News Summary
Baltimore’s Pie Time Cafe, a beloved spot in Patterson Park known for its pies, will cease food operations at the end of the month. The owner, Max Reim, has cited business challenges and a state tax lien as contributing factors to this decision. The cafe will temporarily operate as a coffee-only shop while seeking a new tenant for the storefront. Pie Time has been a local favorite since its founding in 2015 and will end food service but remain open for coffee lovers as the search for a successor continues.
Baltimore Announces Closure of Patterson Park’s Pie Time Cafe After Nearly Five Years
The city of Baltimore is set to lose one of its beloved local eateries as Pie Time, a cafe well-known for its pies and coffee located in Patterson Park, will close its food production operations at the end of the month. The owner has indicated plans to shut down completely once a new tenant is found for the storefront situated at the corner of Baltimore Street and Ellwood Avenue.
Delegating Food Services to End, Transitioning to Coffee-Only Operations
Starting this month, Pie Time will cease offering food items, including its signature pies, and will operate as a coffee-only shop while searching for a replacement tenant. This decision marks a significant change for the business, which has served the community with freshly made pies and a cozy cafe atmosphere since opening in 2020. During this transition period, the cafe will continue to serve coffee to customers seeking a spot to relax or work.
Reasons Behind the Closure
The owner, Max Reim, cited a combination of “business mistakes and a dollop of bad luck” as key factors leading to the closure. He acknowledged the inherent challenges of the food industry, emphasizing that running such a business requires a strong product coupled with good fortune. Despite these hurdles, Reim expressed appreciation for the community’s support over the years and highlighted the emotional difficulty of closing the business, describing the process as “heartbreaking” but also mentioning feeling some relief from the stresses associated with managing a small business.
Background and Growth of Pie Time
Founded in 2015 as a farmers market stand, Pie Time was initially launched with a modest $5,000 investment and a pickup truck. The business gradually expanded, culminating in the opening of its brick-and-mortar shop in 2020 after a comprehensive two-year renovation of the original storefront. Located at 3101 E. Baltimore St., the cafe garnered a loyal customer base by offering pies made from seasonal ingredients sourced locally and recipes based on Reim’s mother’s traditional pie crust.
Financial and Legal Challenges
Despite its popularity, Pie Time faced financial difficulties, exemplified by a state-level tax lien filed in January 2024 for approximately $58,000. This legal action added pressure on the business and contributed to its uncertain future, though efforts remain underway to find a new tenant for the storefront location.
Community Response and Future Plans
Reim conveyed gratitude to patrons for their ongoing support and kindness, humorously referencing the rarity of encountering “1.25 County Karens a weekend.” While the business prepares to close its doors for food service, the coffee operation will continue, with plans to find a suitable tenant to occupy the space long-term. The closure of Pie Time leaves other well-known Baltimore pie shops, such as Dangerously Delicious and B-More Pies and Sweets, open and available for customers still craving pie options.
Final Notes
The closure of Pie Time marks the end of nearly five years of service in Patterson Park, reflecting the unpredictable and often challenging nature of small business management. The community and loyal customers are encouraged to visit the remaining pie shops in Baltimore for their sweet treats, while the future of the storefront remains uncertain as the search for a new tenant continues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Baltimore Businesses Thrive During Monday Night Football
Additional Resources
- WBALTV: Pie Time Closure
- Wikipedia
- The Banner: Pie Time Closure
- Google Search: Pie Time Baltimore
- MSN: Pie Shop Closure Reasons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Challenges
- Baltimore Magazine: Thanksgiving Pies
- Google News: Patterson Park Pie Time
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.
