In 2013, Amy’s Baking Company saw itself quickly thrust into the limelight; a family-owned restaurant located in Scottsdale, Arizona that was first opened by Amy and Samy Bouzaglo in 2006. Best known for featuring in the popular restaurant series Kitchen Nightmares, the Bakings saw themselves become an overnight sensation due largely to their meltdowns over Yelp reviews and their refusal to compromise. Yet, with the ongoing Corona pandemic, Amy’s Baking Company has had to endure, much like the rest of the restaurant industry.
The pandemic has been a hard blow to restaurants across the United States, but with its relatively small size the Bakings chain has largely been able to survive. According to the New York Times, restaurants throughout the country experienced a steady decline in sales in 2020, but by January 2021, Amy’s Baking Company was still in business.
For the Bozaglos, however, the situation is not an easy one. Not only are their businesses threatened by the pandemic, but so too their families and livelihoods. As a family-owned business, the Bouzaglo’s have a close relationship to their work, something that has been put to the test during the lock-down.
In response to this threat, the Bouzgalo’s have had to pivot. The company has launched a new online ordering system, and has put in place a variety of health and safety precautions to protect customers and staff. They’ve also implemented dine-in seating, take-out and delivery options and have launched various promotions.
Overall, the Bouzaglo’s have responded admirably, using innovation and hard work to keep their businesses afloat during this difficult period. However, their business is still very much at risk and as the pandemic continues to ravage the restaurant industry, their future remains far from certain.
Reactions to News of Closure
The news of the Bakings potential closure has been met with sadness, shock and sympathy. Fans of the series have voiced their support on social media, with many donating to the support fund created by the Bakings. Customers of the restaurants have also shared their stories of the Bakings’ hospitality, loyalty and hard work, reinforcing their status as one of America’s beloved small businesses.
The Bouzaglo’s have received words of encouragement and advice from local businesses and celebrities too. According to the Arizona Republic, award winning Chef Anthony Bourdain, who appeared in the Bakings episode of Kitchen Nightmares, sent ‘kind and heartfelt words’ to the family via Instagram. Additionally, the local chamber of commerce have been providing assistance and guidance throughout the pandemic.
The close-knit family has also received aid from their local community. Customers of the restaurant have donated produce and other food items, and according to the Arizona Republic, the Bouzaglo family have taken part in a city initiative to provide free meals to those in need. It’s clear that despite their public image, the family are held in high regard among those close to them.
Overall, while Amy’s Baking Company remains an uncertain prospect in the midst of the pandemic, the support of the local community provides some optimism that they may well be able to continue doing business beyond 2021.
Financial Implications of Closure
Firstly, the closure of the Bakings restaurants is likely to have financial implications on the local community. According to the Arizona Republic, the Bakings created jobs for nearly 100 people in the Scottsdale area, making the potential closure of the business a significant loss for the local workforce.
It is also worth noting the wider financial implications of the Bakings closure on the restaurant industry. It is inevitable that a closure of the Bakings restaurants would have a significant impact on the local economy, as the Bakings restaurants have been popular among locals and tourists alike in the Scottsdale area.
Finally, the Bakings’ closure could also have a wider effect on the food industry. Particularly in the case of the Bouzaglo’s, their unique family-run atmosphere and impeccable customer service may not be replaced easily, particularly due to the pandemic.
Promotional Impact of Closure
The potential closure of the Bakings has also led to a promotional impact. Since their appearance in Kitchen Nightmares, the Bakings has become something of a cult classic online, with fans of the show and loyal customers of the restaurant often participating in online conversations and debates regarding the Bakings restaurants.
The relative fame of the Bakings has meant that the potential closure of the business has made an impression on the wider public, making a historic case study for many to re-evaluate their understanding of the restaurant industry. As such, the Bakings have been thrust into the limelight in their predicament, creating a surge of publicity around the business and its potential closure.
Overall, it’s clear that the potential closure of the Bakings restaurants has left a significant mark on the public, prompting discussion and prompting reflection from many across the United States.
Potential Social Implications
As the Bakings’ potential closure looms, it’s important to consider the potential social implications of such a closure. After all, the Bakings have become an integral part of the Scottsdale community, and the potential closure of the business may lead to a shift in the local environment.
The Bouzaglo family have been part of the area’s restaurant scene since they first opened in 2006, and their closure may leave a hole in the community, particularly among fans and employees of the Bakings. The tight relationship the Bouzaglo’s have built with their local customers may not be easy to replace, and the potential closure of their small business may be felt deepest heard in those closest to the Bakings.
Furthermore, it’s worth bearing in mind that the potential closure of the Bakings presents a unique challenge for the local government, who must take into account the changing landscape of the area. Any potential development would no doubt raise its own issues of costs, regulations and impact on the local environment, all of which the local authority must address.
Political Implications of Closure
The closure of Amy’s Baking Company has had significant political implications, as politicians have been quick to voice their opinion on the matter. According to the Arizona Republic, Mayor of Scottsdale Jim Lane spoke out in support of the Bakings, saying that ‘the current situation is heartbreaking, and we are doing everything we can to assist their successful overcoming of the pandemic’.
To date, however, the Bakings have yet to receive any formal governmental or political support, or any relief from the Scottsdale City Council. Similarly, the Arizona legislature has yet to introduce any special exemptions to the Bouzaglo family, and has offered no relief on taxes or other potential bills.
Ultimately, the Bakings’ closure has highlighted the inadequate governmental relief offered to small businesses during the pandemic, prompting questions as to why equal support and assistance was not offered to the family. The lack of governmental support has already been widely criticised, and many await the potential outcome of the situation.
What their Closure Would Mean for Scottsdale
Assuming the worst and Amy’s Baking Company does indeed close its doors for good, what would that mean for Scottsdale? The obvious answer is a loss of jobs, a change in the local economy and a decrease in tourism, as the Bakings have long been popular among locals and tourists alike.
Another result of the closure may be changes in local regulation, as the City of Scottsdale may have to rethink its current restaurant regulations and restrictions. The entire restaurant industry in Scottsdale may need to be re-examined and even reformed, as the Bakings was certainly one of Scottsdale’s unique offerings.
Finally, the closure may lead to wider implications regarding the future of the restaurant industry in the US. The Bakings’ closure could serve as a warning to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to move into the restaurant industry, and further research may need to be done to understand the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses.
