Blazing Bagels employees were stunned when the company abruptly closed all locations due to bankruptcy, with no warning or severance pay, leaving workers scrambling.
SEATTLE — Blazing Bagels abruptly shut down all of its locations this week, leaving employees surprised and scrambling to collect their belongings.
Workers say they received an email Thursday informing them the company was closing due to bankruptcy. As a result, employees did not report to work Friday. On Saturday, many returned to the locations to gather personal items after learning the doors would remain closed.
Blazing Bagles, which has operated since 2001, had locations in Seattle’s SODO and University District neighborhoods, Redmond and Bellevue. According to staff, the SODO shop employed about nine people, while the University District location had roughly seven workers.
Notices posted on the doors of both stores informed customers the locations were closed for the day. At the University District shop, several handwritten messages from frustrated employees were taped to the entrance.
One sign read, “Did you drive all the way here for something yummy? I’m so sorry, but the new owner sunk it so bad.” and claimed all employees at every location were laid off the same day without warning for workers or customers. It also read “We will miss you all,” and “Think this sucks? We do too.”
Some staff members say they had heard speculation that closures could happen, but did not expect the shutdown to be so widespread or immediate.
Employees and managers say the owner’s daughter assumed control of the company last year. After taking over, the business reduced its menu and stopped its wholesale operations.
The sudden closure surprised some workers because the company had recently been hiring and making upgrades. Staff at the University District location say new kitchen equipment had just been installed. At the SODO shop, one worker had only been on the job for a few days.
Employees also say they were told they would only receive pay for hours already worked, with no payout for accrued paid time off, bereavement leave, or other benefits.
The company released a statement to KING 5 that read in part, “The company had plans to expand its operations across the Pacific Northwest, but due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, the company has made the excruciating decision to close its doors. The family is deeply saddened and appreciates the years of support from the community and its employees.”