ADVERTISING FEATURE
A passion for making (and eating) pies led Damian Smith to establish Mountain High Pies at Wentworth Falls 13 years ago.
And on the third anniversary of the store's expansion and renovation, Mr Smith is happy to report that the business has gained a reputation for excellence.
In fact, in this year's Great Aussie Pie Competition at Darling Harbour, Mountain High Pies took home five gold medals, six silver and a bronze from their 12 entries.
A baker for almost 40 years, Mr Smith has owned a number of businesses in Canberra, the Blue Mountains and the central west.
His wife and business partner, Reyna Fellows, has spent the last decade pursuing her passion as an artist.
"In 2003 we sold all our businesses, took an extended break and then began Mountain High Pies in December 2006," Mr Smith said.
"I've been making pies since I began my trade in 1981. I've enjoyed making them and love eating them.
"Pies are what we do - and ours are good pies. We are particular about the pastry, it's thickness, and the quality of the bake.
"We use good quality ingredients, make sure they're the correct weight and that they offer value. They are pies that I enjoy eating and that I am happy to serve to the people I care about."
The store aims for a mix of traditional varieties combined with a few unique offerings, such as the Big Breakfast pie, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
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Mr Smith said the upgrade of the Great Western Highway site had been a major factor in their success. Three years ago they had "a compact business in an existing building that we had simply outgrown".
"Parking had become a nightmare, customers were constantly being turned away due to lack of available tables and the kitchen was becoming inefficient as we struggled for space," he said.
"It was a big undertaking but we now have fantastic parking and we have doubled the seating capacity and remedied a lot of what needed doing in the kitchen.
"And the renovation has been done respectfully, keeping with the character of the 1950s building. Customers can now access the property from Mitchell Street as well as the highway."
Mountain High Pies is at 293 Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls. Phone 4757 3737 for details.