One of the "Treasures of Nevada" listed in a book by the same name in 2007 has closed its doors. The book noted that Sweetie Pies of Minden was famous not only for its homemade pies, but its cookies, brownies, quiches and pot pies, too.
On Tuesday, Sweetie Pies owner Wendy Smith said her business was no longer profitable.
"Just with the economy and everything else, we couldn't keep our heads above water," she said.
Since Smith started the company five years ago, Sweetie Pies has been involved in the community, participating in the Corley Ranch Harvest Festival, Soroptimist International's Savor the Flavor event, making donations to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet and sponsoring concerts for the Carson Valley Arts Council.
"We're indebted to Wendy and Sweetie Pies," said Arts Council president Brian Fitzgerald on Thursday. "She not only supported but attended our concerts and volunteered her product for the other attendees. That shows just how community-minded she was. She's one of a kind, her product was excellent, and we're going to miss Sweetie Pies."
Smith said moving her business from the Gardnerville Ranchos into the Minden Village three years ago turned out not to be as lucrative as she'd thought.
"My customers were very loyal, but there was just not enough of the walk in-traffic businesses need," she said. "Rent was killing me, and with fuel prices rising and freight charges going up, it affected what I was going to charge. You can only charge people so much for a pie. If the economy wasn't like it is, I could have made it."
Smith said making the decision took a lot of emotional energy.
"I have no regrets," she said. "This has been great for me and my family. It was a difficult decision to make. I'm not ready to be done. I love what I do, but I just can't afford it anymore."
Smith said she's found a job working in the deli at David Walley's Resort Hot Springs & Spa.
"I want to thank my customers for all of their support over the years," she said. "I've become friends with a lot of them. I'm going to miss everyone, not just the customers, but the vendors, too. I'm going to miss them terribly, and I hope that everyone will come out to Walley's to see me."
