Our story started back in 2021.
2 phat bastard pies is the product of a family built by friendship and inspired by food. Our Texas-sized family is obsessed with good food and the goodness in food, so we only thought it fair to share our favorite pies from one phat bastard to another!
The Story of 2 Phat Bastard Pies
Zimbabwean natives Nilesh & Rajen first met during an introductory computer informatics course at Bulawayo Technical Training College, but it was not long before their relationship grew beyond a simple classroom acquaintance. Soon enough, the two became teammates on a local field hockey team, went on various fishing expeditions along the mighty Zambezi River, and eventually took over their respective family business—Nilesh taking over his father’s “Oriental Takeaways” pie shop and Rajen managing his father’s men’s apparel store.
Years passed, the economy took a turn, and their lives changed forever. Nilesh decided to immigrate to the USA, settling down in Commerce, GA with his wife and children. Six years later, Rajen followed suit with his wife and three children to settle in Houston, TX.
The two didn’t stay apart for long.
By 2010, Nilesh and Rajen were reunited—same city, same job, same unbreakable bond. Their families quickly grew close again. After years of working for others and reminiscing on their roots, they decided it was time to build something of their own. With Nilesh’s food artistry—especially his legendary pie recipe—and Rajen’s marketing chops, the idea for 2 Phat Bastard Pies was born.
They launched as “Pastry Pals LLC” in April 2021, hitting farmers markets and community events to get their pies out into the Houston food scene. Within months, they connected with the Railway Heights Market team and began prepping for their big debut at the Conservatory Mid-Town Food Hall, opening in 2022.
The rest? Flaky, phat history.
Meet Our Founders
Two friends, one flaky mission—serving pies with soul and a whole lot of history.
Rajen
Skilled sous chef, avid sports lover, social butterfly, husband, and father.
Nilesh
Pie chef extraordinaire, avid fisherman, skilled handyman, husband, and father.
