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“The only thing better than butter is more butter,” says Pticek’s Bakery owner Antoinette Wingo, recalling her father’s favorite saying. That’s something you can really taste when you sit down to a slice of pie on January 23, National Pie Day.
National Pie Day has been a slice of American tradition since 1975, when Colorado teacher Charlie Papazian declared his birthday a celebration of pie. What started as a personal passion for pie became a nationwide celebration after the American Pie Council took over in 1986. Today, it’s about more than just baking—it’s a day to indulge in classic recipes, experiment with creative flavors, and come together as a community over something universally comforting: pie.
According to the American Pie Council, Americans devour more than 50 million pumpkin pies every year, especially around Thanksgiving. But it’s not just pumpkin; whether it’s the warmth of a cherry pie or the cool creaminess of banana cream, pie is a cornerstone of American comfort food.
That love of pie is alive and well at places like Franklin’s Pie Company, 12306 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, and Pticek’s & Son Bakery at 5523 S. Narragansett Ave. in Chicago. Both bakeries have their own unique spin on pie-making, combining old traditions with new ideas.
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Franklin’s Pie Company, which opened its doors in 2020, quickly became a local favorite. “We had such a warm reception from the community, and it was overwhelming in the best way,” said Rachel Slivicki, the bakery’s head pastry chef. “We’ve worked hard to create an environment that feels like home, and our customers really appreciate that.”
Slivicki believes the bakery’s commitment to making everything from scratch sets them apart. “We hand-roll every crust, and our fillings are made fresh daily. It’s all about attention to detail,” she said. Signature creations like their “Couch Potato Pie”—featuring a shortbread crust, a layer of chocolate, rum pastry cream, sweet cream filling, and a caramel drizzle—have intrigued and delighted customers. “It’s a playful take on pie with the perfect balance of sweet and salty,” Slivicki said.
At Franklin’s, you’ll also find traditional pies like banana cream, plus seasonal options like strawberry rhubarb. “We love trying new things, but we always stick to the classics too,” Slivicki said. “It’s those timeless flavors that people really love.”
Meanwhile, Pticek’s & Son Bakery, a family-run business located at 5523 S. Narragansett Ave. in Chicago, has been serving the community since 1943. “This is my grandparents’ establishment, and they built this building in 1959,” said Wingo. “They’ve been in business for 81 years, which is just incredible.”
Pticek’s offers a variety of beloved pies, including their cherry pie, Dutch apple pie, and caramel apple pie, which Wingo said is a standout. “The caramel apple pie is one of our most popular items,” she explained. “It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and it’s perfect for National Pie Day.”
For those who want smaller portions, Pticek’s six-inch pies have become a hit. “They’re perfect for couples or individuals who want to try different flavors without committing to a full-sized pie,” Wingo said. “It’s been fun to see how well those are received, especially by the younger generation.”
When asked about the secret to a perfect pie crust, Wingo credited one simple ingredient: butter. “My dad always said, ‘The only thing better than butter is more butter.’ That’s what makes our pies so good,” Wingo said with a laugh, emphasizing their commitment to high-quality ingredients.
Pticek’s also honors traditional pies while exploring new flavors, though their staples remain customer favorites. “Most of our customers go for the classic apple or cherry pies—they’re safe choices but also delicious,” Wingo said. “You know what you’re going to get, and it’s always good.”
Whether you’re into traditional pies or more creative options, National Pie Day is the perfect time to indulge. “National Pie Day is the perfect time to celebrate what we do,” Slivicki said. At both Franklin’s and Pticek’s, it’s not just about pie—it’s about community, tradition, and bringing people together.
If you’re looking to experience National Pie Day in person, both bakeries recommend their signature pies. Franklin’s apple pie is a crowd-pleaser, and Pticek’s pies with their buttery crusts and rich fillings are sure to hit the spot. “Start with our apple pie—it’s a customer favorite,” Slivicki said. “And at Pticek’s, you can’t go wrong with anything that’s made with cheese,” Wingo added.
National Pie Day is a great excuse to indulge in a slice—or two, or three. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself, there’s always room for more pie.
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