Myer's Bagels Removes AI-Generated Ads After Customer Backlash

Myer's Bagels, a Montreal-style bagel shop in Burlington, Vermont, removed AI-generated promotional images from social media after customers criticized the posts on platforms including Reddit. Owner Adam Jones had used an unnamed AI company to create a hybrid of real photographs and AI-enhanced images for marketing, as the small business lacks a full-time marketing team. Jones also employs AI tools to analyze product sales. Following the backlash, Myer's Bagels apologized, stating the intent was to promote the business competitively, not to upset loyal customers. Jones expressed sadness over the reaction but acknowledged understanding public concerns about AI in marketing. He plans to continue using AI for business operations but will manage social media content more carefully. The incident reflects broader consumer skepticism toward AI-generated advertising, echoing previous controversies such as McDonald's Netherlands' pulled AI Christmas ad with distorted faces and Coca-Cola's criticized AI holiday campaign.