Breeden’s Orchard: Our History
Where It All Began
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—growing peaches and apples, welcoming school field trips, and baking fried pies that became local legend. More than a business, the orchard was a gathering place where visitors left with full bellies, sweet memories, and a smile.
December 2017: A New Chapter Begins
In 2017, the Dorfman family— longtime owners in the comedy business—took on a new kind of stage: the orchard. Still active in comedy, they brought their energy, creativity, and love of community to farm life, learning peaches, pruning, and pie-making along the way. With plenty of laughter and trial-and-error, they quickly discovered that farming and comedy share the same essentials: patience, creativity, and great timing.
2018–2019: Dreaming Big & Digging In
We began our orchard journey by clearing three acres to plant peach and apple trees—a long game, but one worth the wait. In 2019, we launched a solar project and hosted our first farm-to-table dinner. While a boutique barn was tempting, protecting the trees came first. Along the way, we dreamed of a cozy kitchen, fresh-baked hand pies, and quickly learned just how passionate y’all are about Red Havens, white peaches, and fried pies—and 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!
