnight, turning Patti LaBelle’s pie-making hobby into a nationwide obsession.
Eventually, the country’s largest retailer, Walmart approached her about creating a product line based on her sweet potato pies. The company was to handle everything from production to design, marketing, and of course, retail, with Patti only having to part with her recipe and branding.
What followed next was nothing short of a frenzy, with Walmart stores getting sold out sooner than they could restock the products. Over the initial 72-hour period when James Wright’s video went viral, the retailer sold one pie each second, a truly astonishing figure.
The pies struck a chord with consumers, not just because they were absolutely delicious, but due to their broader symbolism. They were essentially a celebration of black culture, the nostalgia of the 70s and 80s when Patti’s singing career was at its peak, along with the communal experience of sharing a great meal.
Such a response, however, would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Patti LaBelle’s own famed legacy, and if anything these pies have helped add a brand new chapter to it, one that is filled with sugar, spice, and everything nice!
Who Owns Patti LaBelle Pies?
Now, let’s talk business. While Patti LaBelle is undoubtedly the face and name behind the pies, she doesn’t own the entire operation. The pies are a collaborative venture between Patti LaBelle and Walmart, which means they are produced, distributed, and sold under the Walmart brand.
Patti LaBelle lent her recipe, name, and star power, while Walmart took care of the logistics, mass production, and retail side of things.
This partnership has proven to be incredibly lucrative for both parties. Walmart benefits from the association with a beloved celebrity and a high-demand product, while Patti LaBelle expands her brand beyond music and into the world of culinary arts. It’s a win-win situation that has turned a simple pie into a multi-million dollar product line.
However, the success of Patti LaBelle’s pies isn’t just about Walmart’s retail muscle, it’s also about the authenticity that Patti brings to the table. People aren’t just buying a pie, they’re buying a piece of Patti LaBelle’s legacy, which makes the product that much more appealing.
Patti LaBelle Pie Sales
The sales figures for Patti LaBelle’s pies are nothing short of astonishing. After the viral video, Walmart sold one pie every second for 72 hours straight.
That’s over 250,000 pies in just three days. The momentum didn’t stop there. In the weeks that followed, the pies continued to fly off the shelves, with some reports suggesting that Walmart struggled to keep up with the demand.
To date, Patti LaBelle’s pies have sold millions of units, generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue. The pies have expanded from the original sweet potato flavor to include other varieties like apple, peach cobbler, and even a Southern buttermilk pie. But the sweet potato version remains the crown jewel, the one that started it all.
What makes these sales figures even more impressive is the fact that they’ve been sustained over several years. Many products experience a spike in popularity and then fizzle out, but not Patti LaBelle’s pies.
They’ve become a staple in many households, especially during the holiday season. The pies are so popular that some Walmart locations still report shortages during peak times like Thanksgiving, years after their initial launch.
What Is Patti LaBelle’s Net Worth?
Given the runaway success of her pie line, it’s no surprise that Patti LaBelle’s net worth has seen a significant boost.
As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around $70 million. While her music career undoubtedly accounts for a large portion of this, her culinary ventures, including the pie line, have played a crucial role in enhancing her financial portfolio.
The pies are just one part of Patti’s broader brand, which includes cookbooks, a line of frozen foods, and other retail products. Her ability to diversify her brand and tap into different markets is a testament to her business acumen. It’s also a lesson in how celebrities can successfully leverage their fame into other industries.
Patti LaBelle’s net worth is more than just a number, it’s a reflection of a career that has spanned decades, crossed genres, and broken barriers. From singing on stage to cooking in the kitchen, Patti LaBelle has proven time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with in whatever she chooses to do.
Final Thoughts
The sweet success of Patti LaBelle’s pies is a story of talent, timing, and a little bit of viral magic. What started as a simple idea to share a beloved family recipe turned into a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on both the food industry and pop culture.
Whether you’re a fan of her music, her food, or both, there’s no denying that Patti LaBelle has once again shown us why she’s an icon. And with her pies still flying off the shelves, it’s clear that this is one success story that’s far from over.