Cream Pies & Fries holds pie tasting

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

15 lucky people (and a few extras) had the honor of taste testing possible pies for the upcoming menu at Cream Pies & Fries.

Cody Speer, owner of Cream Pies & Fries, hosted a pie tasting event on Sunday. 

The pie tasting served as a way for Speer to see which pies should take priority for his diner’s menu when they are finally able to open.

Participants in the pie tasting rated traditional favorites like apple pie, cherry pie, and key lime pie as well as newer flavors like Reese’s cream pie, Nutter Butter cream pie, and Cookies & Cream pie. Pie tasters judged a total of eight different pies. 

Every flavor of pie received at least one vote declaring it the best pie; though ultimately traditional favorite, apple pie, came out on top with the most people declaring it their overall favorite.

Pie tasting wasn’t the only thing on the menu. Eric Moore was the “lucky” recipient of the first cream pie to the face Sunday night earning him a special Cream Pies & Fries t-shirt. Coleton Sizemore, Lauren James, Kytty Khaos, and Speer himself were also recipients of cream pies to the face throughout the night.

“I’ve tried three of their pies already,” said Moore. “They really are delicious and I’m not big into sweets.”

Moore declared that his favorite pie of the night was the Cookies & Cream pie.

“The Cookies & Cream really got to me. I wanted to keep eating it,” said Moore. “They’re really good pies.”

It’s been a long time coming, but Speer is optimistic that the city will finally approve them to open for business. He is excited for the day that the diner opens.

It’s been a long time coming. Speer purchased the building, site of the former Cactus Motel restaurant, among other dining establishments, in 2022. Since then, he has completely upgraded the walls, plumbing, and electric for the building to bring it up to city and state standards. Now, the only thing left is for the city to approve a new permit so that they can do a final inspection.

“We’re so close,” said Speer. “We’re just ready to open.”

Speer said that people are constantly asking him when the store will open with many stopping by and trying the door.

“People walk up ten times a day. They want this open,” said Speer.

Speer was inspired to open a diner after realizing that many of his bar’s patrons were seeking out late night food after leaving the bar. Speer himself often sought out late night food. He realized that there was a demand for it and set out to create his own 24-hour diner.

“We’re providing a safe space for people, especially night owls,” said Kytty. “Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, it’s a place for everyone.”

The restaurant is designed to look like a classic diner with a modern twist. For example, the diner has a classic jukebox that happens to have internet connection and the ability to play songs both old and new. The menu is not yet finalized, but Speer said that pies and fries are a given, but they also plan to serve burgers, steak, catfish, baked potatoes, shakes, breakfast foods, and more.

Although the times and days might change by the time the diner opens, Speer plans for Cream Pies & Fries to be open 24 hours Friday and Saturday, and to open from 6 a.m. until midnight Sunday-Thursday.