Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro published an announcement on social media yesterday regarding the “hate” the business has received regarding some of their politically oriented products, including “Trump cookies” and cakes.
Third-generation owners Kathleen and Rob Lochel said attacks have come through social media as well as “inappropriate emails” (which they describe as “sick”) and said “the outrage this time is more than ever”.
“It is being suggested now that we get the police involved due to the harassment and some are from local residents,” the post said.
The bakery has gained national attention for its presidential election cookie poll, the results of which have predicted three of the last four presidents. Domestic sources such as the New York Post and Fox News, and international outlets as far as the Hindustan Times (which covers New Delhi, India), have reported on the concept. In 2024, Lochel’s said they received orders from all 50 states, which resulted in roughly 19,000 sales.
“The truth however is hate is home here in Hatboro, especially on so many groups, pages and lawns. People may not like that we have expanded our political items then cookies over the years, and to be quite honest, I don’t really love it,” the post said, noting that the “hard reality and truth is the items sell.”
On Tuesday, Lochel’s posted that their custom-made “Very Merry Trumpmas Houses” are going for $89.95, noting that “These sold out QUICKLY last year”.
Wednesday’s post goes on to describe the “bigger picture” of resident behavior.
“We have our neighboring business tell us frequently that their sales are better when people are coming in for these items. They don’t just come in to buy political items. They’re coming in and eating lunch in our town or they’re potentially finding a new hair salon or nail salon Or maybe even looking at a vacant building seeing that we’re in a thriving town,” the post said. “As a business, we want to make things that sell and that bring people into town. You don’t have to like that, but at least try to respect the fact that we’re in business to be in business and make what sells.”
The post concludes by saying the Lochels “choose to be in this town that we have vested interest in”, noting that they have “been offered a lot of money for our buildings (we have more then the bakery!). We will gladly sell them and put more condos, or nail salons or whatever.”
Glenside Local highlighted a similar trend within our own feed last month.
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Photo: Lochel’s Bakery