I'll leave it to others to decide if my displeasure is justified.
Since I left the store fairly upset vowing never to return, I don't know how their goods compare to a couple of years ago.
However if it is like it was, the reputation for really delicious items is undeniably well deserved.
That is why with a "everyone bring something" for a company pre T-Day luncheon, I wanted to share with my colleagues something special more from my background. In place of not having time to cook or make something, WOW, a 'Bienenstich" was what first came to mind.
I have very fond memories of it from B & W (and the alaskan cheesecake) and would be worth the 10 miles each way for the treat. Friday morning I ordered a half sheet for pick up today, Sunday. It was a bit pricier than I had intended to contribute to this luncheon, but, I have fine people around me at the office and well, In my mind I am doing something appreciative and out of the ordinary.
Now I understand why some businesses opt to be a cash only business. A host I listen to regularly comments "cash is king". It is safer and less potential issues than checks. It doesn't involve CC issues and fees. If one has good security, it isn't that difficult to keep safe.
... And of course, it is no secret that many are attracted to it because of sales tax and income reporting related potentials.
I didn't know that they were a cash only business - nor was it mentioned when I placed the order. For me it is just too easy to infer in this day and age that with a business of their caliber, fine reputation, and size (and potential purchase size) that I needed to bring cash.
I drove the 10ish miles to get there this morning ... in very good spirits I stood there the 10-15 minutes awaiting my turn (enjoying the company of other customers and even helped a young woman with a child on her arms with several bags to her car) ... when my turn, saw the results of their efforts cut pleasingly as requested ... got a few extra pieces to treat my folks for coffee and cake today ... and dare I admit to giving in for a cheese danish and cinnamon roll for myself (I did a 35+ mile bike ride yesterday, so I deserved it, right?).
I was all ready to pay when I was informed CASH ONLY.
I don't carry much cash, certainly not that amount. O.k. I can understand the hassle and cut of CC processing. I had two check books from local banks with me, 3 other pieces of identification, and, they had my phone number from when I placed the order 2 days prior.
After the very kind and friendly young lady representing herself as the manager strongly affirmed she cannot and would not accept checks, she evidently felt my situation and went in back to supposedly call the owner. It took a bit, and returned with a sincere apologetic though firm - the owner says no ... with something to the effect of they have too much trouble with checks (which leaves me thinking if they don't except them, how would they know?!?).
All there was left for me was to inquire why didn't they have the courtesy to inform me of that when I placed the order ... it certainly would have prevented the situation.
Well, there was no way I was able to complete the purchase ... and, I have absolutely no intention of ever returning ... great bienenstich or alaskan cheesecake or other! As for the upcoming company lunch, I will probably make one more trip to Hackensack in the morning before going to work but this time to Continental Cookie - no bienenstich, but cookies also usually worth the trip.
In any case if this Sunday morning's B & W''s ALL CASH BUSINESS is any indication of their overall ALL CASH BUSINESS, they won't miss me at all.
A parting question in my mind ... hmmm ... I don't think I'd be the first to wonder with an "ALL CASH BUSINESS" as significant as that about the degree of reporting for income and sales tax purposes and the potential such have for inherent temptations.
Yes, I am a bit bitter about making the effort and driving back empty handed let alone the disappointment with intentions ... my holiday wishes for the owners of B & W Bakery is a nice NJ Sales Tax audit. read more