Talking Shop with Sharon Penrod of the Pie Safe Bakery and Cafe

~ What was once the Bank of Pocahontas has become a bakery where members of the community gather

Sharon Penrod began making baked goods, jellies, jams and more and selling them at local farmers markets. She now runs the Pie Safe Bakery and Cafe in Pocahontas, Mo., about 15 miles north of Cape Girardeau

Q: What is the Pie Safe?

A: The Pie Safe is a bakery and cafe inside the original Bank of Pocahontas building. It was built in 1910, and we took it from the town of Pocahontas. It took us eight months to restore. We serve lunch and breakfast everyday. We have a good selection of old fashioned cookies, coffee cakes, pies and more. We're a gathering place for people who don't normally bump into each other. It's a place where local folks come and meet neighbors, and can come and have a piece of pie, coffee or sandwich.

We opened June 12, 2012, so its almost been a year.

Sharon Penrod talks with customers Steve and Mary Robertson on Friday at the Pie Safe. (ADAM VOGLER)

Q: What led you to open a bakery?

A: My husband and I did the farmers markets in Cape Girardeau and Jackson for three years. I wanted to make and sell my jams and jellies year-round, and I had outgrown my home kitchen. The bank found us. When we went in the building for the first time, we loved it. It was in bad shape, but we loved the light and view of the town. We imagined people sitting down and relaxing. We get beautiful light both morning and evening. The sound is good because we have a high ceiling. We wanted to be welcoming and a sanctuary.

Q: You opened during a difficult time for businesses. How did you decide to take the leap?

A: I had no fear. I did not think of the economy. We thought the building could be a success. We wanted to give back to the community that's done so much for us. We wanted to preserve the history of the building. I had faith and trusted God that he would bless us. We have a strong following from our farmers market customers, and they would want my baked goods year-round, and we could see them more than once a week.

Q: What are the benefits of doing business in a small town? What are the challenges?

A: The country allows more freedom. Things move at a slower pace. People are surprised to find us in a small town, and are pleased by the quality of our products. We've brought the community together as a meeting place and networking place. This is a place where people return and their memories are jarred back. People like to come here to reminisce. One challenge is the distance we have to go for supplies, so we have to plan ahead because we don't have the conveniences. A challenge in the beginning was people discovering us. Wanting to grow at the right pace is another challenge. Knowing constancy and the traffic on a daily basis is a challenge. Having a strong Internet connection in a rural area for social media is another challenge.

Q: How have you marketed yourself to bring in customers from outside Pocahontas?

The lighting, high ceiling and view of the town drove Penrod to renovate the Bank of Pocahontas building into the Pie Safe.

A: Social media has been key. So has good old-fashioned signage. My husband has lived in this area, and a local man let us put up a sign free of charge -- and he's become a great customer. We put up a sign by the mill. We have a mural on the building by my cousin Craig Thomas of the Black Door Gallery. It was done in a special way with special materials and will be here for 100 years.

Q: What advice would you give to other people who want to transform a talent into a business?

A: Don't be afraid. Start small, and if you're a person of faith, seek God's guidance constantly, not just once. Don't be afraid to ask questions of people in similar situations. Observe, learn, look around at how people do things, and ask how you can do it similarly or better. The farmers markets have been great incubators. I wouldn't be in business if it wasn't for the support and encouragement from our customers from there.

Q: Anything else people should know?

A: Communities need to support local small businesses. We cost a few more dollars but you're helping a neighbor. Local businesses support each other. Pocahontas isn't far. We're close to Interstate 55 and a great destination. You can call ahead and see what's on the menu or request a special pie or dessert. We sell whole pies by special order. We have a rich history, and we'll share some history with you and sweeten your day.

The Pie Safe Bakery and Cafe is located at 146 Pocahontas Main St., Pocahontas, Mo. For more information, the Pie Safe Bakery and Cafe is on Facebook. Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Groups of four or more are asked to call ahead at 833-6743.

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

146 Pocahontas Main St., Pocahontas, Mo.