Not A Cake Walk

Having worked long and hard to develop a reputation, sisters Brenda and Mary Maher had reached the point where they could charge lofty prices for their baked goods.

They didn't make ordinary cakes that competed with Sam's Club bakery department.

Each cake they made was unique, decorated as only an artist could design, and for that skill and determination, they could turn a comfortable profit and invest in high-end equipment to make their products even better.

A fire that began in the apartment above their shop, Cakegirls, destroyed the entire building and all of their equipment with it.

Customers were expecting their expensive, elaborate cakes for upcoming parties and weddings. Orders taken in advance could not be met, in the blink of an eye, and the bakers are reeling.

Bad enough to lose a business, but to know that a bridal shower will be without a centerpiece of sweet artistry makes it that much worse. Maybe the food isn't great or the soup is cold, but a guest will sit through a lame meal when there's a delicious cake on offer.

How do the Maher sisters tell their clients that the dessert that was expected can't be made? Of course the customers would voice words of sympathy for the ladies' plight, but elaborate cakes take time to make and it isn't an easy matter to find someplace else.

In an effort to be good business people, the bakers will offer full refunds, but they know that it isn't about the money.

There will be those who are so upset at having their dessert plans ruined that they'll grumble about lack of foresight. There will be fury and rage, emotions that the already distraught bakers will have to field because they are in business.

From such grumblings come a loss of goodwill, the lifeblood of a solid reputation in any industry. Sure, the Maher sisters can take their insurance settlement and start again. They've had offers of baking space to get them through until they're back on their feet, but having had their heads bit off by outraged customers, they might very well be wondering if it's all worth it in the end.