Panera Bread

They have a wonderful variety of baked goods and lunch items, HOWEVER, they're ONLY available in EXTREMELY LIMITED quantities so you MUST get there VERY EARLY if you want anything but the MOST BASIC bagel or similar. And, even that basic bagel with cream cheese will run around $3+, with the fancier stuff running more. EVERYTHING on their menu is ALA CARTE, so if you want a HALF sandwich, plus a SMALL mac 'n cheese, plus a drink for lunch, you're looking at $18-$20 per person, and for rather SMALL PORTIONS at that! If you're doing an OCCASIONAL lunch with a friend, or just grabbing a quick coffee, tea or other drink, then it's not a big hit to the budget compared to the likes of Starbucks, but for the average Jane or Joe, eating here regularly could add up quite quickly. In their FAVOR, the frequently FRESH INGREDIENTS and PREPARATION methods used (no fried foods here), are likely big benefits, because who needs clogged up arteries? So, if you're on a DIET, only want HEALTHILY prepared foods, AND have a very POSH BANK ACCOUNT, this is your place! We're none of those things! On the UP SIDE, they DID have very NICE, HELPFUL employees, but the SCARCITY of their baked goods, very SMALL PORTIONS, and overall EXPENSIVENESS of nearly everything, are definite, huge drawbacks for us, hence the 3 stars, instead of 5, despite the flavor and freshness of their items. Because really, who wants to spend that much money and time, then have to run around the corner to Chik-Fil-A, because you're still hungry?

Excellent customer service! We had scheduled to pick up an order of bagels and pastries for our elementary school before Christmas break, it snowed and school was delayed. At 6:30 the catering manager called me to see if would still need to pick up that order, I explained we would but it would be a little later. This was not the case with a different company!! 5 stars for superb service!!