December 5, 2007
More Bleeding at Jays
On Tuesday a federal judge approved a $24.8 million deal which allows Pennsylvania-based Snyder's of Hanover to buy Jays Potato chips. The deal brings closure to the local potato chip icon's second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in four years and speculation that a deal with Snyder's would even be allowed because of the bankruptcy filing.
As part of the fallout of the deal, Jays' longtime production facility on the far south side closed yesterday, leaving 220 workers unemployed just as the holiday season kicks into high gear. Talk about "Scrooged." A distribution facility that employs another 420 workers will remain open for "an unspecified period of time."
But there probably won't be a backlash (other than in the comments) like when Target ceased production of Frango mints in Marshall Field's. The Tribune quoted local culinary historian Bruce Kraig as saying that since the Jays brand is so ubiquitous throughout the area, the bankruptcy settlement and plant closing won't carry the same weight. Kraig called Frango mints a "destination experience" for consumers. He's right, of course. Still, we mourn a little for those 220 without a job today.
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You mean the MF people will not care about these local jobs and this local brand staying local? I thought they cared about Chicago, not just their own nostalgia.
I expect the TV-friendly demonstrations to start ASAP ...
Hopefully the future of O-Ke-Doke "cheese" popcorn will remain secure.
I'm with you, Matilda.
220 unemployed workers.
Where are the Fields supporters standing in solidarity, carrying signs and eating Jays and crushing bags of Snyder's pretzels at their feet?
Boycott Snyders!!
Sparky: The MF people are full of shit. They care more about their Christmas memories and nibbling overpriced mints than Chicagoans losing jobs or other serious matters.
I remember as a kid, Dad bringing home a bag of Jay's potato chips, and we would all sing the song "Jays, Jays, can't stop eating 'em Jays!" and then Mom would do a little dance like Bill Cosby eating Jell-o, except Mom was eating Jays.
And Dad would tell is stories around the Jays bag, like how he used to eat Jays when he was a kid. But back then they were called Japps, but after Pearl Harbor, Japps had to change their name. They got rid of the name Japps and picked the name Jays, because you can't stop eating those Jays. And one time there was a Jays chip that looked just like the Virgin Mary. But Dad ate that one! We all had a good laugh over those Jays. Dad was so funny! And we would hang Jays potato chips on the Christmas tree, and I would leave Jays out for Santa Claus. He always ate those Jays. And we would get presents.
Boycott Snyders!
Sorry, Matilda, nostalgia overwhelmed me for a moment. :)
In all seriousness, here is a matter that the MF supporters may want to get behind:
The city is seeking to pass a resolution to acquire 16 businesses in Lincoln Square at Western and Lawrence, and will condemn our property through eminent domain if they do not want to sell.
If people are interested in attending, there is a community meeting at Chicago Soccer 4839 N. Western Ave tonight at 7pm.
Come support small business in Chicago and stop the misuse of eminent domain.
I was watching that food show on WTTW this past weekend, and thinking about how I'd love to work at the Jay's plant making chips, at least for a little while. I'm sad that I'll never get that chance and that the folks who did are losing their chance to make the world happy with greasy salty gold!
Does Chicago Soccer sell mints, Sparky, or did my mom ever take me there for Xmas shopping or to dine?
Didn't think so.
Therefore, Chicago Soccer and other businesses in the area really mean nothing to Chicago.
Understand?
No, Chicago Soccer doesn't sell mints. Neither does the furniture store, dentist, or bridal/quincienera place down the street that will also be condemed. Nor do they have a Walnut Room. But one of the places may have a Christmas tree. I'm not sure.
I guess because none of these stores are considered special Chicago "institutions", few people care about them the same way they care about Fields...even though Fields was owned by a big box retailer at one time.
I get it now, Matilda! Thanks!
I think it would have been a great use of tif funds to save Jay's jobs and plant vs giving the CME/CBOT money.
But then what do I know.
I think it would have been a great use of tif funds to save Jay's jobs and plant vs giving the CME/CBOT money.
But then what do I know.
I think it would have been a great use of tif funds to save Jay's jobs and plant vs giving the CME/CBOT money.
But then what do I know.
I think it would have been a great use of tif funds to save Jay's jobs and plant vs giving the CME/CBOT money.
But then what do I know.
Ben Joravsky of The Reader wrote about the Lincoln Square businesses on Nov. 27th. Here's the link if you want more info:
http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/politics/2007/11/27/blighted-fight-back/
As for the Marshall Field's, Jay's, and many other local Chicago businesses that employed many and helped make Chicago unique closing . . . I think it's all horrible.
Ben Joravsky of The Reader wrote about the Lincoln Square businesses on Nov. 27th. Here's the link if you want more info:
http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/politics/2007/11/27/blighted-fight-back/
As for the Marshall Field's, Jay's, and many other local Chicago businesses that employed many and helped make Chicago unique closing . . . I think it's all horrible.
Ben Joravsky of The Reader wrote about the Lincoln Square businesses on Nov. 27th. Here's the link if you want more info:
http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/politics/2007/11/27/blighted-fight-back/
As for the Marshall Field's, Jay's, and many other local Chicago businesses that employed many and helped make Chicago unique closing . . . I think it's all horrible.
Ben Joravsky of The Reader wrote about the Lincoln Square businesses on Nov. 27th. Here's the link if you want more info:
http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/politics/2007/11/27/blighted-fight-back/
As for the Marshall Field's, Jay's, and many other local Chicago businesses that employed many and helped make Chicago unique closing . . . I think it's all horrible.
For anyone who plays soccer in this city, Chicago Soccer would most certainly be considered an institution. By far and away the best sporting goods store dedicated to a single sport in this city.
Watch out Sparky! Beware!
The Chicago Marshall Plan Elf protesters are gonna try to shut you down! Your sharp wit on this issue is undermining their Grand Alliance and its Movement!
Why do you think they are not commenting on this post in response? It’s not like the Green Fearless Frangoians have chosen to stick their shallow heads in the sand because they have nothing to say. In actuality they are plotting
your demise in an exact replica of the Walnut Room in Ferdy’s basement
Watch out Sparky! Beware!
The Chicago Marshall Plan Elf protesters are gonna try to shut you down! Your sharp wit on this issue is undermining their Grand Alliance and its Movement!
Why do you think they are not commenting on this post in response? It’s not like the Green Fearless Frangoians have chosen to stick their shallow heads in the sand because they have nothing to say. In actuality they are plotting
your demise in an exact replica of the Walnut Room in Ferdy’s basement
Heck, an article about Jays brings out the Chicagoist hipsters who are still grousing over the ongoing, successful boycott against Macy's. These comments that criticize Field's supporters always put a smile on my face.
It's one thing to have fun killing Macy's on State. It is the icing on the cake to have hipsters mad at us. It's perfect. Here we are doing our thing. In response, you get mad. Very funny. Furthermore, do you think we need you to like us? There are thousands of us and we have plenty of friends, thank you.
The "anti-Fields-supporters" comments on Chicagoist give a nice view into the psychology of some Chicagoist commenters. These commenters apparently need to feel superior. They need to feel that their causes are more noble than anyone elses causes. They need to put down others. It just galls them that others are out there getting things done.
While you are sitting there grumbling, we are putting Macy's on State out of business. At the same time, many of us are doing many other volunteer efforts to make the world a better place. For you sanctimonious elitists think otherwise is just you padding your own egos. Feel better?
Heck, an article about Jays brings out the Chicagoist hipsters who are still grousing over the ongoing, successful boycott against Macy's. These comments that criticize Field's supporters always put a smile on my face.
It's one thing to have fun killing Macy's on State. It is the icing on the cake to have hipsters mad at us. It's perfect. Here we are doing our thing. In response, you get mad. Very funny. Furthermore, do you think we need you to like us? There are thousands of us and we have plenty of friends, thank you.
The "anti-Fields-supporters" comments on Chicagoist give a nice view into the psychology of some Chicagoist commenters. These commenters apparently need to feel superior. They need to feel that their causes are more noble than anyone elses causes. They need to put down others. It just galls them that others are out there getting things done.
While you are sitting there grumbling, we are putting Macy's on State out of business. At the same time, many of us are doing many other volunteer efforts to make the world a better place. For you sanctimonious elitists think otherwise is just you padding your own egos. Feel better?
It is interesting that article about Jays Potato Chips brings out the Chicagoist regulars who are still grousing over the ongoing, successful boycott against Macy's. These comments that criticize Field's supporters always put a smile on my face.
It's one thing to have fun killing Macy's on State. It is the icing on the cake to have hipsters mad at us. It's perfect. Here we are doing our thing. In response, you get mad. Very funny. Furthermore, do you think we need you to like us? There are thousands of us and we have plenty of friends, thank you.
The "anti-Fields-supporters" comments on Chicagoist give a nice view into the psychology of some Chicagoist commenters. These commenters apparently need to feel superior. They need to feel that their causes are more noble than anyone elses causes. They need to put down others. It just galls them that others are out there getting things done.
While you are sitting there grumbling, we are putting Macy's on State out of business. At the same time, many of us are doing many other volunteer efforts to make the world a better place. For you sanctimonious elitists think otherwise is just you padding your own egos. Feel better?
Hope to see you at Chicago Soccer tonight, Ward Up! :)
Hipsters, Ward Up?
Are you fucking serious or just a clueless tool?
Do you even get the point of the comments regarding MF?
I guess "no."
"....Do you even get the comments regarding MF...."
That question reveals more of your elitist, self-congratulatory nature. One disagrees with you. Thus, one is too stupid to understand your comments. Priceless.
And oh, by the way, the boycott is working!