Pie Safe Baking Company

Introduction / Overview

For residents and visitors of Western North Carolina, the search for authentic, made-from-scratch baked goods often leads to a delightful destination in the heart of Rutherford County: Pie Safe Baking Company in Forest City. More than just a local bakery, Pie Safe is an experience rooted in local history and a commitment to quality. The business, which opened its doors on December 8, 2018, was born from a shared vision of two local friends, Kirk Wilkerson and John Higgins, who wanted to create an anchor business in a beautiful, historic 1923 bank building. John’s wife, Stephanie, realized her long-time dream of owning a bakery, and the unique setting, complete with a giant vault safe, inspired the memorable name, "Pie Safe."

For over five years, Pie Safe Baking Company has been the go-to spot for those craving the comfort of traditional baking techniques. They specialize in a wide array of offerings, including sweet and savory pies, rich cheesecakes, various pastries, and a full espresso bar crafting delicious beverages. The moment you step inside, the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goods confirms you are in a place where passion meets pastry. It’s designed to be a welcoming environment—a community hub where friends and family can gather, enjoy a warm drink, and indulge in a perfectly baked treat. This dedication to community and quality has made Pie Safe a cherished part of the local Forest City fabric, drawing patrons who appreciate the blend of historic charm and culinary excellence.

Location and Accessibility

Pie Safe Baking Company is conveniently situated at 102 W Main St, Forest City, NC 28043, USA, placing it directly in the heart of historic downtown Forest City. The central location makes it an easy stop for anyone traveling through Rutherford County or enjoying a day exploring the quaint downtown area. The exterior of the building gives way to a charming, historic interior, with the original bank vault safe serving as a unique and artistic focal point, a testament to the building's storied past. Finding the bakery is straightforward, and the location is easily accessible from all points in the region.

Accessibility is a key feature of the Pie Safe experience. The premises offer a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that everyone can comfortably visit and enjoy their products. For parking, customers have access to free street parking as well as a free parking lot. The friendly atmosphere extends outdoors, as Pie Safe is known to be dog-friendly. You are welcome to sit with your four-legged companions at the bistro-style tables on the sidewalk and enjoy a baked good or coffee. This welcoming approach to all patrons, including those with pets, solidifies its role as a true community gathering spot.

The current operating hours are convenient for both early risers and afternoon snackers, though days are limited to provide the best quality product: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please note that the bakery is closed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, so local customers should plan their visit accordingly.

Services Offered

Pie Safe Baking Company provides a comprehensive range of products and services to meet various cravings and event needs. Their menu is extensive, focusing heavily on fresh, made-from-scratch items and handcrafted beverages.

• Retail Bakery Sales: Customers can purchase sweet and savory baked goods for takeaway or in-store pick-up during operating hours.
• Full Pie Menu: Offering both sweet and savory varieties. Sweet pies are available as whole pies ($22.00), mini pies ($6.00), and by the slice ($3.75). Popular sweet flavors include Pecan, Chocolate Chip Pecan (a best-seller), Apple, Cherry, Chocolate Chess, Brown Sugar Chess, Peach Cobbler, and Razzleberry. Savory pies, referred to as "Quiche" ($24.00), include unique options like Loaded Baked Potato, Cheeseburger, Caprese, Sasquatch, Quiche Lorraine, and a Greek Quiche with feta and roasted red peppers.
• Cheesecake and Mini Cheesecake: Whole cheesecakes start at $35.00, with gourmet flavors available for $46.00, such as NY Style (also available as a Mini Cheesecake for $5.95), Triple Chocolate, Brownie Cheesecake, Triple Berry Cheesecake, Pumpkin Swirl, Raspberry White Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Caramel Apple Crisp, and Cookies 'n Cream.
• Pastry Assortment: A rotating selection of other baked treats, including cookies (Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon Sugar), muffins, cinnamon rolls (available in 6 or 12 packs), scones, and specialty items like Oatmeal Cream Pies and Heart Brownies.
• Espresso Bar and Handcrafted Beverages: A complete beverage menu featuring hot and iced coffee, espresso shots, lattes (like the Smores Latte and Peaches & Cream Latte), hot cocoa, handcrafted iced teas (Green Tea, Dandelion and Peach), soda, and specialty themed drinks like 'Car Show Specials' (e.g., Chevy Pickup/Dirty Chai) and seasonal sips.
• Catering and Party Trays: Catering services are available for various events, including Corporate Breakfasts, Corporate Lunches, Cocktail Parties, Weddings, Tea Parties, Desserts, and Christmas Parties. They offer convenient party trays, such as cookie trays, brownie trays, and mix-and-match trays, all starting at $25.00 for two dozen mini items.
• Online Ordering and Pre-Ordering: Customers can place orders online, with pre-ordering encouraged for holiday items, whole pies, and catering to ensure availability on specific pick-up dates.
• Gift Options and Specials: They offer special items for holidays like Valentine’s Day (e.g., Decorate Your Own Cookie Kits, Chocolate Strawberries) and seasonal themed drink menus.

Features / Highlights

Pie Safe Baking Company stands out in the North Carolina bakery scene for several compelling reasons, combining a unique setting with a focus on fresh, high-quality products.

• Historic Location and Interior: The bakery is housed in a grand three-story 1923 bank building in downtown Forest City, offering a charming and unique atmosphere. The original, giant bank vault safe remains inside and serves as the bakery’s artistic centerpiece, lending the establishment its distinctive name and character.
• Made-From-Scratch Commitment: The entire menu, from the flaky crusts of the pies to the rich fillings of the cheesecakes and the custom espresso drinks, is made from scratch, ensuring a fresh and authentic flavor profile in every item.
• Sweet and Savory Variety: Unlike many bakeries that only focus on sweets, Pie Safe offers an impressive selection of savory pies/quiches, including unique options like the Cheeseburger and Loaded Baked Potato quiches, making it a great stop for both breakfast and lunch.
• Gourmet Cheesecake Selection: Their cheesecake menu goes beyond the standard, offering specialty flavors like Triple Chocolate, Brownie, Caramel Apple Crisp, and Cookies n Cream, which are perfect for holidays and special occasions.
• Specialty Coffee and Tea: Beyond the baked goods, the bakery features a full espresso bar that prepares a variety of lattes, affogatos, hot cocoas, and specialty iced teas. Their menu often includes creative, seasonal, and themed drink specials, such as the 'Summer Sips' and 'Christmas in July' lattes.
• Family and Pet-Friendly Environment: The bakery cultivates a warm, welcoming environment for families, and provides outdoor seating where patrons can relax with their dogs.
• High Community Support: The opening day saw hundreds of people line up, demonstrating the strong, sustained support from the Forest City community for this small, locally-owned business.

Contact Information

For local customers in North Carolina looking to place an order, inquire about catering, or simply find the location, the following contact information is provided:

Address:

102 W Main St, Forest City, NC 28043, USA

Phone:

(828) 263-6212

What is worth choosing

When you visit Pie Safe Baking Company, the sheer variety can be overwhelming, a feeling that one customer noted when they first experienced the location. To make the most of your trip, consider focusing on a few signature categories that truly highlight their baking expertise. The Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie is consistently noted as their best-sold pie and is a must-try for any first-time visitor; it features a signature brown sugar filling blended with chocolate chips and pecans. For savory fans, one of the inventive quiches, such as the Quiche Lorraine or the Sasquatch pie, offers a robust and satisfying alternative to the sweet selections.

Beyond the pies, their handcrafted beverages are a crucial part of the experience. Customers rave about the quality of the teas and the innovative lattes. A past visitor highly recommended the Apple Cinnamon Tea, proving that the drink menu holds up to the bakery items. Whether you need a full cake for a holiday or a simple, perfect snack, Pie Safe delivers. Choosing a whole NY Style Cheesecake or a customized Cookie Tray for your next gathering ensures you are bringing a high-quality, locally made dessert that will impress your guests. Ultimately, what is truly worth choosing is the experience of visiting a locally-owned establishment with a beautiful historical setting and a deep commitment to exceptional, made-from-scratch baking.

With its impressive menu, historic charm, and dedication to the Forest City community, Pie Safe Baking Company has firmly established itself as a premier bakery destination in Western North Carolina. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy a sweet craving, pick up a whole pie for a special occasion, or simply meet a friend for coffee and a treat inside a truly unique, welcoming space.

Pie Safe Baking Company

102 W Main St, Forest City, NC 28043, USA