Miller's pies a Thanksgiving tradition in Bradenton

BRADENTON -- Deep, luscious pies are a specialty at Miller's Dutch Kitchen, and a must-have on many Bradenton Thanksgiving tables.

"We bake over 7,500 pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas," said Megan Mae Miller, who co-owns the business with her brothers, John, Frank and Gene.

It's been that way for 34 years, as the family made a name for itself with its artful pies at 3401 14th St. W.

To meet heavy holiday demand, the Millers bring in 18 nephews and nieces to help out, and the bakers work flat out, keeping six ovens busy.

One of the nieces, 17-year-old Heidi Miller, said her father, John, had been baking for 24 hours straight.

Wednesday, the north entrance became the "pie door," where customers lined up to buy the made-from-scratch creations, usually walking out smiling with more than one.

Holly Hermann, 25, has been coming to Miller's since she was a little girl.

"Even when we lived in Englewood, we would drive an hour and a half to get to Miller's. Their pies are amazing," she said.

On Wednesday, she was buying pea

nut butter and pumpkin pies.

A lot of customers were buying peanut butter pies. It's Miller's best-seller, Megan Mae Miller said.

This time of year, the runners-up include pumpkin, Dutch apple, pecan and coconut.

In all, Miller's regularly bakes more than 20 types of pies.

"It's homestyle, made from scratch with no preservatives," Megan Mae Miller said.

Richard Pencosky was buying four pies, including two Dutch apple, a strawberry and a cherry.

Two of the pies were for neighbors, and Pencosky had ordered early to ensure his pies were available.

"Last year, I didn't order early, and the pies I wanted were sold out," he said.

Jerry Hamilton was waiting in line to pay for a pumpkin pie and a pecan pie.

"We always get a pumpkin, and either a pecan or peanut butter. We switch it around each year," he said.

This year for the first time, Miller's was also selling its pies at Back Alley, 108 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

"My son Shawn Miller is selling them there," Megan Mae Miller said.

For anyone who didn't get their pie Wednesday, Miller's Dutch Kitchen will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Miller's is now open seven days a week, adding Sundays last March. For more information, call 941-746-8253.

James A. Jones Jr., Herald reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published November 27, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Miller's pies a Thanksgiving tradition in Bradenton ."