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There's more to bagging groceries than just choosing paper or plastic. It requires a combination of speed and precision to get customers through the checkout line, while ensuring their groceries don't get smashed.
Nobody knows that better than Brian Bay who bagged groceries at Macey's grocery store in Sandy for 10 years. His lightening quick hands and product knowledge earned him the national "Best Bagger" title in 2007 and a whopping $12,500 prize.
Utahns can follow Bay's journey from state winner to national champion in "Ready, Set, Bag!" The 90-minute feel-good documentary has a four-day run at the Tower Theatre in Salt Lake City beginning Friday, Nov. 19. The film follows Bay and seven other baggers from around the country as they prepare for competitions. Viewers get an inside look into the contestants' lives and get to meet family and friends who are especially enthusiastic about these unexpected talents.
Director-producer Justine Jacob says after learning about the annual competition, sponsored by the National Grocers Association, she knew it would be an entertaining documentary.
"I wanted to show that slice of Americana, because everyone goes to the grocery story and everyone can relate to it," she said in a recent telephone interview from San Diego. I wanted to make it light and fun because documentaries are usually hard hitting. But when I think about going to the movies, I think about that escape and having a good time."
During the competition, baggers are judged on speed, proper bag building technique, distribution of weight between bags and individual style, attitude and appearance. Contestants are required to bag a variety of groceries in 35 seconds or less to get the maximum score of 10. Points are deducted for missing items or arranging items poorly.
Bay said the best baggers know exactly where every item should go in the bag. Heavy items like cans or soda go on the bottom. Boxed items, such as crackers or cereal, go on the side to form walls. That leaves the protected middle for crushable items, such as eggs or chips.
"I would consider bagging an art," said Bay, who is studying physical therapy at a private school in Arizona. "It takes a while to figure it out and bag right. The documentary gives bagging the attention it deserves, because it's often over looked until [your groceries get crushed]."
Denise Smart, the front end manager at Macey's in Sandy and Bay's former boss, is proud that her employee is part of the movie.
"There's nobody like Brian. He's the best bagger we've ever had," she said. "He was so focused, he never let anything distract him [in the competition]."
For those who want to see Bay in action — but can't make it to a screening of "Ready, Set, Bag!" — he will be at the Sandy Macey's this weekend. He also returns in December to work the holiday grocery season.
Bay said he hopes to keep the champion bagger tradition alive with his 16-month-old son, Brody. He almost bought the tot a onesie that said "Future champion bagger."
'Ready, Set, Bag!'
When • Nov. 19-21, 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Nov. 22-23, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where • Tower Theatre, 876 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $6 for shows before 6 p.m., $8.50 for other shows. ($6 for seniors and kids 12 and under). Call 801-321-0310
Info • For details on the documentary, visit http://www.readysetbag.com.
More • Organizers are collecting nonperishable food items for the Utah Food Bank.