Happy Holidays & Children’s Hospital Campaign
Dear Bagels,
Happy Hanukkah!!!
As we’re rushing to the end of the year, I’ve had a few (very few) moments to look back on what an amazing year it’s been for Hey Bagel…and to also reflect on how lucky I am that I can say that. With atmospheric rivers, and a topsy turvy world (to put it lightly), I am extremely grateful to be bringing 2025 to a close with such success.
We opened Jan 6th of 2025 to long lines and an unexpected response from the community. While we’ve come down to earth some in the most recent months, December is feeling like our first month open. Instead of lines around the corner, however, we just have a steady stream of customers.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I couldn’t be more grateful to the amazing team we’ve hired. I am regularly complimented about the energy and enthusiasm customers feel when they enter the space. I’m just so proud of the team. We’re trying make Hey Bagel an oasis from the cynicism and drama of the outer world.
With the rising cost of personal health insurance it has been an imperative to me to help our team ensure they have all the healthcare they need. Beginning January first, each full-time employee will have an option for comprehensive health insurance, and we’re going to contribute almost 80% of their plans. In addition, we’ve begun a 401k plan for the same employees to start saving for their futures.
We are in the last 12 days of our three-month campaign to contribute a percentage of proceeds to the Seattle Children’s Family Foundation. This foundation provides funding for uncompensated care to help parents pay for the care their kiddos need. Not only will your purchases directly help us raise money, but every time you check out, you have an option to round up at the register to give a little kick to our efforts.
Back in late October, when folks were losing their Snap Benefits, I announced that we would provide 3 bagels, schmear and a coffee to anybody asking to “put it on their neighbors tab” … no questions asked. Many of you asked how you could help us, and wanted us to put a donation button online. I did…but that didn’t sit well with me. The adoption of this by those in need has never overburdened us. As such I didn’t feel comfortable receiving the help from y'all. We did receive $525.00 in total before I turned it off. Yesterday I donated that amount to the University District Food Bank.
Don’t forget, we’ve got tee shirts, tote bags, hats and our new bagel beanie for the bagel lover in your life.
A gift card is the gift that keeps giving!! LOL.
I hope to see all of you over the next couple of weeks. And if not, in the new year, I can wait.
Love,
Andrew
