Had you heard of Patti Labelle’s sweet potato pies prior to a few weeks ago? To be honest, I’ve always preferred home made over store bought baked goods, but the world has been going crazy for the #PattiPies ever since James Wright dropped his hilarious viral video on Facebook.
Since the video made its way around the web, Patti’s pies have sold out of Walmart stores across the country. Reports say that over $1 million in pies have sold and despite the pies retailing at less than $4, people are reselling pies online for $20 or more. All this because James Wright said the pies will make you sing like Patti!
Patti has reached out to Wright with a phone call to show her appreciation. Many believe that the significant spike in popularity (and sales) warrants more than a phone call from Wright. It’s been suggested that Wright, who voluntarily made the video with no intentions of getting paid, be compensated monetarily, or at least become a spokesperson. According to Patti, the pies were already selling well in stores to begin with.
When asked by a TMZ camera man whether she was going to use Wright for more sales in the future, Patti replied, “I did it myself.” She continued, “I was selling out before [James Wright].” She does go on to say that James Wright is wonderful and that he has a career ahead of him. But Mama Patti isn’t giving him ALL the credit. On an episode of Today’s Take, Patti thanked Jesus for the pies selling off the shelves prior to James, and also thanked Jesus for James being an additional blessing.
I don’t doubt that the pies were selling, but to the extent Mr. Wright had them selling out nationwide? Nope Patti, that wasn’t all you.
