News Summary
Pie Time, a beloved pie shop in Baltimore, is closing after nearly eight years in business. Founded by Max Reim in 2015, the shop became known for its delightful sweet and savory pies. Despite growth and a brick-and-mortar location, financial challenges, including a significant tax lien, have led to the closure. Reim announced the decision via Instagram, expressing gratitude to customers and acknowledging the operational challenges that became overwhelming. While the shop will cease pie operations, it will continue serving coffee as efforts are made to find a new tenant for the space.
Baltimore’s Pie Time to Close After Eight Years in Business
BALTIMORE – Pie Time, a well-known farmers market stand and shop specializing in sweet and savory pies, announced it will be closing after operating for nearly eight years. The closure marks the end of a popular local spot that has served residents and visitors since its inception in 2015.
Announcement and Reasons for Closure
The decision to shut down was communicated by Max Reim, the founder of Pie Time, through an Instagram post. Reim cited challenges inherent in running a food business, including “business mistakes and a dollop of bad luck,” as contributing factors. Although the exact details of these difficulties were not specified, Reim expressed that the stresses associated with managing the business, including payroll and operational demands, became overwhelming.
History and Growth of Pie Time
Founded in 2015 with a modest $5,000 investment and a pickup truck as the primary means of operation, Pie Time quickly gained popularity at the Patterson Park farmers market. The business was renowned for its use of seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms along with recipes passed down from Reim’s mother, especially their signature pie crust.
Expansion and Brick-and-Mortar Presence
In 2020, Reim expanded Pie Time into a brick-and-mortar shop located at 3101 E. Baltimore St.. The new location underwent a two-year renovation to accommodate the increasing demand and to establish a permanent space for customers to enjoy their favorite pies. Despite this growth, the business ultimately reached a point where closure was deemed necessary.
Financial Challenges and Closure Details
In January 2024, state records indicate that Maryland placed a $58,000 tax lien against Pie Time. While the physical store will cease operations, Reim stated that the shop will continue serving coffee and plans are underway to find a new tenant to take over the space. The property is registered to Greenmark Investments Inc..
Community and Personal Reflections
Reim has expressed sincere gratitude toward his customer base, citing their ongoing support and kindness throughout the years. Despite the heartbreak associated with closing a beloved spot, Reim also shared that he feels a sense of relief in giving up the stress that had accumulated from managing the business.
Local Pie Options for Baltimore Residents
While Pie Time is closing, residents interested in enjoying pies can turn to other local options such as Dangerously Delicious in Hampden and B-More Pies and Sweets in Canton. Dangerously Delicious, established by musician Rodney Henry in 2003, offers a wide array of pie flavors and has become a staple in the Baltimore food scene.
Summary of Key Facts
- The business is set to close after nearly eight years in operation.
- The closure was announced by founder Max Reim via Instagram, citing business mistakes and bad luck.
- Pie Time was founded in 2015 with a $5,000 investment and a pickup truck.
- The physical shop opened in 2020 at 3101 E. Baltimore St., after a two-year renovation.
- It continues to serve coffee, with a new tenant being sought for the space.
- A $58,000 tax lien was placed against the business by the state of Maryland in January 2024.
- Reim expressed gratitude to customers and shared feelings of relief from business stresses.
- Other local pie shops include Dangerously Delicious and B-More Pies and Sweets.
Background Context
Over the years, Pie Time became a staple for Baltimore residents seeking quality, seasonal pies. Despite its popularity, the business faced ongoing financial and operational challenges, compounded by the tax lien and economic pressures. The closure reflects a common story in small food businesses where passion meets practical hurdles, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth and community support.
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Additional Resources
- The Baltimore Banner
- Baltimore Sun
- Food & Wine
- Johns Hopkins Newsletter
- Baltimore Magazine
- Wikipedia: Pie
- Google Search: Pie Time Baltimore
- Google Scholar: Pie business challenges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pie
- Google News: Pie Time Baltimore
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
