Byron Gourmet Pies

Byron Gourmet Pies is a Ballina-based pie maker with roots in Byron Bay, producing a broad range of handmade pies and rolls for stores, wholesalers and customers looking for something beyond a standard meat pie. The business works from a purpose-built factory at 18 Ascot Road, having moved from its original Byron Bay site in early 2024. It is open to customers on weekdays from 8am to 2pm, while the website also notes that its products are distributed widely along the south-eastern Australian seaboard.

The range includes traditional-style recipes alongside flavours influenced by Thai, Mexican, French and Indian cooking. Named options include organic fine diced steak, pepper steak, curry steak, Mexican beef, chicken satay, Thai chicken and chicken pesto, as well as sausage rolls. There is also a substantial selection for different dietary needs: vegetarian choices include spinach and cheese roll, spinach and pesto, gado gado and Mexican energy roll; gluten-free options include GF Thai chicken, GF organic steak and several vegetarian or vegan varieties; and the vegan range includes ratatouille, curry vegani, gado vegano and curried lentil. The site says the range has grown to around thirty pies and rolls, giving solo diners, families and groups plenty of options to share or take home.

The company places strong emphasis on its ingredients and production methods. It says it uses locally sourced fresh produce where available, organic Australian beef, and no added preservatives or artificial ingredients. Its products are also described as GMO-free. For home enjoyment, the website provides oven and microwave heating guidance, with conventional oven heating preferred for the best pastry results. That makes the range suited to an easy meal at home as well as a quick purchase from a stockist or the Ballina premises.

The story began in 1996, when French pastry chefs Jean-Paul and Theresa created pies for the Byron Bay Blues Festival. Their popularity led the couple to focus on pie making, developing the internationally influenced flavours that became central to the business. After later ownership changes, the current family-owned operation continues with farmers Andrew and Pene Morkel, baker Alex and their team. Byron Gourmet Pies is best suited to visitors who appreciate Australian baking with more varied flavours, as well as vegetarians, vegans and people seeking gluten-free choices. It is a practical stop for takeaway pies and rolls rather than a sit-down dining destination, and the weekday Ballina opening hours are worth noting before visiting.