Yoder’s to open coffee, mini pie shop in Sarasota

A popular Amish restaurant in Sarasota celebrated for its pies is starting a coffee shop that also sells miniature pies in the coming weeks. Yoder’s Restaurant, which was founded in 1975, is launching a new concept called Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Company. (The name is a nod to the Pinecraft neighborhood where the restaurant is located on Bahia Vista Street.)

“We are hoping for a March 1 opening,” owner and CEO ML Yoder Emrich tells the Business Observer. However, “there are variables out of our control that will determine that,” such as permitting, Emrich adds.

Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Company will open in phases as the Yoder’s property undergoes some renovations to better serve customers.

Initially, a food trailer will offer Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Company products in the area that used to house produce. It will serve locally roasted coffee and new Yoder’s mini-pies.

Eventually, Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Company will be located in the space where the deli market is now. It will feature a roaster room where people can see the coffee roasting through windows.

The former produce area will become a large commercial bakery with salespeople up front. “Yoder’s holiday pies will be sold there in the future so customers won’t have to wait outside the restaurant in long lines even though that has been a tradition for many years!” the 50-year-old company says in a Facebook post.

This week, equipment is being installed for the coffee business, Emrich says on Feb. 10. Then staff will be trained, and Emrich is aiming for a soft opening of the Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Company food trailer by the end of February. Seating will be available inside the Yoder’s building as well as in the garden area outside. 

Plans for the coffee and dessert shop have been in the works for more than 20 years, according to Yoder’s, which originally sought to locate it where the gift shop is now. While the timing was not right then, officials say they are moving forward now and will develop the coffee and dessert concept as they go.

Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Company will be at 3434 Bahia Vista St.