By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Dec 21, 2015 at 2:45 PM

Mr. Dye’s Pies, the popular purveyor of sweet potato, pecan and key lime pies, is officially open for business at a brick and mortar location at 5513 W. North Ave.

Google the address, and you’ll note that it’s the current home of Fathead Jerky, a business owned by Christine Roberts, proprietor of McBob’s Pub & Grill. That’s not your eyes playing tricks on you.

Johnathan Dye, owner of Mr. Dye's Pies, says that, as his customer base has grown, it’s become less and less practical to share kitchen space with the Jackson Grill, a location he’s been using for pie production for the past four years. So he began working with Ald. Russell Stamper II to locate a space that would be suitable for a commercial kitchen and retail space. In the meantime, he secured a Kiva Zip loan to help purchase a commercial convection oven, a tool which would help him meet increasing demand for pie.

When the idea of creating a shared-use kitchen and retail space at the North Avenue location was proposed, however, he decided to make it a go. Dye moved into the new space during the week before Thanksgiving, and he says the retail shop is just starting to get going.

"It’s a work in progress," says Dye. "But, I think it’s working well. People might think jerky and pie is an odd combination. But I know people looking for jerky, and now I have a place to sell my pies."

Dyes says that they’ll have a selection of pies available for purchase daily at the retail shop. But he still advises people to order ahead if they have their hearts set on a particular type of pie, or if they are in need of multiple pies.

"Placing an order is the only way to guarantee you’ll get what you want," he says.

Dye's pies are available in four flavors: classic sweet potato ($18), Pecan Delight ($22), Purple Monster ($26) and Nawlin's Pecan ($22). Sugar free sweet potato, pecan and Purple Monster pies are also available for $20-28.

Dye, who recently landed a deal to sell his pies at Sendik's Fine Foods in Brookfield, says he will be releasing a new pie flavor in 2016 -- a Door County cherry pie.

Mr. Dye’s Pies will be keeping extended hours this week, in order to accommodate holiday orders. Customers can stop by Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dye says he will also be in the shop on Tuesday, Dec. 22, but hours may vary.

Regular hours will be Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pie orders can be placed by calling (414) 759-4992. You can also follow Dye's Pies on Facebook for updates.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.