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**Grandma Hoerner's Foods, Inc.** (often stylized as Grandma Hoerner's) is a family-owned producer of natural and organic specialty foods based in Alma, the county seat of **Wabaunsee County**, Kansas (note: commonly misspelled as "Waubonsie"). The company operates a manufacturing facility and gourmet retail store at 31862 Thompson Road, just off I-70 (Exit 324), in the Flint Hills region. Founded on a 19th-century family recipe, it specializes in small-batch preserves, pie fillings, chunky apple products, salsas, sauces, and related gourmet items. Direct "sales" happen at the on-site store (open Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., closed weekends), plus widespread wholesale distribution and online sales.

### History and Origins

The business traces directly to **Mabel Hoerner** (the "Grandma" namesake), who grew up on a farm near Manhattan, Kansas, in the late 1800s. Her family's apple orchard inspired her signature chunky applesauce—made with thick slices of fresh apples, cold spring water, cinnamon, and nutmeg, cooked slowly over a low flame and preserved in jars for winter. Family and friends frequently requested it.

In 1986–1987, Mabel's grandson **Duane McCoy** recreated the recipe in Encino, California, using natural juice concentrate instead of refined sugar. He launched "Grandma's Big Slice Apple Sauce," which had no direct market equivalent at the time. Demand grew, leading to additional products using the same high-quality, all-natural approach.

The company relocated to Kansas in 1993 and opened its manufacturing facility in Alma in 2001. Duane and his wife **Regina McCoy** (current CEO) have owned and operated it near Alma since 2000. They emphasize Kansas roots, heritage, and quality. In 2014, Regina introduced modern pouch packaging for Big Slice Apples with new flavors; select varieties reached Aldi stores nationwide. By 2020, 3-packs appeared in Midwest Costco locations. The brand refreshed its packaging to better reflect the premium, healthy interior.

### Core Products and "Sales" Offerings

Grandma Hoerner's focuses on small-batch, all-natural/organic items inspired by Mabel's recipes. The flagship **Big Slice Apples** line features kettle-cooked, chunky apples (slices, chunks, and sauce) that can be eaten with a fork—available in jars (19 oz. typically $6.95) and formerly pouches. Flavors include:

- Original

- Blueberry Pomegranate

- Caramel

- Cherry Vanilla

- Cinnamon French Toast

- (Seasonal/limited: Cinnamon Candy in larger 26 oz. jars)

Other categories from the online shop and store include:

- **Jams, Jellies, Spreads & Butters** — Apple Butter, Apple Cider Jam, Apple Maple Bacon Jam, Berry Bacon Jam, Berry Habanero Pepper Jelly, Boysenberry Preserves, Blueberry Pear Spread, Pumpkin Butter, etc.

- **Pie Fillings** — Apple, Cherry, Bourbon Pecan (a viral favorite), Caramel Maple Pumpkin.

- **Salsas & Sauces** — Chunky Garden Salsa (Mild and Hot/Spicy), barbecue sauces, cranberry sauce, and more.

- **Other** — Complementary gourmet items in the store (e.g., peanut butters, pretzels, beef sticks, cheese curds, maple syrup, gift baskets).

The online shop lists hundreds of items (including gift sets and bundles), with free shipping on orders over $70. Many products carry heritage or artisan labels highlighting no artificial ingredients. The gourmet store in Alma sells the full line plus tasting opportunities, gift packaging, and non-house items for a full shopping experience.

### Retail Store in Alma and Direct Sales

The 31862 Thompson Road location serves as both production site and visitor-friendly gourmet store/gift shop. Travelers on I-70 (especially to/from Colorado) often stop in, praising the friendly service and well-stocked displays of jars, gifts, and seasonal items. Yelp rates it 4.4/5 (based on ~10 reviews), with comments like "They treat their customers wonderfully" and notes of repeat visits. No major negatives appear in available reviews. The store functions as a direct-to-consumer outlet, supporting local tourism in small-town Alma (population ~800) and Wabaunsee County.

### Broader Distribution and Business Impact

As of the mid-2010s, products reached over 6,000 stores nationwide, including The Fresh Market, Sprouts, Hy-Vee, Whole Foods, Target, and Aldi. They remain available online, in select big-box retailers (e.g., Costco regionally), and through the company site. The business positions itself as a growing small family operation committed to exceeding expectations while staying rooted in Kansas heritage. A portion of proceeds from Big Slice pouches supports the Sparkle! foundation (empowering women and girls), missions, and aid efforts.

Locally, Grandma Hoerner's contributes to Wabaunsee County's economy as a food manufacturer and retailer, appearing in county tourism and economic development listings. It participates in area events (e.g., Flint Hills Feast) and shares ranch life, recipes, and family stories on social media (active Facebook and Instagram under @grandmahoerners).

No public detailed financial sales figures exist (private company), but the nationwide retail presence, major-chain placements, online shop, and steady product expansions indicate solid growth from a single recipe to a diversified gourmet line. Promotions (e.g., sales on apple butter or bundles) and gift sets boost direct and seasonal sales.

In short, Grandma Hoerner's "sales" in Alma/Wabaunsee County center on its charming roadside gourmet store offering direct access to heritage-inspired, high-quality preserves and snacks—while the broader business distributes those same products across the U.S. It's a quintessential small-town Kansas success story blending family legacy with modern gourmet appeal. If you're nearby, the store is worth a stop for tasting and shopping! For the latest, check grandmahoerners.com or their social channels.

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
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