Famous PUDN Closing Up Shop In Murrieta: Here's Where To Find Them

MURRIETA, CA—Murrieta's Famous PUDN has closed its doors, the owners announced in a recent social media post. Instead, they will sell to the public through farmer's markets and other fairs and possibly reopen another retail outlet in 2026.

Famous PUDN, a local staple from its 24520 Village Walk Place Unit F location, is now closed to the public.

"You will only be able to get our PUDN at outdoor events in a city or state near you," they wrote. "Our large event schedule has doubled this year, superseding the retail location. It doesn't make good business sense to do both this year."

Gift cards will be honored at outdoor events, or at their certified kitchen. You can still place catering orders online, they say. In the meantime, find them at:

• Old Town Temecula's Farmers Market
• Old Town Murrieta Farmers Market
• Temecula Sunset Market
• Made Local Market Menifee
• Made Local Market Corona
• Palm Springs Village Fest
• Oceanside Sunset Market
• Foodieland Texas
• Foodieland LA
• Foodieland San Francisco
• Foodieland San Jose
• Foodieland Sacramento
• Foodieland Las Vegas
• Foodieland Arizona
• Foodieland San Diego
• Bite of Seattle

The PUDN has earned numerous local awards and grants. They even served actress Renee Zellweger on Mother's Day in 2023, one of their claims to fame. Still, the plans for the business are ever-evolving, says owner EJ Smith III.

Raised in Gardena, Smith started making homemade PUDN in 2004, based on his mother's family recipe. His base recipe has only five ingredients, and the delicious baked dessert is Kosher Certified.

"We were blessed by a real Rabbi," he said. He set up shop in a former Long Beach deli and word got out quickly.

"I had lines around the street some days," he said. Even the mayor of Long Beach proclaimed that they were "putting smiles on people's faces" with a delicious dessert that everyone can relate to, regardless of family history or background. On track to do big business, appearing on television studio sets, MTV award greenrooms and more, his wife grew ill and needed surgery. Life took them away from California for several years.

It wasn't until 2015 that they moved to Temecula and during the pandemic decided that a family business may be just the way to both work with and leave a legacy for his son, EJ Smith IV.

Together, the Smith family came up with the mission statement and plan for the shop."My son worked out that PUDN stands for PUDN Unifies Diversity Nationwide," he said. They also still strive to carry on the tradition of putting smiles on people's faces every day, with the traditional banana pudding to the elaborate flavors and toppings each guest can build themselves.

"I coached him in football, and now I'm coaching him in business," he said. "We're working together and it feels good to be closer than ever, working together."

The store may be closed, but the business goes on under the new model. Be sure to watch social media for their next storefront, tentatively planned for 2026 in a "high-traffic location," Smith said.

"Thank all of you for loving us what we stand for, and what we do in our community. We look forward to seeing you and PUDN smiles on your faces."