By: Madison Fortney
Kids start to form around Betty Clemen’s family home in Shell Beach, California. The smell of fresh dough lingers throughout the neighborhood as Betty cooks up some fresh bread.
Back then it was all about the bread. Betty Clemen’s, the creator of Old West Cinnamon Rolls started off her company by selling bread mix.
In order to promote her bread mix, Betty took it to the local fair. She then proceeded to sell dinner rolls for 25 cents a piece.
The idea of the Cinnamon Rolls came to Betty a few years later when one of her customers at a fair mentioned the fact that her rolls would be so good if they were sweet. This then sparked the creation of the popular and very well-known cinnamon rolls we all enjoy today.
Old West Cinnamon Rolls is one of Pismo Beach’s most popular bakeries. It was established in 1973 and it continues to be a favorite among many locals and visitors.
Giovanni Reader from Susanville, California traveled 500 miles just to enjoy the sweet and delicious cinnamon rolls.
Reader says, “Old West Cinnamon Rolls are the best! Their taste and texture are unbeatable.” Reader also brought his girlfriend, Dezirae Viduya, who has not yet enjoyed these delicious cinnamon rolls. Viduya is “extremely excited to try the cinnamon rolls because my boyfriend talks about them all of the time.”
Old West Cinnamon Rolls are known as the best for many reasons. Many customers purchase these homemade cinnamon rolls because of their unique and delicious taste.
But do you know what makes these cinnamon rolls taste so delicious? Lucinda Parkhurst the owner of Old West Cinnamion Rolls says, “We import our own cinnamon from the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, that’s one of the secrets to our flavor, we have amazing and unique cinnamon.”
Old West Cinnamon Rolls is not a chain in which they have different locations around California. There is only one single shop in Pismo Beach. This is what makes the cinnamon roll shop so popular.
“You just can’t find them anywhere else.”
– Lucinda Parkhurst
Thousands of people visit the bakery daily. Lines of people form around the block just waiting to purchase the tasty cinnamon rolls. With all of this attention the bakery flies through pounds of their special ingredients.
Parkhurst says, “On busy days we can easily go through 2,000 pounds of mix, 500 pounds of sugar, and 7 pounds of cinnamon.”
Parkhurst’s goal was to make the cinnamon rolls as affordable as possible so everyone can enjoy them.
“I really work hard to keep the prices inexpensive. I rather have more people enjoy the cinnamon rolls then have them as a luxury treat only some people are willing to buy.”
Linda Parkhurst, Old West Owner
This is one thing many people love about the bakery, the affordable yet mouth watering cinnamon rolls.
If you and your family enjoy the Old West Cinnamon Roll bakery at Pismo Beach, you will be extremely excited to hear that their mix may be coming to a Costco near you possibly in the next 6 months! This will allow everyone to cook and enjoy these delicious treats from your very own home.
Old West is located on 861 Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. The bakery is open every day of the week from 6:30am- 6pm.
Madison Fortney
Madison 23' is a second year journalist with a strong passion for writing. Outside of journalism she's involved in soccer and track. Her main focus is Clubs and Lifestyles but she enjoys working on all news stories.
Madison writes with knowledge and pasion keep up the good news items
i always love getting these cinnamon rolls with my family every time we go! Great insight about the history and backstory, I really enjoyed reading this piece! 🙂