Why We're increasing Menu Prices: From Home-baker to Local Café

When we embarked on our journey of Good Judys in the warm atmosphere of our home, we never expected it to expand so quickly due to positive word of mouth, transforming into something beyond our wildest dreams. But as the quality of our product has continued to improve, so has the realities of running a food business. Now that we have stepped out of the home kitchen into a commercial operation, that means adjusting our bagel prices. Let's discuss why these price increases are essential for the business and our cherished customers.

A Journey of Growth

Just a year ago, we were just another home-based baker eager to make a mark in our local community. Jeff took immense pride in crafting each baked item, experimenting with flavors, and forming real connections with our customers and community members. It was not just a business; it was a labor of love.

Our home-based operation allowed us to be creative, but there are limits to what a cottage food business can achieve. In a commercial setting, we can enforce better food safety practices and implement efficient production methods. For instance, we now have access to industrial-grade ovens and a boiling kettle that allow us to boil and bake in larger batches, enhancing consistency and quality. While this transition comes with increased overhead, it also enables us to create a more diverse and innovative menu that we genuinely look forward to sharing with all of you as it develops.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

As we continue to grow our operation, we are also activtly working to support other local businesses. We recently started getting all of our romaine from Kountry Fresh & Koss Family Farms, and we are looking for local producers once our other vegetables get in season. We also source our coffee from the local roastery, Columbia Street. And, by popular demand, we will be adding a selection of sweet treats from F & T Desserts.

What to Expect in Our New Menu

Below you can see our updated menu. You will noticed some new items (e.g., salads, sweet treats, and office bundles), as well as the removal of some other items. In addition. we have also adjusted our beverage menu, lowering the prices on some items, as well as increasing our base number of shots. Now, an iced or blended espresso beverage will have two espresso shots (1 oz. each) in a 12 oz. beverages and three espresso shots (1 oz. each) in a 16 oz. beverage. In addition, we are adding a selection of salads to our menu based on some of our most popular sandwiches, topped with some crunchy bagle chips!

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A Heartfelt Thank You

As we navigate these changes, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Every purchase helps a small business like ours thrive in this competitive landscape. We are committed to being transparent about why these adjustments are necessary.

Looking ahead, we are eager to introduce even more creativity and innovation to the menu. By focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and striving for excellence, we are dedicated to making this transition benefit us both. We hope you'll come along for the journey, tasting new flavors and experiences that spring from this new chapter.

Next time you notice a price increase, remember it signifies not just higher costs but the evolution of our craft and our dedication to you. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey from cottage food to full café. We can’t wait to keep baking for you!