Breeden’s Orchard: From Fried Pies to Fresh Starts
A look at where we’ve been — and where we’re growing!
1970s–2017: The Breeden Era
For over 45 years, Miss Marynell and Mr. Tommy Breeden poured their hearts into the orchard. They grew sweet peaches and crisp apples, hosted school field trips filled with cider and sunshine, and baked up fried pies that became the stuff of local legend. The orchard was more than a business — it was a gathering place, a classroom, and a kitchen all rolled into one. If you stopped by during this time, chances are you left with a smile, a full belly, and maybe a little sugar on your face.
December 2017: A New Chapter Begins
In 2017, the Dorfman family — longtime owners in the comedy business — decided to take on a new kind of stage: the orchard. Still active in the comedy world, they brought their timing, energy, and love of community to this fresh adventure. With zero farming experience and a whole lot of enthusiasm, they set out to learn the rhythms of orchard life. What followed was a crash course in peaches, pruning, and pie-making — all with plenty of laughter along the way. Turns out, farming and comedy both rely on patience, creativity, and great timing.
2018–2019: Dreaming Big & Digging In
We kicked off our orchard journey by clearing 3 acres to plant new peach and apple trees — a long game, but one worth the wait. In 2019, we brought our solar project to life (thanks to Lightwave Solar!) and partnered with Edible Nashville for our first farm-to-table dinner. Though a boutique barn was on the wish list, preserving our trees took priority. We dreamed of a cozy kitchen and fresh-baked hand pies—and began to realize just how serious y’all are about Red Havens, white peaches, and fried pies. And of course, we quickly learned that Mother Nature always has the final say.
2020: Storms, Setbacks & Starting Over
2020 tested us like never before. A tornado tore through Mt. Juliet, followed by the challenges of COVID-19. Then, just months later, a fire destroyed our store. But even in the hardest moments, our community showed up. We leaned on each other, found strength in unexpected places, and started the process of rebuilding. Though the year brought heartbreak, it also reminded us why we started: to grow something meaningful, together.
2021–2022: Resilience, Replanting & Really Good Peaches
With our store gone, we made do with a carport—and somehow, the peach crop thrived. It was a season of showing up, making do, and reconnecting with our community under the simplest of shelters. We replanted Grove 1, kept the deer at bay with everything from soap to coyote urine (yes, really!), and found surprise white peaches in Grove 2. Every harvest reminded us why we keep digging in.
2023–2024: Rebuilding Roots & Rethinking the Orchard
These years were all about navigating the new store, replanting groves, and finding our rhythm again. We explored what works best in our kitchen, from hand pies to new favorites, and spent time growing our field trip program, tours, and seasonal classes. Grove 3 got a fresh start, Grove 4 a thoughtful pruning, and with every challenge, we leaned further into the kind of orchard we want to be—resilient, rooted, and always learning.
2025 and Beyond
This season, our focus is on staying true to what we do best—and doing it even better. We're committed to learning, growing, and continuing to build strong connections with both new and returning customers and vendors.
We're excited about what’s ahead: more classes, extended hours, and even more opportunities for family fun at the orchard. Here's to a season full of fresh experiences and meaningful connections!
