Be twice as happy at new East Side pie shop and bakery
EVANSVILLE – The Be Happy Pie Company is one of the most downright delighted little companies in Evansville right now.
It started as a farmers market stall in 2016, grew into a storefront, won awards, started shipping nationwide, grew some more, and finally expanded into a new East Side location on Virginia Street that opened on National Pie Day, Jan. 23, 2024. We talked to Be Happy owner Jenny Lamble to answer all your questions.
Why did you open a second shop?
“There were a lot of requests from customers,” Lamble said. “We have so many customers East Side and Newburgh. Sales had grown and grown on the West Side but were plateauing, so we thought it was time to do something new and started looking for a location on the East Side. This building was in good shape so it came together pretty quickly. It’s been well received and busy."
More: Evansville-area food news: 17 bites of food news for you this week
Will the pies be the same at the East Side?
Yes. All the food is still made in the West Side bakery kitchen and will be exactly the same.
Who’s running the East Side store?
It’s being very capably managed by Josh Schmitt, who was previously the manager of Bed Bath and Beyond on Green River Road. “I love food, and they saved me from a life in corporate retail,” he said, happily. “My favorite thing about working here is meeting everyone. I know the customers here, and we have some regulars who come in almost every day already and I greet them by name.”
What does the East Side shop have that the West Side doesn’t?
The shops have similar offerings, but there is are more robust coffee and tea menus on the East Side, including cold brew iced coffee and iced tea. The coffee is from Minas Coffee in Southern Illinois, which supplies some of the coffee companies here with green beans. There is much more seating here and a larger, dog-friendly patio, so more people sit to eat, and hence there are more quiche offerings and a greater selection of muffins, scones, coffee cake, and smaller pastries that diners like to sit and enjoy with a beverage.
Are there food trucks at the East Side?
Yep. There’s not a set weekly schedule yet, but watch the Facebook Page for announcements of food trucks at both East and West.
Is there anything the East Side doesn’t have?
Nope, product-wise, it’s all there plus some.
Can I pick up my order at either the East or West side shop?
Yes, any orders can be placed for pick up at either store. You do have to order 48 hours in advance.
Are there always whole pies in the case at the East Side store?
Yes, many. You'll find apple, cherry, pecan, blackberry, blueberry and other fruits, chocolate, coconut, and usually a cheesecake and key lime. Later in the day some varieties may be sold out. If there's a particular type you want, it's a good idea to call and ask or order 48 hours ahead.
Be Happy Pie Company
West Side: 2818 Mount Vernon Ave. Suite B, 812-449-7718
East Side: 6225 E. Virginia St. Suite C, 812-916-9454
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon; Sunday-Monday, closed
Website: behappypiecompany.com
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Pie store and bakery on East Side of Evansville, Indiana
