Homemade Pies and Local Pride: The Sweet Tradition of the Blue Star Restaurant

Posted Sep 23rd, 2025 in Other Cool Stuff

Homemade Pies and Local Pride: The Sweet Tradition of the Blue Star Restaurant

There’s something about homemade pie that feels like home, and at the Blue Star Restaurant in Welland, pies have always been one of the sweetest traditions. From coconut cream and lemon meringue to apple, blueberry, raspberry, chocolate, peanut butter, and even blueberry cheesecake, every pie in the Blue Star display is baked fresh, in-house, with the kind of care you can taste in every bite. The coconut cream pie, in particular, has become a staple – a dessert so beloved that it’s as much a part of the Blue Star’s identity as its famous broasted chicken.

The freshly updated pie display now showcases these classics in all their glory, drawing in regulars and newcomers alike. It’s more than just dessert – it’s a connection to decades of memories, family gatherings, and shared meals. Many locals will tell you that a trip to the Blue Star isn’t complete without finishing it off with a slice of pie.

The Blue Star’s roots run deep. Since 1947, it’s been more than a restaurant – it’s been a gathering place, an institution, and a part of Welland’s heartbeat. Through the years, John and Renée Plentai and Brian Mareau carried forward the tradition, modernizing the menu with new items while staying true to customer favorites like pierogies, cabbage rolls, steaks, and, of course, those unforgettable homemade pies. Loyal customers have stayed with the Blue Star for generations, and the restaurant has even served its share of famous guests, including Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau and Stephen Harper.

Today, a new chapter is unfolding as Peter and Trish Chiasson step in to lead the Blue Star Restaurant into the future. With their talents, vision, and passion for hospitality, they’re building on the restaurant’s proud history while bringing fresh ideas to keep it thriving for years to come. Under their leadership, the Blue Star continues to be a place where locals gather, visitors feel welcome, and homemade quality remains at the heart of every dish.

At the end of the day, the Blue Star’s pies tell the whole story. They’re a reminder that some traditions are too good to let go – and that every slice carries with it the sweetness of community, continuity, and pride in serving Welland since 1947.