By Ginny Privitar
WEST MILFORD ‑‑ Owner Shannon Cheevers, owner of Eyes on the Pies, has done so well in Hewitt that she will be opening a second establishment in nearby Warwick, NY, next month.
The new location, 252 Pine Island Turnpike, like her first bakery, it will be mostly take-out, but Cheevers hopes to add an eat-in area eventually.
The Culinary Institute of America grad makes meat pies -- chicken, steak and pork. She also does quiche; dessert and specialty pies.
Also on the takeout menu are soups; baked goods; pierogies and smoothies.
The term pie hardly does them justice; customers rave about her offerings. If you're in a hurry or just want a delicious meal, you can't go wrong at Eyes on the Pies.
One family from New York City on a fall foliage drive stopped in to use the restroom and ended up staying at the bakery to share a chicken pot pie. They were so happy with the food, they regularly come back. Foodies from as far away as England are also fans.
There's even more variety now, including pulled pork; shepherd and minced pork pie. The shop also offers foot-long hot dogs and chili.
Cheevers, a breast cancer survivor, supports breast cancer research and awareness.
To show her support, she uses pink boxes for her pies and pink accents throughout the store.
In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cheevers donates a percentage of profits to one of several breast cancer groups.
Space at Cheevers' Hewitt shop is limited and because of that, they don't have the room to make or stock a large number of orders. Cheevers said they had to turn away about 100 customers at Thanksgiving. The second store will be much larger and will offer the same popular fare, she said.
"It's scary but exciting at same time," she said, "we exceeded our expectation and our space in a very short time. We love what we do and I believe it really shows through our work."
Cheevers grew up in West Milford. She and her husband, John, live in Hardyston. They have two daughters: Molly 18, and Maeve, 13. The whole family helps out in the shop.
Make sure you check out the apple roses when you're there.
If you go:Shannon's Eyes on the Pies
1939 Union Valley Rd, Hewitt, NJ 07421
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 7p.m.; closed on Mondays.
Phone: (973) 506-6511
Email: eyesonthepiesnj@gmail.com
What customers had to say on Facebook:Shannon! I had your winterberry pie last night on the road somewhere outside of Philly in my trip to Miami! It was awesome! From the industry you know how we tend to critique each other and always think I could do better but damn, your pie is on point, the only change would be is that I wish I got one more large one for me! I remember months ago my Aunt posted something about your business and I am so glad she was so [adamant] about going there yesterday during our tour of the local area! I am glad to see a fellow Chef with a clear idea that has really pushed and made it happen with their hard work and dedication!
Keep pushing and I look forward to seeing you again!
Stephon Kline
What an awesome place! Stopped in tonight for my first time with two little ones in tow. Owners were very kind to us. Went home with all kinds of goodies, but tonight my sons and I had the steak pie, corn muffin, and carrot ginger soup -- all so delicious! The crust on the pie is incredible!! My two year old kept asking for more! Thank you for a delicious homemade dinner and I didn't have to cook! I'm sorry I haven't stopped in sooner!
Christine Bingham
Are you kidding me?!!!!! After enjoying a chicken pot pie and a strawberry-rhubarb pie a few weeks ago, my husband and I drove up to see what our next pie would be. We chose the pulled pork (with side of coleslaw) pie. It was beyond delicious. The pie was perfectly seasoned and that coleslaw. IDK what to say. It was so fresh and so yummy. I did just what Shannon said and ate the pie topped with coleslaw. If you haven't made it there to purchase a pie you are missing out!!! I think I'll wait a few hours before I have a piece of the strawberry-peach pie we bought for dessert!!!
Laurie Nielsen McCurry