Goodbye Mrs G: Reason behind pie maker’s shock decision to sell

A successful Toowoomba business which started out as a humble market stall has sold. Now the owner has gone into great detail about her shock decision to leave the venture behind. Details here.

Mrs G's Gourmet Pies founder Sarah Hancock has sold the Rangeville business. Picture: Kevin Farmer

When Sarah Hancock, 35, first started selling her handmade pies and baked goods at the Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets, she never imagined how far the start-up would take her.

After four years of setting up her stall at the markets every weekend, she decided it was time to open her own shop and found the perfect site in Rangeville.

Mrs G's Gourmet Pies founder Sarah Hancock has sold the Rangeville business. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Pouring her heart and soul into the venture, Ms Hancock has now sold her popular business Mrs G’s Gourmet Pies after seven years of hard work.

“I had just had my first baby, so I wanted a job where I could still have the flexibility of being a full-time mum,” she said.

“The markets really boomed during Covid-19, and my loyal customer base from the markets followed me to the store which really helped me to kick things off.”

Despite having no prior qualifications, Ms Hancock’s love for home-style baking and experience of working in various kitchens was all she needed to steer the thriving business.

And the proof was in the pudding with the Eggs Benny, Beef Brisket, Cheeseburger and Philly Cheese Steak flavours among the most popular choices in pie.

Mrs G's Gourmet Pies founder Sarah Hancock has sold the Rangeville business. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Now a mum of two young boys, Ms Hancock said the decision to step away from the store – although bittersweet – was necessary so she could spend more time with her family.

With no concrete career plans lined up, she said travelling around Australia in a caravan with her family was in the works.

While Ms Hancock said the surge in inflation had nothing to do with her decision to sell, she was aware it had put substantial pressure on everyone including small business owners.

“It’s more important now than ever to go out and support your local businesses because we’re all feeling it,” she said.

“Even if you just buy a small brownie.”

Sarah Hancock with her famous Egg Benny pie at Mrs G’s Gourmet Pies.

Thanking the public for their support over the years, Ms Hancock said customers who visited her market stall on the very first day still regularly came into the store.

“I’m going to miss them all so much,” she said.

While Ms Hancock did not reveal the identity of the new owner or the business, she confirmed it was a local man who would re-open the store officially on March 24.

She said all current five staff members would also continue working at the Rangeville store.

In addition to the store and loved brand, the sale also included the secret recipes to Mrs G’s pies.