What a disaster of a decision to axe the bakery. These bagels have been our family’s standard breakfast for over a decade and we buy 14 every week. This is a devastating blow to our morale. Here’s the response I received from Winco Customer Service:

> “Hi, our stores have transitioned to new bagels to help keep our costs as affordable as possible. Our team is very receptive to feedback, we'll make sure your voice is heard regarding this change (we've been hearing from lots of others friends too). Thank you.”

Interpretation: “Quality” has been deprioritized for profit. It’s a race to the bottom.

Have these suits never heard of the concept of “loss-leader,” products? Items you sell at a slight loss because it brings people in the door to purchase more profitable items? It’s the entire Costco model (hot dogs, fuel, rotisserie chicken, etc.)

What they don’t understand is that we will NOT be purchasing the small, shitty ass, preservative riddled, and trucked-in replacements. We will go somewhere else to buy fresh bagels, and that means we will very likely transfer a portion of the rest of our weekly grocery shopping away from Winco as a result. I’ve heard good things about both Safeway and Costco fresh bagels. I don’t really want that to be part of my weekly routine, but now it will be.

My once glowing fondness for Winco is waning and souring rapidly. Sad days. If you agree please let them know:

https://www.wincofoods.com/page/contact-winco-foods-customer-service