Auburn's Downtown Grows Stronger with Pie Style Bakery's Expansion

When Pie Style Bakery opens its new downtown Auburn storefront this August, it won't just bring honey cake and cherry pies to Main Street. It will demonstrate what's possible when entrepreneurship, community support, and city-backed infrastructure align.

Founded in 2019 by Oksana Lusnikova, a Ukrainian immigrant and longtime Auburn resident, Pie Style Bakery has become a local favorite. For four consecutive years, it's been recognized as Auburn's top bakery. The next chapter of Lusnikova's business includes a larger, open-concept kitchen and seating space in the heart of downtown, representing more than expansion. It reflects downtown Auburn's capacity to support growing businesses.

Downtown Auburn Supports Local Investment

Lusnikova didn't scout regional markets. She invested in Auburn because she already believed in it.

"I started English here. I went to Green River College here. I've never lived in another city in the US," she said. "Auburn feels like home."

That personal connection translated into commitment. Lusnikova's husband has helped with the construction, and buildout from scratch, just as he did when they launched the original location during the pandemic. With support from Auburn's city staff, including direct assistance from the Economic Development team, the process became manageable, even when navigating language barriers.

"They always helped, especially Emerson [Economic Development Coordinator]," Lusnikova said. “He tells me about every program. When we had a problem with signage, he texted me with solutions. That kind of help makes all the difference.”

Traditional Recipes Meet American Demand

What began with Ukrainian cakes and pastries quickly evolved. Lusnikova introduced American pies, baklava, and seasonal items in response to community requests. But she never abandoned her roots. “Piroshki, poppy seed rolls, bread, these are my family recipes," she said. "It's more than food. It's memory. It's connection."
That connection has translated into sales. Customers now place custom orders weeks in advance. Schools and local nonprofits request donations. Food banks benefit from surplus. Community engagement is an integral part of her business strategy, but more importantly, it is just part of who she is. 

More Business Means More Community Value

The new downtown location features an open kitchen and seating area, built to invite visibility and foot traffic. It's also a step toward something broader: a more vibrant, walkable downtown Auburn.

"We need more businesses here," Lusnikova said. "Right now, people leave the city for work. But we could create jobs right here. If there are more shops, more places to visit, we all benefit, especially residents, families, and business owners."

Her message to other entrepreneurs is clear: Downtown Auburn is ready. The infrastructure is in place. The community is receptive. The city is responsive.

"If I could do this with no language, no help, just hard work and the city's support, others can do it too," Lusnikova said.

Join Pie Style Bakery in Downtown Auburn

Business leaders and property owners considering investment in Auburn should take note. Downtown's small business environment is changing for the better. Pie Style Bakery's expansion shows that with the right support and space, local businesses can scale and succeed.

Contact Auburn Economic Development to learn more about the opportunities available to aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a vibrant downtown and Main Street to call home.