Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2010

Baker plans pie shop

A woman who lives in Raleigh's Oakwood neighborhood is making plans for the old Conti's Italian Market building on Person Street, The News & Observer's Sue Stock reports.

Sheila Sabol Duncan says she'll turn it into a pie shop called Pie Bird. She plans to make sweet and savory pies.

Sabol Duncan has been baking pies as a side business since she was laid off from her job as an interior designer a year ago.

The menu at Pie Bird will change seasonally, Sabol Duncan said. But some favorites, such as the chicken pot pie, will be available year-round.

Pies cost between $14 and $19.50, and she delivers.

"Hopefully it will be in line with buying a pizza and cheaper than going out," she said.

The company's name comes from a pie bird, a device inserted in the center of a pie to vent steam.

It may be a few months before Pie Bird opens. Sabol Duncan is working through the city's approval process. But until then you can find her at www.piebirdraleigh.com.

Varsity Menswear in Raleigh has completed its first move in 38 years, relocating from Crabtree Valley Mall to North Hills, just a few doors down from Firebirds.

Founded in 1954 on Raleigh's Hillsborough Street, Varsity moved to Crabtree, then new, in 1972.

Owner Harry Pollock said moving his store allows him to draw more shoppers.

"If we only sell to the people we know, we don't have a potential of growth," he said.