Small business owner opens up after exhaustion has caused her pie shop to crumble

The cost of living has hit a popular small business known for its American-style pies.

Pie Town business owner Susie Yang. PHOTO: Russell Shakespeare

A popular small business owner has sadly announced her pie shop’s closure after straining pressures lead the business to crumble.

Pie Town has a cult following of customers in Brisbane’s West — boasting 10,000 followers on Instagram and Facebook — and is known for its American-style sweet and savoury pies, coffee and beer.

Business owner Susie Yang made the shock closure announcement to Pie Town’s fans early Thursday morning on Instagram.

Business owner Susie Yang, after recently opening Pie Town and selling out of her delicious sweet and savoury pies. PICTURE: Russell Shakespeare

“There’s no other way to say it, so here goes,” Yang said.

“It feels cliche at this stage but the big ‘why’ is pretty much the same grim reality a lot of small businesses are facing now.

“Maybe I could have cut corners, changed suppliers, worked harder, longer hours.

“Personally, I have to admit I’m done. I tried taking more regular time off, therapy, a holiday.”

Pie Town has been in business for six years but Yang knew deep down, “the little pilot light in my dough heart was out”.

Her Instagram post alluded to the cost of living crisis being the reason it was time to close the beloved pie shop.

Many avid fans and customers were deeply shocked by the news.

“We had lived three years a corner away from you and loved that we can walk over for pies (I joked to my partner that we moved here for Pie Town),” fluffin_menace said in the comments.

“So sad to hear Susie, Brisbane is losing the best pie shop ever … There’ll be a pie shaped hole in our hearts,” @pickleheadpickles said.

Pie Town is known for their extraordinary dessert pie creations and many customers are going to miss the fabulous creations Yang came up with.

“Your Bourbon pecan pie was superb and my absolute favourite,” damian_butler_music said.

Pecan Pie, Pie Town. Picture: supplied

“We absolutely love your pies! Franken pies made any dinner party and we’re hotly contested around our dinner table,” tamstravels_91 said in another comment.

“So sad to hear this! Will definitely pop by for some pie before then. Earl Grey was always our favourite,” gracelouise_89 said.

Susie loved how much Brisbane embraced her small business and “the gospel of pie,” especially the wondrous flavours her team invented during festive seasons.

But the constant economic battle of Covid, roadworks and flooding faced by the business over the past few years really has taken a toll on the owner.

“So our last day of full service will be Sunday 2nd of July,” Yang said.

“I’ll still be making private whole pie orders while I look to assign our lease over but if you’re after the full Pie Town experience, pop in before then.”

“Thank you to all the Pie Townies past and present for all your support through the years …

“Can’t wait to feed your pie holes one last time.”

Quest News reached out for direct comment but Pie Town declined.