Brian McMillan, founder of The Kobbler King, poses with one of his signature desserts. (Courtesy photo)
Founded by Brian McMillan, The Kobbler King was established in 1993. Its desserts are featured in various grocery stores and retailers throughout Southern California, including: Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, and over thirty restaurants from Hot Wings Cafe, Louisiana Fried Chicken, Fish Bone, Mom’s Bar-B-Q, Jim Dandy Fried Chicken, and more. The store is located in South L.A on Jefferson and Crenshaw Blvd., making it the go-to spot for everyone’s sweet tooth.
McMillan started cooking at the age of six-years-old because he loved to eat. His grandmother would make pies for him when he was young, which led to his love for baking. His mother is a disabled veteran who could cook, but she didn’t bake. Using his skills he mastered at a young age, he would bake pies for the holidays and friends.
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Before McMillan started his business, he was banking. He got fired and began making cobblers for his friends and started selling them at West Angeles Church of God in Christ on Sundays and at Smart & Final.
“I acquired a large customer clientele and restaurant accounts from doing both,” he explained. “I baked from home until I outgrew my little kitchen and opened my first restaurant and bakery in 1995.”
His first site failed within a year because of a poor location, but he was able to establish Smart & Final as an account in 1996 and open his second venue.
“I talked to my manager at Albertsons about the process of them carrying our desserts in their store,” he said. “We started with two stores and now have Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilion stores and over 30 restaurant accounts.”
When he first started his business in 1993, the name was “Brian’s Best.” “Brian’s Best” transformed into “The Kobbler King” by way of a coincidence.
One day he was selling his desserts at West Angeles COGIC and a man asked his for a business card, asking, “Is this your best?” This inspired him to create a different name, because he wanted to be considered the best. This was where “The Kobbler King” was birthed.
McMillan says the key to a successful business is to be different from everyone else. He has always separated himself from others by creating different products with a twist. He prides himself on having a variety desserts for all to enjoy.
“For example, we have our Ultimate Peach Kobbler with a Pecan Crumble Crust,” he emphasized. “There is no one that makes every Fruit Kobbler.”
One thing McMillan highlighted is that he does not sell until his products are perfected. He makes every fruit cobbler including, cherry, blackberry, mango, apricot, watermelon, peach, apple, prune, and more. He has a range of desserts from sweet potato pies, butter pecan pies, lime bars, banana and bread pudding, lemon icebox pie, and much more.
McMillan says that many entrepreneurs think they know it all and are not open to listening to important advice. He stressed that sometimes God will send someone in your life to give valuable advice, but you just have to listen.
Entrepreneurship has definitely been on McMillan’s side as he has been able to develop multiple streams of income from one business. Not only does he have multiple grocery store and restaurant accounts, but a dessert truck, being able to attend all major festivals and events, shipping nationwide, and has his own Frozen Gourmet Waffle line and food catering.
The Kobbler King is open daily at both 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., depending on the day, and closes at 6 p.m..
For more information, visit The Kobbler King’s website: https://www.thekobblerking.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekobblerking/
