Gourmet pies, cooked with love, made to heal.
Dad & I's Pies started as a way to heal and transform after my dad's death in 2023. I had just had what I term "the breakdown that lead to my breakthrough" in late 2021 and was in the process of rediscovering who I am and what I want after being a homemaker for nearly 2 decades. I enrolled in culinary school and started my own meal delivery business right here in Indiana. My dad bought me my very first customized apron and chef's hat after my first culinary class and he was always there to listen to me geek out about this new journey I was on. We both had a shared love of cooking for others and seeing how that can brighten up someone's entire day.
My dad, David DeGroote, was the most amazing man I have ever known and was nicknamed Dad and The Eagle by many. He started several businesses and hired people from all walks of life. He was also an adrenaline junkie and did just about everything under the sun at least once. He had a heart of gold and an enormous love for people that especially needed to be seen or needed a second chance; the diamonds in the rough so to speak. My dad's death was the most difficult thing I'd ever gone through that also came with the greatest blessing. It gave me the fearlessness and fire to go for the life I want and to do what I love to do, trusting that the rest will figure itself out.
While it's true that we've all got to eat, there is a notable difference in how you feel when you're eating something that someone has taken the time and energy to make for you with love and fresh quality ingredients that nurture your body vs something made fast without care and full of processed garbage. My hope is that by baking my pies in your own home and creating that "made from scratch just for you" atmosphere with the delightful aromas filling your house, you too can feel the love and nourishment that was meant for you. And hey — say you made it and bake it for someone else! Cooking for others is one of the best ways to show love, and love is most certainly what we need a lot more of in this world! (Love and great food!)
We're building this from the ground up with a pure love of what we're doing
Our hope is to set up in a church kitchen or parking lot in downtown Indy every other Sunday evening, making pizzas, pies, soups, salads and natural beverages to hand out to those in need — a space to sit, savor, and take a load off.
We're starting online with delivery, then expanding to local farmers markets and Market Wagon, with a food truck (or several) and retail down the road.
Catering small events up to 12 people with a 3-course meal, cooking demonstrations and entertainment for a 4-hour experience — think bachelorette parties, showers, reunions & more.
A peek inside Lauren's kitchen — dough, fillings and pies in the making
We're just getting started — check back often
Customer reviews will be posted here as we grow.
A YouTube channel featuring local chefs & kitchen hacks is on the way.
Dad & I's Pies