Alki Bakery followup: More from owner, landlord, manager…

(Tuesday morning photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Since our Monday night report on the Alki Bakery closure, a few developments – a couple of which were added to that report, a couple that were not. First – if you missed that story, to recap, the bakery closed without warning Monday night, with a note posted on the door by the company, saying in part, “Our lease has run its course and it’s not viable for us to renew at a rate that works for both Alki Bakery and our landlord.” Our interview request to the AB owner Kevin Piper has gone unanswered, though Nancy Leson at the Seattle Times has just published an update, writing that he said in e-mail:

Simply put, our lease on Alki Beach is about to expire and the economics of renewing the lease at a much higher rate does not work … We will do our best to find positions for our staff members in other locations.

The landlord, however, has commented publicly. As noted in an addition to our previous story, the property owner of record, Joanne Richey, died last summer; her daughter Barbara Wuerth posted last night on the newly created Save the Alki Bakery Facebook page, alluding to critical comments, saying:

I am the evil landlord. My family has owned this building since 1920. The closing was mutual, he has become much busier with his bakery in Kent. I toured it and was really impressed. I will miss his coffee but things change. His baked goods are still available in many groceries and restaurants.

We are seeking further comment from her, too. We have also had online exchanges with Sarah Holmes, longtime café manager, who has also commented here and elsewhere. In a comment last night, she says she’s planning to stop by at noon today to check out the notes on the door; she also told us last night that she received word of the impending shutdown “less than an hour” before her staff, and that she was offered a position at another AB outlet. She also has written on Save the Alki Bakery:

Thank You everyone…for your beautiful words and stories. It means the WORLD to the people who actually worked there. We will all miss the Bakery greatly…both as a job and as a home…♥ DO NOT be rude to the owners of the building, please, they have lost so very much in the recent past months. They did NOT ask for this or I’m sure want it….

No public hint so far of what’s next for the 61st/Alki building.

Cami November 17, 2010 (10:38 am)

Thanks for such great coverage, Tracy!!!

Carson November 17, 2010 (10:43 am)

So in other words, we still don’t know what happened or what really caused them to vacate the building.

WSB November 17, 2010 (11:12 am)

C, all I can do is report what we find. I have looked into legal and property records to see if there was any hint of something that might have triggered something so sudden; so far, nothing. – TR

Mike November 17, 2010 (10:54 am)

Thanks for getting the whole story. But it’s sad to lose one of my favorite places.

ABWSMom November 17, 2010 (11:04 am)

It seems very disrespectful of the Alki Bakery owner to give such a short notice of the business closing to the employees. I will no longer purchase their products which I always thought were medicore to begin with. I spent $5 on a bag of stale chocolate chip cookies from their Kent bakery.

SarahScoot November 17, 2010 (11:14 am)

I don’t have anything to say about the bakery itself, as I never bought anything there, but I’m wondering if Sarah Holmes accepted the position offered to her; the article simply notes she was offered a position elsewhere in the company.
If it were me, I’d certainly have a hard time staying with a company that treated its employees in such a way.
Then again, the job market is tight right now, so I wouldn’t blame her for agreeing to stay. In either case, I’d love to know the outcome.

Carson November 17, 2010 (11:27 am)

Tracy,

That was not meant to be critical at all. I know you can’t make it up, just report it. My point was we really don’t know what is up with the lease, but both parties appear to be very guarded in what they are saying and the result is, we really don’t know. Its also not our business, unless they want to tell us.

chas redmond November 17, 2010 (11:32 am)

To be honest, it never was the baked goods which kept Alki Bakery’s Alki Beach location full. It was the ambience, the variety of food available – soups, chiles, sandwiches, breakfast items, a whole cafe’s worth of items beyond the chocolate crinkle cookies and their scones – which, btw, WERE good. I doubt I’ll be a big purchaser of Alki Bakery packaged goods when Macrina and Essential and so many others are doing the same thing there’s just too much choice. As mentioned – it never was the baked items alone.

Kristina November 17, 2010 (11:37 am)

Thanks to WSB for reporting both sides of the issue. It’s so easy to jump to conclusions, when the truth is often less sordid.

Baba November 17, 2010 (11:48 am)

I agree, we are all playing armchair detectives here. From landlords FB post I gather that this decision was mutual and long in the making.
.
What I don’t get is why did the Bakery chose to treat employees, customers and community with such disrespect? Is our economy causing this dehumanization? Is it the “new normal”, everyone keeps talking about?

cj November 17, 2010 (11:50 am)

That’s just sad. I feel that the little cafes help make West Seattle feel so special. I worry that more and more of them will disappear due to rental issues.

Jo November 17, 2010 (11:59 am)

I live a block away from Alki Bakery, and am sooo sad to see it closed. When I give directions to people coming to visit me, I always say “go along Alki until you get to the Alki Bakery, then make a left on 61st….” Sure gotta change that now.
Please don’t be hard on the Rickey family (Barbara Wuerth).
They have given much to this community over the years and have remained very loyal to Alki in particular. They lived in the apartment above the Alki Bakery.
My dad lived on Alki Point, and when I’d bring my kids to visit, we’d always go to Seaside Pharmacy for treats. Mr. Rickey would always remember my kids’ names, even though sometimes it had been 3-4 months since we’d be in.
My Dad relocated to Alaska for 8 years, and when he came back to his Alki Point house and went into the Pharmacy, Mr. Rickey gave a big hearty, “Hello Bud. Glad to have you back.”
Rickey Viewpoint on Beach Drive (or the Rocky Beach, as locals call it) is named after this family.
There’s always 2-sides to every story….
Jo Ofsthus

Ezra November 17, 2010 (12:00 pm)

Two of my friends lost their jobs as a result of this closure. They were given no warning at all; the “owner” showed up as their shift was ending and, as people he brought with him began to remove equipment and paper up the windows, informed them that the Bakery was closing that very night, never to open again. A very sad surprise that has left my friends and their former coworkers without work, confused and angry.

While I believe that there is some truth to the rumor that *some* of the employees affected by this closure were offered positions in the Kent factory, I know that, were I to be placed in their position, I would be hard pressed to accept an offer from an employer that had shown such obvious distrust of their employees and acted so reprehensibly.

I just hope that my friends can find new jobs soon.

Jo November 17, 2010 (12:01 pm)

…And I’m really going to miss their Thai Chop Chop salad.
Bummer!

pam November 17, 2010 (12:02 pm)

I totally agree Chas… It really wasn’t the “goods” it was the place and the people. I’m sure that I won’t buy the baked goods elsewhere because it will just make me miss the place that much more. I’m also really disappointed in the “Alki” Bakery for just totally removing itself from our local community and commerce, it’s evident from all the comments and memories that people from all over the city would make a trip to the beach to enjoy the Alki Bakery. The bakery brought money and attention to all local West Seattle businesses. I’m sad and angry about the bakery leaving our community for so many reasons! Including how the company has handled this change with it’s employees. This situation has left me with a bad feeling towards a local (no more!) business I once revered. Super, super disgusted. Yuck.

West Seattle resident who works in Kent November 17, 2010 (12:10 pm)

Sad to see the beach location close – it was a nice place to stop for drinks, lunch or a snack after a nice walk at the beach (esp in winter when the beach is full of locals only).
I work near their Kent location and used to go there sometimes for lunch but their prices have continued to go up and up and the portions and quality of the food has gone down. Very disappointing. There used to be long wait lines daily there for lunch but not so for the past year plus. I wonder how long they will survive there. Maybe the Mon-Fri work day schedule of the Kent location just fits the owner’s desires more now.

bridge to somewhere November 17, 2010 (12:23 pm)

While I’m sad the see Alki Bakery go, I’m pretty confident its location and view (which is why I went) will be reborn as a new restaurant or coffeeshop, perhaps one with better WiFi. ;-) That location and view rocks (well, at least when the city buses aren’t parked out in front).

And lastly, if there’s anything to be disgusted about, it’s how some WSB readers so quickly jump to criticize the business owner or landlord. Businesses closing are never fun for any party–landlord, business owner, or employee.

Chris November 17, 2010 (12:58 pm)

It would make sense to now remove the “Alki” portion of Alki Bakery. They lost the link and should not mislead the public.

bridge to somewhere November 17, 2010 (1:03 pm)

Very good point Chris. “Kent Bakery” now makes more sense (if it does offer a little less luster).

WSBoB November 17, 2010 (1:06 pm)

What a great missed opportunity for owner Kevin Piper to have free press, public relations, and closure to what got him to where he is on his Kent venture. This is how I see it to be a positive for everyone involved…a week prior to closing, Mr. Piper informs the news media of Alki Bakerys last day…(something like this)”it is with a heavy heart that I have to inform the great community of Alki, the closing of the bakery. It is just not financially economical to keep my original business afloat. But I want to thank the community for its support over the last 25 years, for Sharon Holmes on managing the establishment, for all the great workers that we have had, and to you the customer, we enjoyed serving you. Sunday will be our last day where we hope you will stop by for free coffee and cookies and maybe share a story of your experience at Alki Bakery. We our working on finding the staff other avenues of employment. Again, thank you for your patronage.” He could have had other managers help Sharon for the last week and everyone would have had a proper good-bye. Free publicity of where you could still purchase his bakery items and a little better closure for the community and his venture of where it got him today…

Sonoma November 17, 2010 (1:18 pm)

Well put, WSBoB! That would have been a smart move – sensitive to the employees and community, as well as good PR for his business.

KBear November 17, 2010 (1:20 pm)

‘“Kent Bakery” now makes more sense (if it does offer a little less luster).’
.
I wonder how that move would have been covered on the John Report…

rw November 17, 2010 (1:47 pm)

One more vote for opening a new coffee house there. Even with the buses, it’s the most open to the water of the Alki coffee houses and a great a.m. to afternoon meeting spot. My wife will miss the cinnamon roles.

Gina November 17, 2010 (1:49 pm)

The Richey family has a long history here in West Seattle. I was disgusted with the comments villifying the landlords of the property, publishing the address of a dead woman to send nasty letters to.

SarahScoot November 17, 2010 (1:56 pm)

KBear – I’m going to upload my version of how the Keister might have envisioned the bakery’s new logo… check the forums in a few.

Carson November 17, 2010 (2:24 pm)

Gina,

I published the owners PO box. My intent was not for her to be harassed, but to point out she would not be easy to contact, ie a PO Box in Ocean Shores. I was not aware of her recent passing. Again, the story has not been told yet so no one but the 2 parties involved know the truth.

charlabob November 17, 2010 (2:28 pm)

Piper did his best to weasel-word his way around the situation and to make clear that it was a mutual decision. However, the way he treated his staff was shocking — kind of what I come to expect of a large bureaucratic corporation — not a neighborhood business. I won’t have to look for them in Kent and I can continue to ignore their stale, overwrapped products in local markets. (And, yeah — I’ve mentioned it to the markets — in fact, I’ve returned brownies and cookies to the markets — who said, “You’re not the first …” and refunded the charge.

When will employers learn to treat people like people instead of (my current least fave): talent.

Petunia November 17, 2010 (2:30 pm)

I’m sad to see the bakery close, but it’s really annoying to read the critical posts re the landlord and business owner. If the posters want the bakery to stay despite cost increases they need to pony up for the rent. It’s not the landlord’s job to subsidize a business nor can a business operate at a loss. I’ve been concerned about the bakery ever since Starbucks opened. When I walk or drive by Starbucks is usually full, the bakery not so much.

Jacob November 17, 2010 (2:36 pm)

Like ABWSMom, I will not knowingly do business with a company that treats their employees like this.

AlkiJoe November 17, 2010 (2:43 pm)

Sounds like neither side is PR-savvy and they had no interest in involving the Alki community in any kind of “farewell” to the bakery. Missed opportunity to be sure, but their choice. Not sure why they don’t understand the difference between the importance of sustaining a memorable meeting spot (which it was) vs. buying a generic baked good in a grocery store. What is most disappionting is their failure to notify employees of the closing in advance – that’s basic courtesy.

“Things change”. You got that right!

sunshine November 17, 2010 (2:58 pm)

I wonder how many they employ at the other locations?

There are laws about providing employees notice of an impending lay-off.
http://www.esd.wa.gov/newsandinformation/warn/index.php

WSB November 17, 2010 (3:43 pm)

Sunshine, that’s an interesting point. I will admit to not knowing if there is a requirement to disclose somewhere publicly how many workers you have – but I’m researching it now with the state department in question – TR
- WSB November 17, 2010 (6:29 pm)
  
  Followup on Sunshine’s point – I checked with a state spokesperson, who noted it’s a federal law, and even if the entire company here had 100+ workers, it wouldn’t apply in this CASE, and she goes on to say there are no enforcement teeth anyway:
  .
  >>[ the law is ] The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN).
  .
  Below is the link to a federal fact sheet and to a synopsis on the
  Employment Security website that outline the notification and reporting
  requirements. In a nutshell, the number and percentage requirements
  apply to a layoff at a single location, not necessarily an entire
  company. E.g., if an employer has 30 people in each of five locations
  (total of 150) and lays off all of them at once, it wouldn’t necessarily
  trigger a WARN requirement, since none of the worksites has more than 50
  employees.
  .
  Unfortunately, even when WARN thresholds are met and notification is
  required, the federal act has no teeth – so there are no penalties for
  employers that don’t comply.
  .
  Federal fact sheet – http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/warn.htm
  Employment Security summary:
  http://www.esd.wa.gov/hireanemployee/layoffs/report-requirements.php
  <<

notever November 17, 2010 (3:04 pm)

There is no excuse for treating the employees that way. None. Especially in this economy.

I’m sure that conduct will alienate many potential customers at any future location.

Laurie November 17, 2010 (3:13 pm)

Running a small business is a labor of love. I do wonder, though, why businesses in trouble don’t send up an S.O.S. ahead of time? I would definitely have spent more at Square One Books if I had any clue the store was in danger of going under. I would have made a point of splurging on a dinner or two at Cafe Revo for the same reason, and I KNOW I’m not the only one.
I’m working but I’m not loaded. I can’t afford to buy all the books I want, or eat out all the time, but surely I and the rest of West Seattle would have made a special effort to give more business to these establishments, if only we had realized it would have kept them in business.

sa November 17, 2010 (4:41 pm)

How about someone starting a real bakery there? Call it the “Alki Beach Bakery”.

If they had been baking goods there, you would have seen lines out the door. The food was indeed not fresh bakery material. Think about Specialities, which has locations all around. They actually “bake all there materials at each location and the smell brings in the customers, and the quality keeps them coming back.

I will not be buying goods from the “Alki” Bakery in retail stores or elsewhere anymore. They need to drop the name.

Loved the Alki Bakery November 17, 2010 (6:17 pm)

Oh, my goodness!!! I have been taking my mom into the Alki Bakery at least once a week if not more because the service was amazing (thank you Erin!!!!) and the food options were varied from sweets to meals, and the wonderful view!!! It was a special place for my mom and I to go to and spend time together!!!! We will miss the Alki Bakery and the golden times we had there! Please dont go away!!! Erin, I wish you the best, you made our visits to the Alki Bakery extra special!!! You are such a sweet person!

AML November 17, 2010 (6:43 pm)

I am sorry to hear about that- this bakery holds a special place in my heart- as it was where I had my first date with my husband.
Thank you for many years.

NotMe November 17, 2010 (7:42 pm)

Why should they take off the “Alki?” Ever seen a “Seattle’s Best” in other cities? How about the New York Giants? They play in New Jersey. The list is huge. There are some very self-absorbed people reading and commenting on this blog. They feel as though they have some sort of say in what goes on in their community.
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Do you want to say something or make a difference? Stop buying their goods in the grocery stores. Obviously, the owner has found in his spreadsheets that he makes more profit in Kent just mass-producing globs of sugar and processed crap and then selling them in grocery stores. What this owner fails to realize is – you need a flagship store to carry the brand. Those baked goods at Metropolitan, for example, are too pricey and quite frankly – they don’t even look that good. Watch what happens to your numbers over the next few months… this community generally doesn’t like to be insulted – and they have good memories. This owner may be developing a PR nightmare he/she is going to wish they ever started.
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For those of you over the last couple of days that spewed your hate on the landlord – you really should be ashamed.
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Carson, you did not put that owner’s name AND mailing address on the first thread for any other reason than to be cruel without knowing first, just exactly what the bleep (starts with an “f”) you were doing. You thought you were soooo cool because you dug a little and you were the first to post it out there. Go read your comments again. So, don’t sit here tonight and act like you were doing this good family any favors.
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Please, stop bashing people before you know the whole story in the future, especially landlords. I will tell you, the folks that own these old, wonderful buildings that house our businesses in West Seattle ALL have some amazing stories of what they have done for this community… although I am sure someone is going to prove me wrong with 1 or 2 bad seeds. :-)
.
One thing I do really like about the WSB – I get to post my opinions, too. Thanks WSB!

skategrrl November 17, 2010 (8:21 pm)

NOT happy with the owner. I think that AB was a fixture in the community and not giving the employees notice is bad enough!–but not giving the regular customers, many of whom are seniors, a chance to say goodbye, is also really low. I will not be buying their baked goods again.

Thanks for the great coverage, WSB.

dingleberry November 18, 2010 (12:05 am)

sounds like someone else is willing to pay more…

Kara November 18, 2010 (12:09 am)

I have been going to the alki bakery for years and am so sad that it has been closed. I have many close friends who worked many years there (including manager Sarah Holms 12 years)and i am disgusted with the way they went about closing the bakery. Its not fair to the employees who have made such close bonds with the regulars…they had no chance to say good bye to anyone which is so wrong. Sarah holmes put her heart and soul into the bakery along with her amazing staff.The bakery staff (past and present) are all a big family and deserve the best and that is not what they were given. I will be BOYCOTTING ALL ALKI BAKERY PRODUCTS and hope you all do the same…to all of the wonderful staff at the alki bakery I wish you all the best!

JHG November 18, 2010 (10:55 am)

Sure the landlord will say things change but a profitable bakery like alki dont just close just lime that. There’s a disagreement with the lease and the owner got greedy and sign a corporate rat bustard coffee shop to lease it.

Baba November 18, 2010 (11:32 am)

Leave the landlord alone!!! it’s her property, and she has the right to lease it to any “rat bastard” for whatever the $$$ she pleases!!! I can’t believe how many here have fallen for this cheap shot, blame the landlord, started by the Bakery.

alkilocal November 18, 2010 (11:44 am)

I will miss the old Alki Bakery but look forward to what will become of this popular spot. I have had lackluster experiences at the bakery in the last 5 years (10min to make a latte? Consistently?) and prefer the baked goods at other local businesses. And I was always cold in the building in the winter and never liked the uncomfortable seating. I think the sentimate of this being a popular place due to location is accurate and look forward to a better local business filling the space.

dr November 18, 2010 (2:18 pm)

The biggest disappointment of this is having another vacant building in the neighborhood. For a bakery, Alki Bakery was never anything to brag about. Coffee was below par and service was always disappointing. Always thought it was weird they sold coffee beans but didn’t have a way to grind them. Great location, I wouldn’t mind another bakery giving it a try. I love a good neighborhood bakery. Perhaps one that actually sells bread this time.

co November 18, 2010 (3:31 pm)

Call it the “Alki Fakery” Only baking ever done there was toasting a slice of bread for a sandwich everything else shipped in from the main factory.
Whatever moves in there will be an improvement. The staff was nice, but the place was kind of going downhill for a few years. Owners truly lost sight of their original idea in the name of expansion. Lets hope another original idea moves in there and stays true to its roots and customers.

skategrrl November 18, 2010 (4:44 pm)

Agreed. I’d love to see something like Irwins (in Wallingford) move into that space.

MB November 18, 2010 (5:02 pm)

I don’t understand why so many people feel the need to get on here spewing mean comments regarding situations they know nothing about, and I’m not only referring to this story. The more time goes on, the more many of you are beginning to sound almost as bad as the mainstream news comment boards. It’s really sad. I’m not saying we should only post opinions that others will agree with (I’m one of the most opinionated people you’ll meet and am unconcerned with the popularity of those opinions) but come on…at least use a little common sense and common courtesy. While you’re at it, be willing to admit when you put a big giant foot in your mouth rather than trying to justify it…it’s much more respectable. Ok, go ahead and jump all over me ;)

Baba November 18, 2010 (7:02 pm)

MB, i agree with you, but in this case, your timing is way off… ;-)

Richard November 18, 2010 (10:56 pm)

Being a life long and third generation resident of Alki, living where I grew up, and still having family who lives and works here too,change is hard to take. Sure, you can go to any neighborhood and find one of those big corperate operations, competing with another chain, for about the same product,but then there are the “local” shops, that add a bit of depth, richness, and taste to a neighborhood that the others just can’t match. Sadly, once again, a place like this fades away,because something obviously gets in the way contiuing the legacy.

The Alki Bakery for me was a place much like McLendon’s Hardware, Barnecutt’s Gas Station, West Seattle Brake Shop, Charleston Cafe, Luna Park Cafe, Bison Creek, West Seattle Speedway&Hobby, Spuds (pre-Ivar’s occupation)West Seattle Florists, Dick n Dale’s, EasyStreet, PepperDocks….you get the idea, that exsited because the locals made sure it stayed in exsistence. All to often when these stories go sour, we look for a fall guy, so in this case, even I questioned the parties involed. Having grown up in the days of when you needed to get a prescription filled, a parent could walk down to the Ritchey family’s “Seaside Pharmacy” and you were certain, no guaranteed to see more than one familiar face, and the lay of the land within the store,consistant, with only seasonal changes bein made. There is and was, great comfort, in knowing that some things remained the same.

Word on the street,regarding the sudden change in the landscape on the cornner of 63rd and Alki, is that even though there is a 3rd generation of locals involved, and yes sometimes when the kids, or grandkids get ahold of what their ancestors created, there is a less than interested concern on the establishment’s future, or impact to its immediate neighbors (such as the case with the loss of the Alki IGA, and then the ever convienant and going concern Alki Market…thanks alot Poll family) but I would like to think that the Ritchey daughters, who have salt air in their veins like the rest of us, at the very least, held some minute degree of concern regarding their old stomping grounds and those who still call it home. I’m willing to bet that Carol and Barbara took some seroius consideration towards the matter.

As for the word on the street, well, an increase of the lease, which by some accounts may or may not have had an impact on the operating cost, could certainly been worked on a bit more by both parties, especially if the lease was to be for more than a decade, almost two. One would think that the current lease was about to expire…soon. Yet (allegedly) with a year left on their lease, it was deemed to be cheaper or more cost effective to fold up now, and not pay out the payroll, but still be on the hook for the rest of the year on said lease ? Right. Sounds to me alot like a kid getting upset, and then taking hisball from the field and rnning home with it.

Sure, I will miss making the diligent and consious decision to do as my grandfathers did and said “that’s who I trade with” as I bought my favorite cinnamon rolls, tomato and basil soup, taking my sons and their friends to get cookies and hot chocolates, having lunch with them too, enjoying the sandwhiches, mac and cheese, the Nantucket juices, and knowing that sure I could go to the lady behind the star shop next door, but the Alki Bakery had not just great food, great help, great atmosphere but history too.

As to what I will do with the set of coffee mugs I was given by my boys last year, or the commuter mug that even got its use at the 1st Ave. S. location, they probalby get used until the break, or maybe I should just put them away, with a few of the other things from my past, reminders of what was once good. It will be somewhat difficult to drink from them knowing that some folks are now out of a job, that they did so very well, like making my extra rich hot chocolates, with room for drip, or just the usual smiles, and pleasantness that has escaped from one to many places these days. But hey, I suppose those in charge mean well, like they did upon springing the news to their crew, or wait, telling the manager, and then tasking her with telling the rest of those unsuspecting ones, who had become one of us locals, according to the word on the street.

george November 19, 2010 (10:41 am)

Well, I would hate to see the fallout if Husky Deli ever shut down. Better go get me a few tubs of ice cream to keep them solvent :)

MB November 19, 2010 (10:44 am)

How so Baba?

George, you are so right! Mutiny!!!

Baba November 19, 2010 (11:15 am)

MB, all I meant was that there are 130 posts on the first thread and I believe yours was 50 th on this one. You just wrote your post at the time when no one really cares anymore.Good writing but bad timing :-)

WSB November 19, 2010 (11:29 am)

FYI, you’d be surprised how popular comment threads can be, even days/weeks after the original story. And much as we wish it were otherwise, we also know from stats that some people may only come here once a week to catch up on the news – or even less-often. (Example, some people hadn’t heard about Table 35’s shutdown until we linked the story in our first Alki Bakery story, and that comment thread picked up a couple new comments as a result.) – TR

bridge to somewhere November 19, 2010 (11:41 am)

@Baba: curiously, your reply to MB suggests at least ONE person still cares. ;-)

MB November 19, 2010 (11:51 am)

Well, I guess I could say the same to you Baba, since we did posted on the same day ;)
Thanks for the writing compliment though.

My original comment, though included in this thread, was more of a statement on the overall conduct of commenters on the WS blog. I’ve been growing more and more tired of the keyboard quarterbacking and this story simply put a huge spotlight on that very issue. I love to read and debate opinions within our community, but am often embarassed by the unnecessary and meanspirited posts. In some cases, it’s harder for me to swallow the well written cheap shots than it is the blatant idiocy I read on other news sites. At least those can be written off as stupid trolls. Just because you write well, doesn’t mean you aren’t sometimes out of line (myself included), that’s all.

dzag22 November 19, 2010 (11:09 pm)

After being a loyal fan of Alki Bakery for years, I am disappointed with Mr. Piper’s lack of integrity regarding his employees. His employees made the bakery warm and welcoming. It’s a shame that he focused more on his greed and less on his employees. As successful as he has been I’m sure it wouldn’t have hurt his finances to give them notice. In fact, the community would have been very supportive and understanding. After hearing of his actions towards his employees I will no longer purchase his products.

NotMe November 20, 2010 (12:10 pm)

Hey Richard, I have to take up an issue with your post.
.
First, when you mention your ancestors and consequently – you – have lived in the Alki area, do you think this somehow makes you the authority? Is that the ONLY way you get salt in your veins? Is there no “good” in your part of OUR community anymore? You are out of line just a little. When ANYONE shells out the money to purchase a home in the Alki area, they just earned their right to every bit of that community that you have. They have begun developing the ‘soul’ of the community and will be every bit of a part as you. Your first relative to move there earned it more than you. It was merely GIVEN to you.
.
Second, you are merely missing your past. I realize it is a good one, but the present for the folks that are not lamenting what is no longer are NOW having a life they obviously prefer now that they are a part of the community.
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Now that a few days have gone by, the “word on the street” is that Alki Bakery was nothing more than a company that was in it for the dollar. They weren’t the “family” or the “soul” of the community that everyone so thought they were. THAT is why so many people are so upset over this. If nothing else, when you treat your good employees and your awesome customers with very little to no respect – well, like I said earlier, people in this community have long memories. They will likely find something NEW to spend their money and time.

Richard November 20, 2010 (5:54 pm)

NotMe,

Since you seem to want to make it personal, let’s do it. First of all, my Grandparents worked long and hard to purchase a home near Madison and then later, trading that home for their dream, a place on the water, for something more of a shack, and less of a home. They busted their butts, turning it into something, with the hopes that someday their kids, would come to enjoy what they did. One of their kids, my mom, appreciated their efforts, her brother on the other hand, well, he proved to be what he was all about, and it came at a price. My mom has busted her butt for decades to maintain what she has, and has given to others as well. After a legal go around with her brother, and others that he was involved with, my mom prevailed, on maintaing my grandparents’s wish, to keep their property in the family, this on the heels of my mother busting her butt to being pretty much the sole, care giver to my grandparents, that is unless you want to call, her brother’s job of writing checks to pay the utility bills….butt busting.

As far as getting salt in your veins, you get it by the shear appreciation of walking outside early in the morning and catching that salty aroma, taking it in a deep breath, and letting that smell, register in your brain….forever. It just gets better the longer you are around it, and at times, honestly it is taken for granted, and then comes crashing back into your senses like waves pounding on the seawall. Is that the only way you get salt in your veins, certainly not, heck if you are from Kona, Hilton Head,Cape Cod, Monterey, Cabo, Seward, Destin….heck even Rat City, you probably have a fair dose of it in you, but Yakima, Weed, Lincoln, Deluth, Topeka, Boise, Huntsville, Chicago……probably not much, if any, that’s when you have to work on it. Don’t confuse that with not being able to develpe it.

“When ANYONE shells out the money to purchase a home in the Alki area, they just earned their right to every bit of that community that you have. They have begun developing the ’soul’ of the community and will be every bit of a part as you. Your first relative to move there earned it more than you. It was merely GIVEN to you.”

Your abilty to read into that I somehow claimed that there is no “good” in OUR community….what in the bleep are either on, or are you confused about. The first part of my original post lays claim to the fact that things change. Some of it is good, some not. It appears I struck a nerve, so what is it, you caused some change that only YOU thought to be good in YOUR neighborhood, and you are still in defense mode over it. As far as shelling out money being, what is the key or only factor in that buying your way into a community, and what now, are you going to try and impress somebody with “I paid a bucket load…. more than you…to gain my right to be more important than the next guy, because…” You paid too much, and the market tanked and now you’re…still proud? Here’s a quarter…go call call someone who probably won’t care either. As far as where I or family lives, or has lived here, your line about my ancestors having earned more than I, what in the bleep makes you the authority now ? I’ve been “shelling” out money to live wherever I have lived, and this place is no exceptiopn.

My past was not only good, but their was some less than good in it too, like anyone might experience. You are confusing remembering the past with missing it, and the only thing being missed is that point, by you. As far as “lamenting” please…that’s all you’ve done with your response, those who are enjoying their present are either possibly to new to the area, to recall the establishments that I mentioned, and merely mean nothing to them, for which I understand, or possibly to old, that maybe they just don’t remember, for which I also understand.

As far as the Alki Bakery being another company that was in it for the dollar..that means what ? They should not be ? You’d prefer they wear armbands and just give their stuff way ? You have a problem with companies ? Or were you really trying to just say (through all of your lament) that they were a company that started here, moved their operations, maintained a presence, got greedy (like some companies,its owners, and landlords do) when things did not quite go their way, they took their ball and ran, all the while treating those who supported them such as their staff and costumers like crap. It happens, and it will again. And some new business, will set up shop, hopefully be a postive addition to the area, employ more than one person, and be enjoyed by the locals and a few non-locals too. You almost did a good job of arguing my point.

As far as what you stated when you wrote “well, like I said earlier, people in this community have long memories. They will likely find something NEW to spend their money and time.” You never wrote this earlier…reread it. Memories are formed from past experiences good and bad, and as far as this community having long memories, that goes with my points of there being some history that has been fostered by a good working experiences between local businesses, it’s employees, owners, customers, and landlords when applicable. Obviously there will be “NEW” places for customers to spend their money on or at, but the success of these new businesses and or their contribution to the community in which they serve will be gauged by just how much money is spent there, over time, good or bad. If your idea is to always be on the move for the newest place in town, because only the newest of members to town, know how to better enjoy what is in town at the moment…..again, please. I’m sure all of that always being on the move, latest and greatest, moving and shaking, is what builds not just an evoling but lasting community, and if so, knock yourself out. Like the Isley Brother’s said ” It’s your thing.”

Baba November 21, 2010 (9:59 am)

” It was merely GIVEN to you.” – what a cheap shot!!! Learn to respect your elders, you upstart!

Rene November 22, 2010 (3:04 pm)

I would like to be kept posted about whether the employees were indeed given other positions or at least 2 weeks salary. I want to know if they suffered financially from the abrupt closure. If it is true the employees were taken care of I will keep buying products up at metro. IF not I will boycott.