For JaWanda Jackson, baking pies isn’t just a business; it’s a calling rooted in family, faith, and tradition. What started as a beloved family recipe has grown into one of Birmingham’s most treasured pie shops, known especially for signature sweet potato pie. As the holiday season approaches, JaWanda’s kitchen kicks into high gear, filling orders for Thanksgiving tables all over town.
JaWanda Jackson
JaWanda’s journey began in her kitchen. “From a teenager, it has always been my desire to own my own business,” she says. “I wanted it to be something unique, something that had never been done before.” Her husband’s love for sweet potato pie sparked the idea, and after tweaking her mother’s and a friend’s recipes, her creation quickly became a hit with family and friends. “Then I decided to tweak it even more by making different flavors of sweet potato pies, and JaWanda’s was birthed.” From her home kitchen, the business grew to include farmers markets then retail locations, eventually landing in local favorites like Cowboys 280 and Piggly Wiggly.
JaWanda Jackson
JaWanda says the love and prayers that go into her pies is what makes them special. “My cooking and baking background comes from my mother, who was an excellent cook. Because sweet potato pie was never a favorite dessert of mine, I wanted to perfect it for my palate.” She did and now sells 17 flavors of sweet potato pie, including classic original, orange cream cheese, pineapple cream cheese, s’mores, coconut cream, hooey gooey, marble chocolate, S’prize, and her newest option—pumpkin spice. “Hands down the Original 9” Sweet Potato Pie is the most popular and the Pecan 9” Sweet Potato Pie comes in second as most popular during the Thanksgiving season,” says JaWanda. The shop begins taking holiday orders in September and typically continues into early November. In addition to pies, JaWanda also offers sweet potato casseroles and sweet potato batter in a jar for customers who prefer to bake their own at home.
“It is a humbling experience when I think about the many families who allow us the opportunity to be a part of their holiday season,” says JaWanda. “[The pies] are a labor of love, and the flavors complement every other Thanksgiving dish—the unmistakable seasonings, the light, creamy texture, and the buttery crust all create the perfect dessert. I am truly honored to share in a tradition that extends from generation to generation.”
For more information, visit jawandasweetpotatopie.com. The best way to order is by calling (205) 874-9880 or coming by the shop at 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 111, Birmingham 35242. Special Thanksgiving week hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.