That is one what one Lawrence cafe has done this winter and it has proved to be a winning decision.
Wild Walnut owners Sue Bertram and Jim Merrill refused to accept the so-called economic recession which loomed large over many businesses, so it conducted a major re-branding campaign and went back to the kitchen, returning with a pie steeped in Lawrence's tradition.
The resulting miner's pie was a team effort by all six staff, co-owner Sue Bertram said.
Using local ingredients the pies are a tasty and nourishing treat and the work protects jobs that might have been under threat during the normally quiet winter months.
Six pies have been launched so far, each with its own name.
The cafe produces the venison and red wine pie (or Booze and Bambi, as it is playfully marketed), the savoury chicken pie (the Yard Bird deluxe), the smoked fish pie (We Found Nemo), the vegetarian pie (Green'n'Mean) and the more traditional mince (How Now Ground Cow) and bacon and egg (Breakfast Buddy) pies.
The pies have two layers of pastry, a pasty style to the traditional pie and are "chock full" of ingredients.
Lawrence's supermarket sells them and the cafe owners have held sampling morning teas for staff at some local businesses.
Their Balclutha accountants were treated to samples, to spread the word.
Plans are afoot to take the pies to the rest of the region, and The Wild Walnut held an official pie launch in Balclutha last week.
"After all, why should Lawrence keep all its tasty secrets to itself?" Mrs Bertram said.
For Mr Merrill, the pies and the re-branding of The Wild Walnut's preserves, jams, relishes, vinegars and chutneys have breathed new life and tastes into the business.
"We could have just let the recession hurt us, but we decided to stand up, think outside the square and have a go at something a bit different."
Mrs Bertram said the move not only added a new element to the business but protected jobs in the quieter season.
If demand reached expected levels, it could even take on more staff.
The couple also hope their efforts will show other small businesses there are ways of surviving and even prospering when tough economic conditions bite.
