Pie Shop to close in Virginia Highland?
A few short months after opening, Pie Shop has reportedly been issued a notice to vacate in Virginia Highland. Shop owner Mims Bledsoe opened the VaHi outpost this past June after months of delays in permitting and buildout.
A "For Lease" sign was observed in the window of the business Thursday afternoon despite an employee stating that they were not closing.
A local source confirmed that the shop will in fact close, although they did not know how soon that would happen. Local residents I contacted indicated that the business maintained rather strange hours whereby one could not be assured they'd be open for business. Additionally, unlike neighboring Cacao which recently revamped to become Cacao Cafe, adding more than just their core chocolate items, Pie Shop basically stuck with pie and coffee. As rent is paid 24/7, 365, one would think ownership would have thought of ways to better utilize the space to maximize its visibility and foot traffic by perhaps carrying more grab- and-go type items or expanding their beverage selection.
Bledsoe, who resides in Virginia-Highland, opened the first Pie Shop in 2011 in Buckhead. I'm told the Buckhead location, at 3210 Roswell Road and hidden from view, with likely below market rent, is in no danger of closing and will remain open.