Most of us know Ikeda's. We know the pies, the fresh produce, the burgers, the milkshakes and that familiar stop along Interstate 80 in Auburn. But behind this beloved local institution is something much richer: a Japanese American story of perseverance, hard work, family, tradition and three generations building upon the dreams of those who came before them.

And this writer knows that words on a page cannot quite capture the passion Derek brought to the room as he shared his family's remarkable legacy.

It Began with Sam & Sally

Derek's grandfather, Sam Ikeda, was born in Loomis in 1929. His grandmother, Sally, was born in Penryn in 1932. During World War II, both were sent with their families to the Tule Lake Internment Camp.

They spent two years there, although they did not know each other at the time.

Their paths crossed years later while attending Placer High School. Their relationship began after a dare to Sam to ask Sally out. That dare turned into a date, those dates eventually became a marriage, and together they raised two sons, Glen and Steve.

They could not have known then what their family name would someday mean to generations of Northern Californians.

In 1970, Sam and Sally purchased an orchard. Two years later, in 1972, Ikeda's was founded.

It started simply. But like so many great family businesses, it grew through hard work, opportunity, determination and a willingness to evolve.

The Second Generation

In 1989, the second generation stepped forward and began putting its own twist on the family business.

And then came the pies.

Pies, pies and more pies!

What began in 1989 as a "value add" became one of the defining parts of Ikeda's identity. With Interstate 80 running right outside their doors, travelers began discovering what locals already knew: when you're passing through Auburn, you need to make a stop at Ikeda's.

Derek's father, Glen, established three simple rules for the business:

1. Great Quality
2. Clean Store
3. Excellent Service

There is nothing complicated about those words. But maintaining them day after day, year after year and generation after generation is what makes them powerful.

Walk into Ikeda's today and you can still see those three principles at work.

The business continued to grow, and in 2000, Ikeda's expanded into Davis with its Gourmet Market.

Generation #3

Then came the third generation — including Derek.

Generation #3 brought the skills and talents of a younger generation into the family business, particularly in marketing and promotion, while protecting the traditions that made Ikeda's special in the first place.

They haven't left much on the table — except perhaps another pie!

In 2026, Ikeda's received national recognition through the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, an extraordinary moment for a business that began with an orchard and the dreams of Sam and Sally more than half a century earlier.

Imagine what that recognition means to a family whose story began through hardship and uncertainty, yet grew into a business loved by people throughout California and beyond.

That is what makes the Ikeda story about so much more than pie.

A Legacy That Lives On

Sadly, the Ikeda family lost Sam in 2017. But his presence and influence remain very much a part of the business.

Sally is retired now, but as Derek shared with us, that doesn't mean she has completely stopped checking on things. From time to time, she still comes in to make sure everyone is happy and that the family continues following the dreams and values she and Sam established all those years ago.

Perhaps that is one of the most beautiful parts of the Ikeda story.

Each generation has added something new without forgetting the generation that came before it.

Sam and Sally planted more than an orchard. They planted a legacy.

Today, that legacy can be seen in their children, grandchildren, employees, customers and a family business that continues to be part of the fabric of the Auburn community.

Auburn Sunset Rotary extends a heartfelt thank you to Derek Ikeda for sharing his family's history with us. It was an incredible presentation filled with humor, history, emotion and, most importantly, love for family.

We dare you to give them a try.

Stop by Ikeda's California Country Market & Pie Shop at 13500 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603. Have a slice of pie, enjoy a creamy milkshake, grab one of their famous burgers — and perhaps look around a little differently.

Because behind that slice of pie is more than 50 years of family history.

It's a story of resilience.
It's a story of opportunity.
It's a story of family.
And it's the Ikeda legacy.

😂 It’s Always More Fun When Ross Is in the House!

A big Auburn Sunset Rotary thank you to Ross Kochenderfer for stopping by and spending the evening with us!

It’s always great to have our resident comedian join us—because every Rotary meeting is just a little more entertaining when Ross is around. 😄

Of course, Ross may also be known as the husband of his better half, the wonderful Tracy Kochenderfer. ❤️ We’ll let Tracy decide whether that title is official!

Thanks for visiting, Ross! We loved the laughs, the friendship, and having you as part of our Auburn Sunset Rotary family for the evening.

See our Facebook Page for the video.