Bakery finds way back into Thorold

By Stephen Dyell

What's On Thorold

Angus McLean is the Pie Man.

His store and bakery rested on the corner of Pine Street in Thorold where residents enjoyed his unique pies and treats. He was eventually forced out of his lease when the building moved from two tenants to one resulting in McLean searching for a new location.

Terry Ohm was retired.

The Thorold resident realized that coasting day-to-day was not for him.

“I was in business here in Thorold my whole career,” Ohm said. “I sold that business and headed into retirement but found that it just wasn’t enough to do so I started the business in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

Ohm decided for something completely different opening a Farm Market and Garden Centre where he began selling McLeans products on a smaller scale. Local Thorold residents would travel to Niagara-on-the-Lake just to get a taste of the talented baker.

Eight years later, Ohm ended his business and as fate had it, the current location opened up and a partnership began.

The Pie Man has now been in business for three years on Thorold’s Front Street creating delicious treats that are not found in any ordinary bakery.

“Our big thing is the meat pies and fancy dessert. They are plain old ordinary desserts that you’d make at home for yourself.”

Ordinary is a bleak word to describe an outlet flooding with customers looking for something different for their taste buds that are created at the Beamsville Fair Ground kitchen four to five times a week shipping them fresh for the mornings.

The Pie Man also features desserts, sausages and other unique treats that you don’t find in every corner store. Business is booming as they continue to grow.

“We are looking to add to our product line. We’re looking to add a line of British Dry Goods, cereal, can goods and tea,” Ohm stated. “Stuff you can buy in a specialty stores that aren’t found everywhere.”

The combination of the two has made this business where it is today. A mix of meat and a friendly smile upon entering, The Pie Man remains a must stop for an adventure in tasting for Thorold’s downtown area.