Queen Creek’s PIEfection links to owner’s childhood

After more than a quarter century working in corporate America, Cheryl Standage reached into her past to begin a new future.

Standage learned to make pies alongside her mother and grandmother and when it became time for her to start her own business, pies naturally called.

In 2012, Standage opened her first PIEfection bakery in Mesa, followed by locations in Scottsdale, Chandler and eventually Queen Creek in 2023.

Her bakeries offer 70 varieties of pies from basics such as apple and cherry to cheesecake confections and varieties of take-and-bake pot pies and quiches.

During her corporate career, Standage said she loved working with startups, so she has been pleased with the welcome PIEfection has received in Queen Creek.

“Queen Creek has been so receptive from the time we announced we were coming. Our social media blew up with excitement,” Standage said.

Besides having one of her bakeries in Queen Creek, two of her children live in the town, including Council Member Travis Padilla.

Your Name: Cheryl Standage

Age: 66

Business Name: PIEfection

Town/Neighborhood: Mesa, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Chandler

Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Personal background highlights: From the time I was a little girl, I have had a love of working in the kitchen, specifically baking all kinds of sweets. I sat at the foot of both my mother and grandmother watching and helping them bake. I remember picking strawberries from my grandmother’s strawberry patch and going to the ditch banks to pick rhubarb and anxiously awaiting the beautiful result of a delicious strawberry rhubarb pie, which is now on our menu.

Professional background highlights: Former corporate executive for more than 25 years working in various industries across the country including banking, grocery retail and DOD contractor. My first love in my career was startups. Those were my passions, and they continue today as I cannot help myself from opening more stores. I am passionate about a new startup.

What I do: Bake over 70 varieties of pie from scratch daily, made with only the finest ingredients around, bringing in our chocolate from Belgium, fruit sourced from the state it is most famous for and utilizing only real butter and fresh whipped cream.

What I like most about doing business here: Queen Creek has been so receptive from the time we announced we were coming. Our social media blew up with excitement. They have been so receptive and welcoming. We just want to ensure that the pie love is spread to all corners of QC.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: Traffic improvements (along with the rest of the QC residents).

What am I promoting: The best pies in the state (literally). We have received many awards and accolades that prove we have been deemed the best pie shop in Arizona.

What I’m excited about and why: We love to bring people together and have them create memories around their table with family and friends while sharing pie.

When and why I started my business/employment here: QC is a medium-size community (and growing daily) but has a small-town feel. I love that about QC and wanted to become a part of that community.

My family: Husband, Bill, five kids, two of whom live in QC, and 18 grandkids, with the newest little one 4 weeks.

My interests & hobbies: Love to cook, travel, spend time with my kids and grandkids, play pickleball, mountain biking and all water sports.

People who inspire me (and how): Leaders that think outside the box and create new visions.

My guiding philosophy: “Don’t tell me why we can’t, help me figure out how we can.”

My advice to today’s youth: Your dream is possible, just work for it.

How can people contact you? piefectionaz@gmail.com, 480-218-7437, Piefectionaz on all social media.

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