A pie shop famous for giving back to the community has opened at a new location in Blackburn.
Z Pies and Pasties had its grand opening on Whalley Old Road in Little Harwood, bringing a property that had been empty for over a year back into use.
Leader of the council, Phil Riley, officially opened the shop to a huge round of applause.
The shop is the brainchild of Afshan Iqbal, who opened her Nelson branch in 2024, four years after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
The menu features a range of pasties, sandwiches, and paninis, including its famous sarson ka saag (spinach), LalaMusa samosa chaat, and anday walay burger (egg burger).
The newly renovated property, around the corner from St Stephen's Primary School, will also offer old-school meals and birthday cakes.
The bakery donates 5% of its profits to local charities, provides free food for homeless people, offers a mental health support space with tea and cake, hosts disability-friendly children's events and assists community members in need.
Welcoming people to the store, Afshan said: "Today marks a milestone that, to be honest, leaves me feeling deeply humbled. Opening our second bakery isn't just about expanding a business or baking more bread — it’s a celebration of community, trust, and shared blessings.
"First and foremost, all praise and gratitude belong to Allah (SWT)."
She said: "When we first opened our doors, we wanted to build something more than just a business. We wanted to build a haven of support. Today, as we step into this new chapter, I want to reaffirm that promise to you all.
"We will continue to embed Sadaqah (act of charity) into the heart of everything we do. We believe that a business only truly succeeds when its community thrives together. To ensure we honour this commitment:
"Homeless individuals will always eat for free at our bakery. No one in our neighborhood should ever have to go to bed on an empty stomach, and our doors will always remain open to offer a warm meal with dignity and respect.
"We stand ready to support anyone facing difficult times. Whether it’s helping a neighbour in need or supporting local causes, we promise to serve this community with immense pride, compassion, and hands-on support whenever hardship strikes.
"This bakery belongs to all of us. It is built on love, baked with care, and dedicated to serving each and every one of you."
Cllr Riley said: “It is lovely to welcome this business into Blackburn.
“It certainly is something new for the town.
“I know it is something people have been really keen to have in this area. It adds to what is being offered in Little Harwood."
Little Harwood and Whitebirk Councillor Mustafa Desai said: “It is absolutely wonderful for the area.
“I am pleased they have picked this spot.
“It has been a vacant building and I am really happy for them. There are a lot of people wanting a bakery in Little Harwood as we used to have one across the road.
“You can just see the turnout today and hopefully it will be a great success.”
Cllr Shaukat Hussain added: “It is an empty shop and it is great to see it being brought back into use.
“It looks like it is going to be successful and it has also helped to create jobs.”
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