Armed with decadent pecan, blueberry and apple crumb crunch pies, Long Island’s newest dessert company is making quite an impression on the North Fork.
LI Pie Co. began selling its 10 varieties of pies and specialty breads at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard & Horse Rescue Farm in August and have been selling out, said company owner Jordan Levin, whose father Steve is general manager at the vineyard. His mother Sharon is the founder of the horse rescue operation.
Levine, a 23-year-old recent graduate of Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, said he has always had an affinity for entrepreneurship and baking.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Levine said. “I always loved cooking and baking. This business seemed like the perfect outlet.”
With no formal cooking training, Levine, who is from Commack, said spending time in his family’s kitchen growing up is what inspired him to venture into the pie industry. A one-man band, Levine now spends up to 15 hours a week in a commercial kitchen he rents in Hauppauge to make the pies each Friday and Saturday. He sells them fresh the following mornings at the vineyard.
LI Pie Co. offers classic favorites such as cherry and pecan pie and specialty goods like Levine’s dark chocolate apple berry crumb pie, all featuring his original oatmeal cookie crust.
“People love the dark chocolate pie,” he said. “They can’t get enough.”
For those who aren’t pie people, Levine also makes a pumpkin spice loaf.
Levine has been an employee of Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, the only location where LI Pies are available, since he was old enough to work. He started seven years ago as a bus boy before making the transition to assistant and weekend manager prior to leaving for college.
“I get to enjoy what I love doing at a place I love to be,” Levine said. “[Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard] is a place that it is close to my heart and it perfect for what I am doing now.”
Although the business is still in its beginning stages, Levine said he is already looking toward the future. He said he is considering every option moving forward including opening up a brick-and-mortar shop or operating a food truck.
Until then, if you want to get your hands on some LI Pie Co treats, head to Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard & Horse Rescue Farm where pies sell for $17.99 to $19.99.
There are also pie tastings available to enjoy along with your wine.
You can also customize your order by calling 516-398-3386.
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard’s tasting room is located at 2114 Sound Avenue, Baiting Hollow.
