Lochel’s Bakery: A Sweet Political Polling Tradition in Pennsylvania

Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has become a prominent attraction for its election cookie poll, which has grown significantly since its humorous inception in 2008. The bakery offers political-themed cookies that serve as informal votes for candidates, with current demand significantly surpassing that of the previous election cycle. Despite the political tension surrounding elections, customer interactions remain friendly and positive, showcasing the bakery’s unique blend of commerce and community engagement.

Lochel’s Bakery, located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has gained a remarkable reputation for its unique electoral cookie polling system, launched during the 2008 presidential elections as a lighthearted way to engage customers. The bakery is currently experiencing a surge in orders, with patrons traveling from across the region – and even as far as Alaska – to sample its signature cookies, which symbolize votes for candidates in the forthcoming election. The bakery offers 4-inch round sugar cookies, one adorned with blue and white sprinkles representing Kamala Harris, while the other features red and white sprinkles signifying Donald Trump. Each cookie sold serves as a vote in their informal election poll. Over the years, the cookie poll has garnered attention for its accuracy in predicting election outcomes in its early iterations, although its results faltered in 2020, when Donald Trump was defeated by Joe Biden. Kathy Lochel, a key figure behind the bakery’s operations, noted a significant increase in sales during the 2020 elections, leading to thousands of cookies being purchased. “It’s just a fun, non-stressful tally that we’re taking,” Lochel remarked, emphasizing the light-hearted nature of the cookie poll amidst the often intense atmosphere surrounding electoral campaigns. This year, cookie sales have already outstripped those of 2020, resulting in backorders that may delay shipments, albeit with a commitment that all orders will arrive by Election Day, set for November 5. Notably, the bakery’s location in Pennsylvania – a critical swing state – and its proximity to the populous suburbs of Philadelphia may contribute to its heightened visibility and popularity. Recently, former President Trump highlighted the cookie poll on his social media account, thereby increasing interest and participation, with Trump cookies reportedly leading the tally significantly. Despite the polarized nature of political affiliations, Lochel’s Bakery has maintained a harmonious atmosphere, with customers from various backgrounds engaging in light-hearted banter while purchasing cookies. “The people that are coming into our store, whether they’re buying red or blue cookies, they’re friendly, they joke, they laugh, they buy other things,” Lochel shared.

The election cookie poll initiated by Lochel’s Bakery has evolved from a humorous engagement with customers into a significant aspect of the local electoral culture. As elections have become more contentious and fraught with tension, such initiatives serve as a welcome respite. The novelty of cookies representing candidates provides a whimsical approach to participating in democratic processes, allowing individuals to express their political inclinations in a friendly manner. This bakery not only fosters community interaction but also generates significant business as customers travel from distant states to partake in this unique experience.

In summary, Lochel’s Bakery represents a fascinating intersection of food and politics, where community engagement meets lighthearted competition. The continued popularity and impressive sales of their electoral cookies underscore the bakery’s role in local electoral culture, while also providing a delightful means for individuals to show their support for candidates. The friendly interactions among customers further exemplify the bakery’s success in creating a positive atmosphere, despite the often divisive nature of political discourse. Lochel’s Bakery is undoubtedly a standout example of how local businesses can leverage creativity and community spirit to thrive during election seasons.

Original Source: whyy.org