Pioneer Pies Restaurant and Bakery, a beloved fixture in Oklahoma City, is set to close its doors after decades of serving the community. Linda Morris, a waitress who has been with Pioneer Pies since its opening week in 1982, shared the bittersweet news, expressing the deep personal connection she and many others have with the restaurant.
Morris, in a heartfelt statement to FOX 25, described her work at Pioneer Pies not just as a job, but as a second home. The announcement of the closure, initially shared on Facebook, quickly resonated with the community, garnering over 1,500 shares overnight. For Morris, Pioneer Pies is more than just a workplace; it’s a place where customers become friends, blurring the lines between professional service and personal relationships. “Most of my customers are my friends,” Morris explained, highlighting the close-knit atmosphere that defined Pioneer Pies Okc Ok. “I’ve been in their home, they’ve been in mine.” Her day following the announcement was filled with emotional phone calls, hugs, and shared tears with patrons who felt the impending loss just as deeply.
Pioneer Pies, which once boasted three locations across the Oklahoma City metro, has seen its last remaining restaurant, located off I-240 and Pennsylvania Avenue, become a cherished landmark. Known for its loyal clientele, owner Mike Smart noted a shift in the customer base, acknowledging that time and changing demographics have played a role in the decision to close. However, Smart emphasized that the closure is not due to economic hardship. “It’s just time,” he stated to FOX 25, indicating a personal decision to move on after years of dedication to the restaurant. He fondly recalled the deep connections formed at Pioneer Pies, mentioning, “We do a lot of things outside of here. We do birthdays, weddings and way too many funerals.” This sentiment underscores the restaurant’s role as a community hub, woven into the fabric of life events for many Oklahoma City families.
Among the culinary delights offered at Pioneer Pies OKC OK, the Coconut Pie stands out as the most popular choice, followed closely by the Sugar-free Coconut Pie. Morris proudly mentioned their impressive Thanksgiving sales, with over 17,500 pies sold, a testament to the enduring popularity of their baked goods. This detail not only highlights a key product but also subtly reinforces the restaurant’s long-standing tradition and appeal.
Smart likened Pioneer Pies to “Cheers,” the iconic TV show known for its friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere, emphasizing the restaurant’s welcoming and convivial spirit. “We’re going to call it a day,” Smart concluded, accepting the natural lifecycle of businesses. “All good things must come to an end.” The final day for Pioneer Pies OKC OK was set for December 31, 2016, at 8:00 p.m. For those who cherished the pies, the familial ambiance, or simply wished to bid farewell, the announcement served as a reminder that time was limited to experience Pioneer Pies one last time.
