Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

Anyone walking down Murray Street from 2nd Avenue was often treated to sweetly scented wafts of freshly baked pies emanating from the unassuming building on the west side of Murray Street, which is home to Excel Electric in the front and a locally loved pie shop, My Mom’s Pies in the back.

Sadly, after years of baking, My Mom’s Pies has closed its doors. Owners Jeff Ballard and Kini Christie moved to Hawaii a few years ago and were running the store from across the Pacific. They relied heavily on staff and found that turnover, hiring, and training took a toll financially. According to Christie, the shop had been losing money for a prolonged period and was no longer viable. She plans to sell the business and believes that the right person, with a baker’s touch, passion, and desire, can give My Mom’s Pies a second lease on life.

My Mom’s Pies made a name for itself in Niwot and Boulder County. Christie started off crafting pies in her home kitchen to supplement income from her landscaping business. She sold the hand-crafted pies to friends and neighbors, chuckling at clients’ advice to make her business public. Christie wasn’t quite sure how to make the shift from an at-home bakery to a viable commercial operation until fate stepped in, as it often does, and brought professional chef Jeff Ballard into her life. With his professional culinary background and her passion for pies, the pair opened My Mom’s Pies in downtown Niwot.

Photo by Abby Scott Store front of My Mom’s Pies on Murray Street - now closed but up for sale.

For the past 12 years, this beloved, local establishment has been baking pies from seasonally sourced ingredients and selling them to dessert lovers throughout Boulder County. Often a feature at area farmers markets and a staple at Niwot Market, these pies were always a hit. Of her pies, Christie says, “The product itself was a yes.”

Over the years, My Mom’s Pies found its way into the heart of Niwotians, young and old, quickly becoming part of family traditions, birthday celebrations, and holiday gatherings. This was her favorite part of the job, Christie said. “It has been so special for us. I really hope someone will see the beauty in it. We got to be a part of the happiest moments of people’s lives.”

For now, Niwot is left reminiscing over mouth-watering selections like the rich Coconut Cream and tart apple pies we loved at first bite.