Say hello to Olivia Faith Pisano!
Pie Bar Superlative: Most likely to make a pun.
Olivia is a hometown gal, hailing from the great city of Woodstock. She was here, living & loving, before it was cool! She decided to stick close to home and attended Kennesaw State University, where she earned her degree in Anthropology. Sometimes we like to joke that her managing a pie shop is all just a social experiment and she is using her Anthropology background to secretly study us. She laughs and looks away quickly when we bring this up….
Olivia joined the Pie Bar team not long after we opened in 2015. She came on with a can-do attitude and the work ethic of a draft horse, making her Pie Bar’s MVP for 2015 and 2016 (and little secret.. I’m sure she’ll pull the title for 2017, too). As the shop grew, so did Olivia’s responsibilities and skills. She is now the official Pie Bar Manager as well as Head Baker, and she even has the business cards to prove it. #toolegit
Since she is always with her hands in dough or in oven mitts, I awkwardly stalked her until she gave me a tiny parcel of her time. Below is the transcript from our conversation.
LB: Why did you decide to stay in Woodstock?
OP: Woodstock is a nice town full of nice people. It feels like home because it is home for me.
LB: Why did you decide to work with food?
OP: I have always enjoyed learning practical skills. I also love seeing how happy it makes people. It’s special to make something with your own two hands and then see how it positively affects others. I think that’s pretty unique.
LB: What is your favorite food to make at home?
OP: I enjoy baking pies. I like making cherry pie at home. If it’s not pie, I love making banana bread.
LB: What food would you choose if you were on death row and it was your final meal?
OP: McRib & a Shamrock Shake
LB: And if they aren’t available at the same time?
OP: …
LB: Sneaky.
LB: What is your favorite Pie Bar pie to eat?
OP: Cranberry Buttermilk. It’s tart and sweet and let’s be honest, so beautiful!
LB: And favorite Pie Bar pie to bake?
OP: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan
LB: Why did you choose Pie Bar as your first full-time gig?
OP: Pie Bar is such a unique place. There are not too many places that just sell pie. I also like the positive work environment. We are all a team and I think you can really tell it affects our work in a positive way.
LB: What is an interesting fact about you?
OP: I am a twin!
LB: What is your favorite shop or restaurant in Downtown Woodstock?
OP: Samson & Delilah. They are just the nicest people.
LB: What is a funny anecdote about yourself that you are willing to share?
OP: I like to try new foods.
LB: You are definitely an adventurous eater. I am no longer surprised by what you’ve brought for lunch.
OP: Wait until you see what I’m bringing tomorrow.
LB:…(silence)..
A huge thank you to Olivia P. for allowing me to pester her while she was trying to work. We love our staff and we are so proud to call her a Pie Bar Team Member. Next time you are in the shop, tell Olivia 'hello'!