Houston, the largest city in Texas, is known for its diverse culinary scene, which offers a wide range of cuisines to satisfy any food craving. However, when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, one iconic bakery stands out among the rest: Sweetie Pies. This beloved bakery has been a staple in Houston’s dessert scene for years, but the question on everyone’s mind is: is Sweetie Pies in Houston still open?
A Brief History of Sweetie Pies
Before we dive into the current status of Sweetie Pies, let’s take a step back and explore its humble beginnings. Sweetie Pies was founded by Robbie Montgomery, a restaurateur with a passion for baking, in 1997. The first location opened in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward, a predominantly African American neighborhood. From the start, Sweetie Pies was more than just a bakery – it was a gathering place where friends and family could come together to share in the joy of sweet treats.
Over the years, Sweetie Pies gained popularity not only for its mouthwatering desserts but also for its soulful atmosphere. The bakery’s walls were adorned with vintage photographs and African American memorabilia, creating a cozy and welcoming environment that made customers feel like they were part of the family. As the business grew, Sweetie Pies expanded to multiple locations in Houston, including the Energy Corridor and the Heights.
The Rise to Fame
Sweetie Pies’ success was not limited to Houston’s local food scene. The bakery gained national recognition when it was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2011. The reality TV show “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” followed the lives of Robbie Montgomery and her family as they navigated the ups and downs of running a successful bakery. The show ran for five seasons, introducing Sweetie Pies to a whole new audience and solidifying its status as a dessert destination.
The bakery’s fame continued to grow as it was featured in various food publications and websites, including the Food Network, Forbes, and Eater. Sweetie Pies’ desserts were praised by critics and foodies alike, with its signature sweet potato pie being named one of the best pies in the country by USA Today.
Is Sweetie Pies in Houston Still Open?
Now, back to the question on everyone’s mind: is Sweetie Pies in Houston still open? Unfortunately, the answer is no. In 2020, Sweetie Pies announced that it would be closing its last remaining location in the Energy Corridor. The news came as a shock to fans of the bakery, who had grown accustomed to visiting Sweetie Pies for special occasions and everyday treats.
The reasons behind the closure were attributed to a combination of factors, including rising rent prices and increased competition from newer dessert shops. Despite the closure, the Sweetie Pies brand still lives on, with Robbie Montgomery continuing to share her recipes and baking wisdom through cookbooks and online platforms.
The Legacy of Sweetie Pies
Although Sweetie Pies is no longer open in Houston, its legacy continues to inspire a new generation of bakers and food enthusiasts. The bakery’s impact on the city’s culinary scene cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for other African American-owned businesses to thrive.
Sweetie Pies’ commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques also raised the bar for Houston’s dessert scene, encouraging other bakeries to strive for excellence. The bakery’s iconic sweet potato pie, in particular, has become a staple in many Houston households, with recipes being passed down from generation to generation.
A Tribute to Sweetie Pies
In honor of Sweetie Pies’ contributions to Houston’s food scene, we’ve compiled a list of some of the bakery’s most beloved desserts:
- Sweet Potato Pie: A classic Southern dessert made with sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices, topped with a crumbly crust.
- Red Velvet Cake: A moist and decadent cake made with cocoa powder, buttermilk, and food coloring, topped with cream cheese frosting.
These desserts, along with many others, have become synonymous with Sweetie Pies and continue to be celebrated in Houston’s food culture.
What’s Next for Sweetie Pies Fans?
While Sweetie Pies may be closed, its fans can still get their sweet fix from other local bakeries and dessert shops. Here are a few recommendations:
Alternative Bakeries
| Bakery | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| The Breakfast Klub | Midtown | Chicken and Waffles, Catfish and Grits |
| Three Brothers Bakery | EaDo | Traditional Jewish Deli Pastries, Coffee Cake |
These bakeries, along with many others, offer a range of sweet and savory treats that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Conclusion
While Sweetie Pies may be closed, its legacy continues to inspire and delight Houston’s food enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings in the Third Ward to its rise to national fame, Sweetie Pies has left an indelible mark on the city’s culinary scene. So, the next time you’re in Houston, be sure to visit one of the alternative bakeries and indulge in a sweet treat – and remember, Sweetie Pies may be gone, but its spirit lives on.
Is Sweetie Pies in Houston still open?
Yes, Sweetie Pies in Houston is still open and operating. Despite some rumors about its closure, the bakery is still serving up its famous sweet treats to satisfied customers. You can visit their location in Houston to indulge in their delicious pies, cakes, and other sweet goodies.
If you’re planning to visit Sweetie Pies, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their social media pages to confirm their hours of operation and availability of your favorite treats. The bakery may have special hours or closures during holidays or special events, so it’s always better to double-check before heading out.
What types of sweet treats does Sweetie Pies offer?
Sweetie Pies is famous for its wide variety of sweet treats, including pies, cakes, cookies, brownies, and more. They offer classic flavors like apple, cherry, and chocolate cream, as well as more unique flavors like sweet potato and pecan. They also offer customizable cakes for special occasions and events.
In addition to their baked goods, Sweetie Pies also offers a selection of sweet and savory coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate. They also have a variety of breakfast items, like muffins and quiches, for those looking for a sweet start to their day.
Does Sweetie Pies offer gluten-free or vegan options?
Yes, Sweetie Pies offers some gluten-free and vegan options for customers with dietary restrictions. They have a separate gluten-free menu that includes pies, cakes, and cookies made with gluten-free ingredients. They also offer some vegan options, like vegan pies and cakes, made with plant-based ingredients.
It’s always best to call ahead or ask your server about their current gluten-free and vegan options, as they may change seasonally or based on availability. The bakery also offers custom orders for special dietary needs, so be sure to ask about those options as well.
Can I customize my order at Sweetie Pies?
Yes, Sweetie Pies offers customization options for many of their sweet treats. You can customize your pie or cake with your choice of flavors, fillings, and toppings. They also offer custom designs for special occasions, like birthdays, weddings, and graduations.
Just let the bakery know what you’re looking for, and they’ll work with you to create the perfect treat for your event or occasion. Keep in mind that custom orders may require a longer lead time, so be sure to plan ahead and order in advance.
Does Sweetie Pies offer delivery or catering services?
Yes, Sweetie Pies offers delivery and catering services for customers in the Houston area. They partner with local delivery services to bring their sweet treats right to your door. They also offer full-service catering for events and parties, including custom orders and setup.
Just contact the bakery to discuss your delivery or catering needs, and they’ll work with you to create a customized plan that fits your budget and requirements. They also offer discounts for large orders and corporate events, so be sure to ask about those options as well.
Can I purchase Sweetie Pies gift cards?
Yes, Sweetie Pies offers gift cards that can be purchased in-store or online. Their gift cards are the perfect way to give the gift of sweet treats to friends, family, or coworkers. They can be redeemed in-store or online, and they never expire.
Gift cards are available in a variety of denominations, from $10 to $100, and can be customized with a special message or name. You can also purchase e-gift cards, which are sent via email and can be redeemed online or in-store.
Does Sweetie Pies offer classes or workshops?
Yes, Sweetie Pies occasionally offers classes and workshops for customers who want to learn the art of baking. These classes are usually held in-store and cover a variety of topics, from pie-making to cake decorating. They also offer private classes and workshops for groups and parties.
Just check the bakery’s website or social media pages to see when the next class or workshop is scheduled. You can also contact the bakery directly to inquire about private classes or custom workshops for your group or event.