Kozi Pie Shoppe

Kozi Pie Shoppe, located in the charming downtown area of Decorah, Iowa, is a true destination establishment that perfectly embodies the spirit of local entrepreneurship and culinary passion. Far more than just a bakery, Kozi Pie Shoppe is a full-service restaurant that has quickly established a devoted following across the state for its exceptional, scratch-made pies and comforting meals. Founded by chef Liz Lesser, a native of Minnesota who settled in Decorah in 2018, the shoppe has a history rooted in the local farmers markets, eventually growing into a dream storefront on Water Street in 2022. This business proudly identifies as women-owned, contributing significantly to the dynamic local economy of Winneshiek County.

The foundation of Kozi Pie Shoppe’s success lies in its unwavering commitment to quality. Every pie, from the savory options to the decadent fruit and cream varieties, is made from scratch, with a strong focus on using the finest ingredients, often locally sourced and organic whenever available. Patrons consistently rave about the baked goods, with one customer claiming the pies were "just like my grandmother used to make. Maybe even better," and specifically calling the key lime "the best she ever had." This high praise is a testament to Lesser’s passion, which grew from being the family’s "pie person" to becoming a celebrated chef and restaurateur in Northeast Iowa.

Beyond the food, Kozi Pie Shoppe offers a uniquely welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, identifying as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace. This commitment to community and comfort is woven into the very fabric of the business, creating a space where everyone in Iowa, from lifelong residents to travelers driving cross-country, feels at home. The extensive menu, which features all-day breakfast alongside gourmet pies and lunch options, caters to virtually any need or craving, ensuring that Kozi Pie Shoppe remains a key stop for a delightful, high-quality meal or a quick, sweet treat.

Location and Accessibility

Kozi Pie Shoppe is ideally situated in the heart of downtown Decorah at 213 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101, USA. Its central location on Water Street makes it easily accessible for pedestrians exploring the picturesque downtown area, as well as for those traveling by car through Winneshiek County.

The business has prioritized modern customer service and accessibility:

• Service Options: Offers maximum flexibility with Dine-in for a full restaurant experience, as well as Takeout, Curbside pickup, Delivery, and In-store pickup for convenience.
• Parking: Provides a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring easy access for patrons with mobility needs.
• Planning: Ideal for a Quick visit to grab coffee and a slice of pie, but also comfortable for a leisurely meal.
• Amenities: Offers Wi-Fi access, making it a functional and cozy spot for locals to work or relax.
• Payments: Accepts various payment forms, including Checks, Credit cards, and Debit cards, for smooth transactions.

Services Offered

Kozi Pie Shoppe offers a comprehensive range of services as a combined restaurant, bakery, and specialty pie shop, focusing on scratch-made quality.

• Artisanal Pie Making: Specializing in made-from-scratch pies, available whole or by the slice, with a vast menu including savory options (like quiche and Savory Lunch Pie) and sweet favorites (Pecan, Key Lime, Apple Berry, Banana Cream, Cheesecake, etc.).
• All-Day Breakfast: Serving breakfast items from early morning, with entrees like quiche, bacon, egg salad croissants, and lighter options like Yogurt And Berries.
• Lunch and Savory Menu: Offering full plates of food, soup (like bacon, leek soup), sandwiches (such as the Reuben), and daily lunch specials.
• Custom & Special Diet Baking: Providing flexibility with all pies available to be made Gluten Free or Vegan, accommodating various dietary needs. They also make custom Cheesecakes and Cakes.
• Event Catering & Holiday Specials: Known for handling large-scale events like Easter Brunch and offering special menus and take-home meals for holidays. They also offer Gift Certificates.
• Coffee Service: Providing fresh, quality Coffee and other beverages like Tea and Juice to complement their baked goods and meals.

Features / Highlights

Kozi Pie Shoppe distinguishes itself through its exceptional product quality, inclusive atmosphere, and dedication to local sourcing.

• Pioneering Women-Owned Business: The business proudly identifies as women-owned and was realized through the dedication of founder Liz Lesser, who expanded from selling at farmers markets to establishing the storefront.
• Commitment to Inclusion: A significant highlight is its identification as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, fostering a truly welcoming environment for all members of the Iowa community.
• Scratch-Made, Local Focus: All pies and menu items are made from scratch, with a strong commitment to using locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible, ensuring superior freshness and flavor.
• Specialty Pie Menu: The shoppe focuses on both sweet and savory pies, with customer favorites including the exceptional Key Lime and Pecan pies, placing them among the best in the region.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Offering a wide array of service options, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside, catering to all customer needs from a quick visit to a fully seated meal.
• Restaurant and Bakery Versatility: Serving as both a bakery and a full-service restaurant with all-day breakfast and lunch, making it a reliable stop for any meal of the day.

Contact Information

For whole pie orders, catering inquiries, or general information about daily specials and hours, Iowa residents can contact Kozi Pie Shoppe directly.

Address: 213 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101, USA

Phone: (563) 540-1047 (Also noted as 563-277-1479 in some sources for the store).

What is Worth Choosing

Kozi Pie Shoppe is unequivocally worth choosing for any Iowa resident or visitor because it perfectly blends exceptional culinary quality with deep community values. You are choosing a women-owned business that champions local and organic ingredients and offers an extraordinary range of scratch-made pies that customers confidently compare to the very best homemade baking. The ability to order any pie as Gluten Free or Vegan highlights an impressive commitment to meeting diverse customer needs. Furthermore, by choosing Kozi Pie Shoppe, you are supporting a business that is a proud safe space for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion that enhances the entire Decorah experience. Whether you are looking for an amazing slice of pie (perhaps the renowned Key Lime or Pecan), a hearty all-day breakfast, or a full catering menu for an event, Kozi Pie Shoppe delivers superior quality, warmth, and a genuinely friendly service that makes it an essential destination in Northeast Iowa.