A New Jersey bakery’s polite request for heavily scented customers to use the drive-thru has sparked debate about workplace accommodations and customer flexibility.

At a Glance

• Century Bakery in Bridgeton, NJ asked customers wearing strong fragrances to consider using their drive-thru service
• Multiple cashiers at the bakery suffer from asthma, which is worsened by strong scents, especially during high pollen season
• The request followed an employee’s severe asthma attack after exposure to heavily perfumed customers
• The bakery clarified this is not a strict policy but a consideration for staff health
• Customer reactions have been mostly supportive, with some pushback from those questioning the request

Family Bakery Puts Staff Health First

Century Bakery in Bridgeton, New Jersey recently made headlines when its Facebook post requesting customers wearing strong perfumes or colognes to use their drive-thru service went viral. The bakery’s appeal wasn’t meant as a strict rule but rather as a consideration for employees suffering from asthma.

The post explained that several cashiers struggle with respiratory issues, particularly during high pollen seasons when their airways are already irritated. Strong fragrances in the enclosed space can trigger breathing difficulties among staff members who already face health challenges.

The post was prompted by a specific incident where an employee experienced a severe asthma attack after several strongly scented customers visited the bakery. Rather than implementing a strict ban or turning customers away, the family-owned establishment simply offered an alternative that would allow both their staff to work comfortably and customers to still receive service. This balanced approach demonstrates the bakery’s commitment to addressing health concerns while maintaining customer relationships.

Clarifying Misconceptions About the Request

After the post gained significant attention across social media, Century Bakery found itself clarifying that this was not a new policy but rather a considerate suggestion. Debby Diaz, representing the bakery, emphasized that customers wearing perfume are still welcome inside the establishment. The only request is for understanding if staff members begin coughing due to fragrance sensitivity. This clarification helped address concerns from customers who initially interpreted the message as a strict ban on perfume-wearing patrons.

“If you’re wearing perfume, you’re more than welcome to come inside. We just request that you be respectful and not make rude comments to the staff if they’re coughing and you’re wearing perfume.”, said Debby Diaz.

The bakery also noted that fragrances tend to linger in enclosed spaces even after customers leave, potentially causing prolonged discomfort for staff. This aspect of the situation highlights the unique challenges faced by businesses when balancing accommodation for employee health conditions with customer preferences. By explaining this detail, the bakery helped customers understand the reasoning behind their request rather than simply imposing an unexplained restriction.

Community Response Shows Support for Small Business Values

The bakery’s post received widespread attention, reaching customers from across the East Coast. Many commenters expressed appreciation for the establishment’s consideration of employee health needs.

Those with similar sensitivities or respiratory conditions shared personal experiences about how difficult public spaces can become when filled with strong scents. This solidarity demonstrated that many customers actually value businesses that prioritize employee wellbeing alongside customer service.

Not all feedback was positive, however. Some commenters questioned whether a business should have any say in customers’ personal choices regarding fragrance use. Others expressed confusion about where to draw the line with scent sensitivity accommodations.

Despite these mixed reactions, the majority of responses supported Century Bakery’s approach, appreciating the business for finding a middle ground that respects both employee health needs and customer service expectations without imposing rigid rules.