Title Tag: Pop Pie Co. | Gan Suebsarakham & Steven Torres

Meta Description: Discover Pop Pie Co., founded by chef Gan Suebsarakham and Steven Torres, where globally inspired flavors meet handcrafted sweet and savory pies.

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“A familiar comfort food becomes exciting again when a chef brings the whole world to it.”

Meet the Founders

Pop Pie Co. was founded in 2016 by husband-and-husband team Gan Suebsarakham and Steven Torres. Gan, originally from Khon Kaen, Thailand, earned an MBA and studied culinary arts at Grossmont College. As executive chef, he channels Thai roots and global flavors into the menu. Torres, originally from Calexico, studied accounting and business administration and moved from finance into hospitality, bringing operational and business leadership to the partnership.

The Story Behind the Dream

The founders saw room to reimagine the humble pie as an all-day meal. Their complementary skills helped turn a focused idea – handcrafted sweet and savory pies – into a locally grown hospitality company that later included Stella Jean’s Ice Cream and other concepts.

The Restaurant Story

Pop Pie Co. respects the comfort and portability of traditional pie while refusing to limit what can go inside it. The shops function as neighborhood cafes, serving individual savory pies, sweet slices, sides, coffee, and matcha throughout the day.

Signature Offerings

Chef Gan’s all-butter crust is the foundation. Fillings move between classic comfort and globally inspired ideas, with seasonal specials adding variety. Guests often pair a five-inch savory pie with a freshly made side and finish with a sweet pie or a scoop from sister company Stella Jean’s.

Behind the Scenes

The pies are produced in small batches, and the crust requires consistency in mixing, temperature, resting, shaping, and baking. Gan leads the culinary vision while Torres helps build the systems that allow a handcrafted product and a hospitality-centered culture to grow.

Why We Love Them

Pop Pie Co. represents the creative, multicultural character of San Diego’s food community. The concept is easy to understand, but the flavors reveal the founders’ personal histories and willingness to experiment.

Cherimarie’s Reflection

A pie feels nostalgic before the first bite, yet Pop Pie Co. proves nostalgia does not have to stand still. Gan and Steven have made comfort food personal, global, and wonderfully new.