October 18, 2018 

By Brian W. Carter 

Contributing Writer 

 

Do cobblers come from heaven? Some would probably say yes as the dessert is a classic at almost any family function you could attend. Sharon’s Heavenly Cobblers has been a Taste of Soul vendor since 2014 and will be at this year’s festival. Sharon Washington, of Sharon’s Heavenly Cobblers, shares how being a vendor at the festival changed everything for her business.

 

“Our first year, was such a success,” said Washington. “We were already looking forward to the next year.”

 

She continued, “Our second year, Danny Bakewell, Bakewell Media and Taste of Soul staff took us under their wings and exposed us to so many wonderful opportunities. We were invited to participate in Taste of Soul promotional segments on local news stations, Media Day at the L.A. Sentinel office, Taste of Soul announced our hourly pie giveaway via Taste of Soul app and social media, as well as an interview with a local news station during the Festival.

 

“We believe the personal touches extended to us by Mr. Bakewell and Taste of Soul staff, in addition to participating in the Taste of Soul Family Festival, has played a tremendous roll in the increase of our customer base and product volume each year.”

 

Washington was born in Chicago, Illinois and relocated to Los Angeles at the age of 3-years-old. The middle daughter of 3 girls, Washington states she has been making cobblers for more than 30 years for family, friends and co-workers.

 

She is also a legal secretary, who will celebrate 25 years at the same law firm in July 2019. But when she’s not handling serious business, she is handling some serious cobbler. Some of the cobbler you can find on the menu includes: peach, pecan sweet potato, mixed berry, apple crisp, cherry and rhubarb. 

 

You can also find savory pies on the menu like chicken pot pies, beef pot pie, shepherd’s pie and veggie pot pie.

 

“Our cobblers and pies are different because the individual size, larger sizes are available, are with top and bottom crust and quality ingredients made with love,” said Washington. “The same way I made the cobblers for my family and friends for over 35 years.”

 

Washington has enjoyed being a part of the Taste of Soul festival and shares one of her best years at the festival.

 

“Our third year, 2016, has been our best year so far,” said Washington. “The event is busy and fast paced with a non-stop flow of customers.

 

She added, “We enjoy interacting with our customers, and hearing their positive feedback when sampling our cobblers and pies.

 

“We’ve had so many repeat customers who bring their friends and family members.”

 

As a result of the being a part of the Taste of Soul vendor family, Washington will be opening a new retail space under their new name CRUSTEES, located at 4442 W. Slauson Avenue in Los Angeles, CA. 

 

“Our new space came about as a result of our Taste of Soul and Farmers Market customers constantly asking and wanting to know where they can purchase our cobblers/pies,” said Washington.

 

Make sure you visit and congratulate Sharon’s Heavenly Cobblers at the Taste of Soul festival Saturday, October 20, from 10AM-7PM. You can visit their website at www.crusteeseatery.com

 

Get the Taste of Soul App for up-to-the-minute performer & stage info, interactive maps, exclusive offers, discounts, contests and more available on Apple App Store and Google Play.

 

For more information on Taste of Soul, please visit tasteofsoul.org.

Category: Business