Gone Pie vegan bakery started in a storefront on east 7th street in manhattan as Bread & Roses, and has since evolved into a wholesale/on-line business, catering to those with specialized diets. I first noticed Gone Pie’s baked goods a few years ago at the ice cream parlor formerly known as Lula’s Sweet Apothecary in New York City. After picking up a few of their salted caramel chocolate peanut butter cups at the Vegan Shop-Up I became hooked on their treats. I ran into Gone Pie’s owner and baker Barbara Sitomer at a few events around the city earlier this year, so I asked her if she wanted to chat with me for Chic Vegan. She said yes, and we had a nice talk about food, baking and veganism. Without further ado, here’s Barbara…
What motivated you to become vegan? Was it an overnight switch or more gradual shift?
I was on and off vegetarian all through college, but I had no moral motivation so it didn’t stick. After college I worked in traditional kitchens and bakeries and finally settled in to running my own place. I encountered the world of food allergies (which taught me how to bake without animal products) and squatters (who taught me about the ethics of veganism). I guess you could say, that being a baker taught me to be a vegan. I was a vegan baker before I was a vegan!
When people learn that you are vegan, what is the #1 question they ask and what is your response?
It seems like people are either incredulous and list all the things they can’t believe I don’t eat, followed by “I could never” or they say “That’s so great.” and then list why they can’t be vegan. Either way, I try to address their doubts with some kind of response about how for me it is not about what I don’t eat, but rather about all the amazing foods I do eat. And I then, of course, offer to cook for them! 🙂
Tell me a little bit about Gone Pie and why you started the company.
Gone Pie is my second baking company. Out of college, I opened a traditional take-out food shop/bakery in the East Village. We were well east of “civilization” and got involved with lots of community events and met lots of interesting alternative folks. Gone Pie was born in the late ’90s when the bakery and I became 100% vegan. The birth of Gone Pie was really the final rejection of all cruelty in my life. Although I was vegan a while before Gone Pie, I still used some animal products in baking. Gone Pie represents such a triumphant decision to embrace veganism no matter the economic consequences. I love this question, because it makes me reflect on that process. Thank you!!
Where did the company name come from? Is it because your pies are so good that they’re gone really quickly?
Well… I’m kind of a big Patti Smith fan. When I was re-forming the company, I wanted to rename it as well. At the time, Patti told this joke about a hipster, and a luncheonette and some real gone pie… Then she wrote a song. Then I stole the name. Not really. She knew I was using the name and was cool with it. Possibly because I gave her many Gone Pies as bribes?
Do you have a favorite Gone Pie treat?
My favorite treat changes all the time. I always love the seasonal pumpkin goodies. The first pumpkin pie of the season is something I always look forward to enjoying. The rest of the year, I usually like my newest item the best. Right now I am OBSESSED with these little jelly thumbprint cookies. And the lemon tahini cookies. And the blondies…
What inspires you to create a new type of baked good?
Gone Pie has a subscription plan. We send our subscribers monthly goodies. These folks get everything first. Every month I try to make it just a little special. Sometimes we offer a classic seasonal item, like pecan pie, but we always include at least one brand new item that I have created just for subscribers.
Do you have any tips for someone new to vegan baking?
My advice now is so different than it would have been a few years ago. There is just so much info out there on the how to part of vegan baking. I guess for me, I would say, don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize a recipe. Play with your food!
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who want to star their own vegan businesses?
Be prepared to work a lot. And be prepared to meet lots of amazing compassionate people. And be prepared to fail a little as you figure out exactly how to grow and prosper. Be motivated by the right reasons. And I don’t mean fame and fortune!
What vegan product could you not live without?
Hmmm…. This is hard. I guess I have to say Unsweetened Eden Soy Milk because I drink English Breakfast tea with milk all day every day. Whenever I travel, I bring it with me. Kind of a boring answer right?
In your wildest dreams what will your life look like in 5 years?
Pretty much the way it looks now. I love what I do and I love the way I do it. I’ve worked long and hard to create my life and I have to say, it is pretty darn wonderful!
