With over three decades in the food industry, working in both retail bakeries and wholesale manufacturing, Jonathan and Thea Avis decided in 2014 to embark on a new adventure: Meat Street Pies. Their vision was to perfect the casual dining experience by developing irresistible meat pie recipes inspired by traditions from Canada, Britain, and the former colonies.
Meat Street Pies began as a mobile food truck and has since grown into a beloved fixture at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market.
Jonathan, a British pastry chef extraordinaire, leveraged his decades of experience to create a steady stream of tasty pastry treats. His pies are a tribute to the ones his mother made, offering a delicious, comforting taste of nostalgia with every bite.
Jonathan's sudden passing in 2020 was a great loss, but as their daughter Meghan tells customers, he "set us up for success." Meghan has now joined the team, dedicated to fulfilling her father's dream of a successful, family-run company. The family support is strong: Christopher, their second son, assists with larger maintenance issues, and their eldest son, Rob, whose family moved to a farm south of Edmonton, has been the occasional source of the grass-fed/grass-finished beef.
Thea is grateful for the support of her children, helping to fill the void left by Jon’s absence.
Thea ensures the experience is always fun and welcoming, whether at the food truck or the market stall. She is the friendly face of the business, connecting with customers and making sure everyone feels at home. While Jon's pastries speak for themselves once tasted, Thea makes sure people are drawn in to take that first bite.
The foundation of Meat Street Pies is the Avis Team’s dedication to excellence, fueling their thriving entrepreneurial spirit. The operation continues to thrive as a family endeavor, supported by the invaluable Teresa, who achieved master chef status in the Philippines before becoming a Canadian citizen. In January 2025, the team welcomed Teresa’s daughter-in-law, Natasha, who brings a full array of culinary talents, including custom cakes.
