The owner of Flying Saucer Pie Co. warned that the family-run shop in Independence Heights might not make it through the season. In response, customers bought pies, preorders, and e-gift cards, helping the business stay open and continue operating.
Founded in 1967 by William Leeson, Flying Saucer Pie Co. has long been a Thanksgiving rite of passage in Houston, with people camping out before the holiday to snag fresh pies. As Southern Living reports, the shop can bake as many as 30,000 pies in the three days before Thanksgiving and still turns out cream pies fresh each morning. That kind of history, along with the beloved strawberry cream pie topped with fresh whipped cream and whole berries, helps explain why neighbors came running when the business called for help.
This fall, the bakery posted a blunt plea on social media, saying it did not have the funds to buy the supplies needed for its holiday surge and asking supporters to step in by purchasing e-gift cards or preordering slices. In a message relayed by the Chron, the shop wrote, “For generations, families have camped out for our pies—it's more than dessert, it's Houston history.” The call led customers and neighbors to quickly buy items and offer help.
Owner Heather Leeson, who inherited the shop from her father, says she has already taken drastic steps to avoid layoffs or benefit cuts. She sold her house and cut her own pay in half rather than reduce employee benefits, and she has repeatedly turned down offers to sell or franchise the business. As Southern Living notes, Leeson has said she would rather close the shop than harm employees, and she is exploring additions such as savory pot pies, quiches and a ready-to-bake crust to help smooth revenue outside the holidays.
How Houstonians Showed Up
On a Saturday in November, customers lined up outside Flying Saucer Pie Co., buying pumpkin, pecan, and cherry pies and purchasing gift cards. These sales helped the shop cover urgent supply costs and keep staff working during a challenging season.
What Comes Next For The Saucer
The Flying Saucer’s recent struggle shows how much a community can support a local business, but also the challenges that remain. Neighbors can help during a crisis, but the shop’s long-term survival depends on new menu items, sustainable profits, and broader support for independent food makers. The Leeson family said the recent rush gave them time to try new offerings and adjust operations for slower months. For now, the ovens are still running, keeping the shop open with help from the neighborhood.
