Life of Pie closing shop after nearly 18 years in Old Ottawa South

An Old Ottawa South bakery is closing up shop after nearly twenty years of business in the neighbourhood. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Life of Pie, a local bakery that’s been serving baked goods in Old Ottawa South for nearly 18 years, will be serving up its final pie on Sunday.

What started as a hobby turned into a nearly two-decade long business venture for owner Kerry Duffy, who says she’s closing her Bank Street shop to enjoy retirement.

“It’s bittersweet,” Duffy told CTV News. “I’m excited about all the plans I have, which are just in my head, and I’m sad because I’ll miss this community. I live here in this community, so I’ll still see everybody, but it’s different in the shop.”

Duffy says her baking career began decades ago when she started making pies out of her home. At first, she would give her baked goods away to friends and neighbours, but eventually, she started selling them one day a week.

“I called it Friday pie, and it sort of grew from there,” Duffy said.

Soon, Duffy was running a small 300 square foot shop on Léonard Avenue, serving up pies to the neighbourhood.

“It was like a testing ground,” she said.

After receiving a strong reception from the community, Duffy decided to expand and opened the shop at 1134 Bank Street.

Residents of Old Ottawa South say the bakery has become a staple in the neighbourhood over its nearly twenty years of operation, and some went to the shop Sunday to get one last treat before Life of Pie closed its doors for good.

“I wish it was not going to be the last day. I’m sad, but I’m glad I’m here to have a last coffee and scone,” said customer Jamil Zahoor.

Zahoor says Life of Pie served many in the community and even became a holiday tradition for him.

“I love the apple crumbles they make. I get one every Christmas, every holiday and it will be very missed,” he said.

John Nisbet, a regular customer at the bakery, says Life of Pie was fit for every occasion, and he’s treated countless friends, family and guests to their baked goods over the years.

“Everyone’s loved it,” Nisbet said. “It’s been a place that we’ve been for everything from the highest joy to the lowest sadness, and it’s been welcoming and appropriate for every occasion.”

The bakery served pies, scones, coffees soups, sandwiches and more. As Nesbit puts it, “there’s a treat for every sense in here.”

While her shop will be missed, Duffy says the community has been supportive of her decision.

For the bakery’s final days of business, Duffy was working alongside her children and husband who were filling in for the regular staff during the holidays — a fitting end for the family-owned business, Duffy says.

“It’s all hands on deck for the family,” Duffy said.

With files from CTV’s Kimberley Johnson.

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