Hidden Gems: Meet Steven Washington of CRUSTEES

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Washington.

Steven, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Like many self-taught culinary artisans, Los Angeles native Sharon Washington built her reputation quietly and authentically through instinct, tradition, and an exceptional command of the kitchen. Known among family and friends for her ability to reinterpret American comfort classics, she transformed dishes such as chicken pot pie, peach cobbler, and turkey chili into refined, memorable experiences. For years, those meals were shared privately, until persistent encouragement from her community made it clear that her craft deserved a wider audience. That encouragement became the foundation of Crustees.

Together with her husband, Carl Washington, and her son, Steven Christopher Washington, Sharon set out to create a brand that honored familiarity while elevating execution. Steven, a veteran of the entertainment industry, brought a creative background shaped by major productions, including The Lion King at the historic Pantages Theatre, along with numerous television and commercial projects. Carl contributed decades of success in sales and marketing. United by complementary expertise and a shared vision, the family launched Crustees with a clear objective: to deliver elevated comfort food to Los Angeles with consistency, intention, and care.

The brand began its journey through wholesaling, farmers markets, and catering allowing Crustees to grow organically while remaining deeply connected to the city. Staying true to their Los Angeles roots was essential. Over time, Crustees cultivated a loyal following through installations at some of the region’s most notable farmers markets, including Brentwood, Larchmont, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Playa Vista, and beyond. Many of the fresh ingredients used in their kitchen are sourced directly from the same markets they serve, reinforcing a full-circle commitment to quality, seasonality, and local partnerships.

As demand increased, the next evolution became inevitable. Community has always been central to the Crustees philosophy, making Windsor Hills–View Park the natural home for its first full-scale brick-and-mortar location. Opening in one of the most affluent African American neighborhoods in the nation was both intentional and meaningful bringing a thoughtfully executed restaurant to a community that had long supported the brand’s growth.

With continued success came wider recognition. Crustees has since developed a devoted following that includes notable figures such as Julia Roberts, The Kardashians, and Debbie Allen, further establishing the brand’s presence within Los Angeles’ cultural landscape.

Looking ahead, Crustees is focused on strategic expansion. Plans for increased wholesale distribution and domestic shipping are underway, designed to bring the brand’s signature offerings to a broader audience while maintaining the standards that define the company. With a second location on the horizon, Crustees is steadily solidifying its position as a true Los Angeles staple.

Guided by a commitment to quality food, attentive service, and community engagement, the brand’s ethos remains unwavering: In crust we trust!

Signature menu items such as the Chicken Pot Pie, Shepherd’s Pot Pie, Peach Cobbler, Zucchini Salad, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Apple Crisp Cobbler exemplify Crustees’ approach. Comfort food executed with precision, restraint, and respect for tradition.

Crustees stands as a family-built enterprise rooted in craftsmanship, locality, and long-term vision. One that continues to shape the modern comfort food landscape in Los Angeles and beyond.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but seamless. Opening in 2018 just ahead of the global disruption caused by COVID-19 presented challenges that no business could have reasonably anticipated. Navigating a restaurant operation through quarantine, evolving public health mandates, and heightened safety requirements was both daunting and deeply uncertain. Like many small businesses, Crustees was forced to adapt in real time while balancing operational survival with the responsibility of protecting staff and customers.

The shift required resilience, flexibility, and difficult decision making. In response, the focus moved decisively toward takeout and to-go service. A transition that, while born out of necessity, ultimately reshaped the trajectory of the brand. What initially felt like a limitation became an unexpected point of access. Crustees found its way into homes across Los Angeles at a moment when venturing outside was a rarity and reliable, comforting food had taken on renewed importance.

The very qualities that define the menu; nostalgia, familiarity, and dishes that freeze and reheat beautifully; proved essential during a time when stability and ease mattered most. Those offerings became part of households’ routines during an unprecedented period of isolation.

Throughout it all, community remained the cornerstone. The unwavering support of the Los Angeles community did more than sustain the business it carried it forward. During one of the most challenging periods in modern history, Crustees remained present, dependable, and committed, serving not just food, but continuity. That shared perseverance ultimately strengthened the foundation of the brand and reaffirmed its purpose.

We’ve been impressed with CRUSTEES, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Crustees is a modern comfort food brand rooted in craftsmanship, intention, and accessibility. At its core, we specialize in artisanal pies, both savory and sweet, executed with precision and designed for real life. Unlike traditional bakeries or pie shops, we do not offer slices. Our philosophy is simple. Why settle for a portion when you can experience the whole thing?

We are best known for our individually sized five inch and six inch pies, as well as classic full size offerings, allowing guests to enjoy a complete, self contained experience without compromise. Our menu spans a wide range of profiles, from signature savory pies to indulgent desserts, with thoughtful options that include gluten free and vegan selections. That balance, familiar yet elevated, indulgent yet inclusive, is central to what sets us apart.

Beyond pies, Crustees has become equally recognized for its supporting menu. Deeply satisfying turkey chili, white chicken chili, and veggie chili are complemented by fresh, vibrant offerings such as our zucchini salad and Greek salad. While the pies may draw first time guests in, our banana pudding has earned its own reputation. Available in classic, strawberry, and peanut butter variations, it has quietly become a customer favorite and a defining staple of the brand.
What we are most proud of extends beyond the menu.

Crustees reflects the diversity of Los Angeles in every sense, through the food we create, the people we hire, and the communities we serve. Our team represents a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and our offerings are intentionally designed to meet guests where they are. That diversity is not performative. It is foundational. It mirrors the fabric of the city itself and informs how we operate, grow, and connect.

Brand wise, we are proud to have built something that feels both elevated and welcoming, where quality and consistency are non negotiable, yet the experience remains approachable. Crustees is not about excess or trend chasing. It is about doing familiar things exceptionally well, honoring tradition while adapting to how people actually live and eat today.

What we want readers to know is that Crustees is more than a pie shop. It is a thoughtfully built brand with a clear point of view. One that values completeness over shortcuts, inclusivity over limitation, and community over scale for scale’s sake. Every pie, every dish, and every decision reflects that commitment.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Every decision we make, from how we develop recipes to how we hire, source ingredients, and show up for our community, is done with purpose. We are deliberate about quality, consistency, and execution, and we do not rush growth for the sake of expansion. That intentional approach allows us to maintain standards while building trust with our customers.

Intentionality also shows up in how we listen. We pay close attention to our guests, our team, and the neighborhoods we serve, and we adapt without losing our identity. That balance of focus and flexibility has enabled us to navigate challenges, evolve responsibly, and build a brand that people feel connected to rather than simply consume.

Ultimately, intentionality is what turns a good idea into a lasting business. It ensures that every pie, every interaction, and every next step aligns with who we are and where we are going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crusteeseatery.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/crustees