Why Pie? is a short documentary directed by Shelly Seymour and Mark Birnbaum about the delectable desserts offered at the Paris Coffee Shop in Fort Worth. Owner Mike Smith describes his daily routine, waking up early in the morning to begin baking pies from scratch. He also praises the “magical” quality of meringue. Later, customers answer the titular question, commending the taste of Paris pies. Vic Paris opened the Paris Coffee Shop in 1926. Mike Smith’s father, Gregory, purchased the restaurant a few years later. Mike took over the business in 1965 after his father fell ill. Nine years later, Paris moved to its current location on Magnolia Avenue. Why Pie? won the Grand Prize in the short film competition at the 2016 Lone Star Film Festival.

Tarrant County Fort Worth

TFC 2010s 2010’s Fort Worth Tarrant County documentary documentary short short film Paris Coffee Shop restaurant

pie dessert cooking baking interview Mark Birnbaum Productions Mike Birnbaum Birnbaum Mike Shelly Seymour

Seymour, Shelly directed by director chocolate meringue pie lemon meringue pie meringue kitchen diner Mike Smith Smith, Mike

customer