Hidden Gems: Meet Elizabeth Curtis of PIED PIPER BAKERY

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Curtis.

Hi Elizabeth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A Humble Pie Beginning 🥧💛

Baking has always been in my family—passed down like a treasured recipe from one generation to the next. My mom learned to bake as a little girl, right beside her own mother’s bed. My grandmother, though confined to a wheelchair because of multiple sclerosis, guided my mom through every step of baking and cooking from memory. She taught her that baking wasn’t just about flour and sugar—it was about love, patience, and finding sweetness even when life wasn’t easy.

Years later, my mom passed that same love and knowledge on to me. Some of my earliest memories are of standing by her side in the kitchen, making cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies, bread, and of course—pie. While we baked, she shared stories about my grandmother, and those moments filled our home with laughter, warmth, and the comforting scent of something sweet in the oven. The kitchen became our classroom, our happy place, and the heart of our home.

When my mom passed away during my teenage years, baking became even more meaningful to me. It was my way of keeping her close—holding on to the traditions, the lessons, and the joy that baking brought into our lives.

For years, friends and family encouraged me to open a bakery. They said my pies and desserts carried the same warmth and magic that my mom’s did. With their support—and a gentle push from my loved ones—I finally decided to follow that dream.

Today, as I open my own bakery, every pie we bake is a piece of that legacy. It’s more than dessert—it’s a tribute to the strong women who came before me, and a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s always a little sweetness to be found.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but that’s all part of the journey! Like many new businesses, we hit a few bumps along the way. The construction process took longer than expected and cost a bit more than we initially planned (which, I’m learning, is pretty normal!).

We rolled up our sleeves and worked side by side with some incredible contractors and talented people who helped bring our vision to life. It was challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding to see the bakery take shape piece by piece. Every bit of effort, every late night, and every decision along the way made it even more meaningful once we finally opened our doors.

Like any new business, we faced all the normal challenges that come with getting things off the ground. A lot of people think that working at a pie shop means we just sit around all day eating pie — and while we do get to enjoy a slice here and there, it’s actually hard work. There’s plenty of heavy lifting, long hours, and more dishes than anyone ever expects. On top of that, there’s the daily juggling act of managing employees, serving customers, keeping the shop running smoothly, and making sure everything gets done. It’s a labor of love and very rewarding!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At our bakery, we specialize in one thing we truly love—pies! From sweet to savory, we bake each one from scratch, the way our family has always done it. You’ll find classics like apple pie, key lime, and banana cream, alongside more creative flavors like chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake, pumpkin pecan cheesecake, and mud pie. We also offer savory pot pies, including classic chicken, green chili chicken, and shepherd’s pie, all available as frozen take-and-bake options for a warm, comforting meal anytime.

What really sets us apart is our commitment to homemade quality. Every crust, filling, and topping is made from scratch—you can taste the difference in every bite. It’s that nostalgic, made-with-love flavor that’s become harder to find these days. One of my favorite parts of running the bakery is talking with customers and hearing their pie stories — almost everyone has one. Whether it’s about a cherished family recipe, memories of growing rhubarb in their backyard, or childhood moments spent enjoying a slice of pie made with hand-picked blackberries, those stories always remind me why I love what I do.

We’re proud to bring that homemade taste not only to our bakery counter but also to parties, events, celebrations, and especially holidays. Our goal is to make life a little easier for our customers by doing the baking for them—so they can enjoy that fresh, from-scratch goodness without the stress.

We’re most proud of staying true to our roots—baking with love, honoring the generations who came before us, and sharing the warmth and comfort of a homemade pie.

What’s next?
We’re excited about the future and hope to grow and expand over time, eventually opening more shops so we can share our pies with even more people. That said, we always want to stay true to our roots—keeping the warm, welcoming feel of a small business where friendly conversation and personal connections matter.

No matter how much we grow, our focus will remain on small-batch, made-from-scratch recipes and the comfort that comes from something baked with care. Our goal is to bring that same homemade taste and heartfelt experience to every location, one pie at a time.

Pricing:

• Fruit and Cream pies start at $25
• most other pies are $29
• cheesecakes start at $35
• fresh fruit options like strawberry add $5
• slices are $6 for all flavors and cheesecake slices are $7.50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://piedaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piedpiperbakeryaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567543715163
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pied-piper-bakery-mesa
• Other: https://share.google/dNqFvl3KIRXbOH0Cj

Image Credits
Kaylee Curtis
Cleveland Curtis