Meg Hagele ’88 Discusses Pandemic Losses

In a time of excruciating loss for small businesses, Meg Hagele ’88 is worrying most for her employees. Meg was recently interviewed about her two High Point Café locations and her experience so far in this pandemic.

“Mt. Airy native Meg Hagele opened the original High Point Café at 602 Carpenter Lane in Mt. Airy Village in 2005, quickly earning a reputation for delicious baked goods, high quality espresso and top-shelf customer service,” reported Len Lear from Chestnut Hill Local. “She has since expanded her operations to include a second High Point Café location in the Allens Lane Train Station and a wholesale bakery at 6700 Germantown Avenue for the baked goods, supplying restaurants all around the city.”

“What is success to me is not necessarily what is success to someone with an MBA from Penn,” Haegle said. “For me it’s a priority to do what is right. I make a living.”

“Like so many business owners, Hagele has reluctantly and painfully had to lay off about two-thirds of her staff. Some have chosen not to work for safety reasons; some have been told by their doctors not to work because of personal risk factors, and the rest have had hours and shifts cut,” said Len.

The employees at High Point Café not only help with day-to-day operations but also are a representation of the company. “Without them, I would not be here at all,” said Meg. “For me, it’s more about making sure I am taking care of my staff, as best as I can, and keeping my doors open. I have always been very committed to providing as much salary wage support as I can to my staff. I wish that it could be more.” Because of Meg’s innate kindness, she has started a GoFundMe for her staff.