The Peach Cobbler Factory opens in Rockside Corners

by Alfred Hood

The Peach Cobbler Factory in Rockside Corners Shopping Center has only been open since May, but patrons are already flocking to the Independence location to sample its sweets. 

Owners Wendy Ladd and her husband Phil were inspired to open a Peach Cobbler location when a friend also bought into the franchise.

Ladd recounts that she and her husband had been brainstorming about delving into a joint venture, “[Phil] was like, we need to figure out what we can do together as a couple,” she said. 

The Ladds then spoke to The Peach Cobbler Factory CEO, Greg George, in North Carolina and joined the franchise after liking what they heard, and tasted. The Peach Cobbler Factory currently has 100 locations spanning 20 states. 

After considering multiple sites, the Ladds landed on the Independence storefront at 6901 Rockside Rd. as they said it allows them to remain connected to the community and support their neighbors. 

“I pictured The Peach Cobbler Factory someplace where once you get out of your car, you can walk and there are other eateries,” Ladd explained. “I’m very strategic when I’m thinking about where I should place a location. It’s probably not a good idea to have a sweets place next to a dentist.” 

She and her husband have another franchise location in Tennessee.

Ladd, a former nurse and veteran of the U.S. Navy and Air Force, said The Peach Cobbler Factory originated when the founders were displaced following Hurricane Katrina. 

They turned their adversity into a chance for growth by selling peach cobbler and banana pudding out of their car, a venture that became successful enough to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Louisville, Kentucky, named after one of their flagship treats. 

“As Greg George would tell you, he went there and there were lines out of the door. He went in and said, ‘I’d really like to meet with the owners,’” said Ladd. “He said he didn’t even taste anything. The next day he met with the owners and asked if they would be interested in franchising their store.”

The Peach Cobbler Factory’s menu has grown considerably from its modest beginnings to offer 12 flavors of cobbler, 12 flavors of pudding and cobbler shakes as well as other treats such as waffles, churros, brownies and cookies. 

Business at the Independence location has been booming since opening with patrons coming from as far as West Virginia to experience the unique desserts.

Amidst this widespread attention, the backing of the Cleveland community holds a special place in the hearts of the Ladds.

“It’s really been pretty humbling. Cleveland has really shown up and showed out for me and I just cannot thank them enough,” said Ladd. “I knew my hometown would be a great place to put [The Peach Cobbler Factory] but I don’t think I realized how much support I would have.” ∞

Photo: Wendy Ladd and her husband opened The Peach Cobbler Factory this spring, offering a variety of sweets. Photo by Alfred Hood.