On March 14, 2025, people across the Waterloo region and beyond will indulge their love of pie and mathematics as they celebrate Pi Day. While mathematicians might focus on the significance of the date, which corresponds to the first three digits of the mathematical constant pi (3.14), for many, it’s simply about enjoying delicious pastries.
First celebrated in the United States back in 1988, Pi Day has grown to become a festive occasion. One of the local champions of this celebration is the Sweet and Savoury Pie Company, known for creating delightful pies. Co-owner Henry de Jong recalls, “People were getting pies. We were lined up out the door so they could be home at 9:26 and be eating [that] pie at 9:26 and 53 seconds, because that's the number.” The bakery has embraced Pi Day since its inaugural celebration in 2015, fueled by the region’s strong academic presence with universities and colleges nearby.
What’s on the menu this Pi Day? A variety of pies, of course! The Sweet and Savoury Pie Company offers everything from traditional fruit pies to hearty meat options. The de Jongs have cultivated their offerings to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring the community enjoys pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Meanwhile, the Damask Resto-Market, also located in Kitchener, has prepared Mediterranean delights for Pi Day. They feature sfiha, round flatbreads topped with seasoned ground lamb or beef. Owner Adam Alhares explains, “It’s sort of like a mini pie. We put meat and spread it on top,” pointing to the pie’s versatility as both savory and filling.
For those craving something familiar, Melina's will be dishing out spanakopita, the traditional Greek spinach pie, made with crispy layers of filo pastry. Co-owner Nathalia Zuniga highlights how this dish of layered pastry wrapped around spinach and feta has earned its place as the ultimate comfort food. “Spanakopita is actually spinach pie in Greek,” she notes with pride.
But the celebrations extend beyond sweet and savory local offerings. Bakeries like Duchess Bakeshop located on 124 Street will also be selling beautifully decorated pies, infused with playful references to Pi, enriching the festive atmosphere of the day. It’s not just about consuming pie; it’s also about celebrating the joy and creativity pie brings to life.
Restaurants have jumped on the Pi Day bandwagon as well. Pizza Hut is introducing its “Pizza Charcuterie,” which allows customers to customize their pizza experience. Customers can mix and match any two medium pizzas, eight boneless wings, and assorted sides for $24.99 on Pi Day. Similarly, Burger King is offering a free Hershey’s pie with any purchase exceeding $3.14, and Papa John’s is enticing rewards members by offering additional pizza at the price of $3.14 with the order of larger pizzas.
Camosun College is getting students involved, too. On this day, students will gather for events focused on math and pie at the Interurban campus. According to Patrick Montgomery, chair of mathematics and statistics at the school, the day will begin with students calculating Pi by hand, reminiscent of their elementary school days. He added with enthusiasm, “[First] they have to calculate Pi by hand, and if you remembered back to elementary school, that's not an easy thing. After the math challenge, we have a pie-eatying contest,” engaging students through both fun and educational activities.
Participants had their chance to devour culinary arts students' homemade pies during the event, enjoyably combating nostalgia and food together. Competitions are bound to breed excitement, with students hoping to best the fastest pie-eater—less than one minute for this year’s top contestant. The overarching goal, as Montgomery put it, is to inspire excitement about mathematics, showing how numbers can blend seamlessly with culinary delights.
Across the region, students, bakers, and families alike are expected to come together to honor Pi Day. Based on the celebratory spirit, one could argue this day uniquely unites people for more than just pie. Love for this timeless dessert loops the community, reinforcing its role within family gatherings, traditions, and everyday life.
More than just numbers on paper, Pi Day brings forth excitement and joy, emphasizing how mathematics influences society. Whether one calculates with diligence or indulges in pie without counting calories, March 14 proves to be more than just another day; it's treasured, nurtured, and filled with warmth, bringing smiles to everyone.