Editor's Note: This article is part of a new online series launched in July 2023 by the City of Gainesville intended to highlight and promote must-try businesses in the area of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Georgia. As the community continues to flourish and welcome new restaurants, retailers and service providers – especially within the downtown corridor – leadership wishes to introduce available offerings to residents and visitors alike ahead of their next trip to the City of Gainesville. Must-Try Monday features will be released weekly via gainesville.org and the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment (City of Gainesville, Georgia) Facebook page. Be sure to "Like" and follow us on social media so you don't miss the latest and greatest about the Hospitality Capital of the World!
Southern Baked Pie Co. | 302 Broad St. SE, Suite C | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Nov. 13, 2023) – There's a reason why Southern Baked Pie Co. has been featured in publications like Southern Living and HGTV magazines, and on television programs like the "Today Show" – their sweet and savory pies are just that good!
"We make the best pies you've ever tasted," states Owner Amanda Wilbanks.
Walk into any one of Southern Baked Pie Co.'s four locations, and you'll find display cases filled with apple, buttermilk and chocolate chess pies, seasonal pumpkin and sweet potato pies – even the bakery's caramel pecan pie, named the Official Pie of Gainesville, which also took home the "2016 Official Flavor of Georgia" award.
"We don't only make sweet pies, we also make delicious dinner pies," Wilbanks added, plus decadent yeast cinnamon rolls.
And if you thought Southern Baked Pie Co.'s sweet pies were good, just wait until you try their savory pies. Chicken ranchero pie, pot roast pie, Southwestern taco pie or any one of their beautiful quiches are a delicious precursor to dessert.
"We offer three sizes: whole pies, individual-sized pies and hand pies," Wilbanks said. "We have retail pie shops throughout Georgia, and we ship pies all over the United States."
Learn the ins and outs of Southern Baked Pie Co., what makes it a Must-Try Monday-worthy business and why you should make it a destination the next time you're near downtown Gainesville by reviewing the exclusive Q+A with Wilbanks below.
Q: When did your business open and where? If your business has operated at other locations, please list those.
A: I opened the first pie shop in Gainesville, Georgia in 2012. I then opened up my three metro Atlanta locations in Buckhead (2016), Alpharetta (2016) and Vinings (2019).
Q: How long have you been operating on the historic square in downtown Gainesville?
A: Since 2012. [Though] our pie shop isn't technically on the square, it's one block down next to E.E. Butler Parkway and off of Broad Street SE.
Q: What drew you to operate your business in downtown Gainesville?
A: My husband and I had recently moved to Gainesville. We instantly found community through sharing the pies with friends and neighbors, and quickly realized Gainesville was a great place to open a small business.
Q: What kinds of products and/or services does your business offer to the public?
A: We are a pie shop. We make made-from-scratch sweet and savory pies. We're known for our all-butter crust, which gives our pies the most delicious taste and a tender, flaky crust. Customers can come into a pie shop and pick up a delicious chicken pot pie and chocolate chess pie for dinner or have the pies shipped directly to their doorstep.
Q: Can you give some examples of unique products and/or services you offer that aren’t easily replicated elsewhere in town?
A: Caramel pecan pie. We beat out 135 other food products and took home the title of the "2016 Official Flavor of Georgia" award with a frozen pecan pie. Our pecan pie was also named the "Official Pie of Gainesville". It's a must try!
Q: What offerings are you most proud of and why? Give us the scoop!
A: Our chicken pot pie is a family recipe passed down from my mother-in-law, Sandy, and it's to die for. Our French coconut custard pie was passed down from my late grandmother, Bonnie, and rivals any coconut pie, anywhere.
Q: Do you target a specific audience? If so, can you please specify?
A: Our customers are ladies, gentlemen and corporate businesses who are gracious and take food to people when someone passes away, who bring people dinner and dessert when they've been sick, and who celebrate others' accomplishments or show signs of appreciation by gifting pie! Our customers are ladies and gentlemen who love to prepare a delicious meal for the family, but may not necessarily love to cook or have time.
Q: If you aim to target everyone, can you please explain how and through what products and/or services?
A: We target everyone. Everyone loves pie, right?
Q: What is your favorite “must try” item you offer and why?
A: I started Southern Baked with a few core family recipes and those are still my favorites today. I could eat a slice of chocolate chess pie every day of my life. It's the best! The pot roast pie is my favorite dinner pie. It's full of tender meat and creamy mashed potatoes in an all-butter pie shell. It's truly divine. My family eats a savory dinner pie once a week, so I'd say the dinner pies are my favorite because they make my life easier!
Q: In your own words, what makes your business a positive addition to the downtown cityscape?
A: I believe the enchanting aroma of freshly baked sweet pies wafting from our ovens fills the square with a unique and delightful sweetness. I aspire for others to perceive the pie shop as a charming haven brimming with happiness and comfort. I envision our customers departing our stores, feeling as if they've been embraced by a cozy, comforting hug, wrapped in the lingering fragrance of those delectable pies.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Our pies have been featured in Garden and Gun Magazine, (Oprah's) O Magazine, Southern Living, the Hallmark Channel, the "Today Show" and HGTV Magazine, to name a few.
PHOTO CUTLINE | Southern Baked Pie Co. is located at 302 Broad St. SE, Suite C, just off the historic square in downtown Gainesville. Find additional photos shared via the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment Facebook page.