Panera Bread's Options, Why Panera Is Better

Panera Bread is one of my favorite local restaurants. Its location is very convenient along with the parking. It is located on the corner of a strip mall which gives it the most universal parking space, and because it is usually the busiest business in the strip mall that space is needed. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave you feel a sense of hospitality. I am always greeted at the entrance.  For me this is very important, it shows me that I can come here with a boyfriend on a date, to catch up with friends, go to lunch or dinner with my family or just come here to study alone. I also like the fact that Panera Bread is a big chain restaurant so whether I’m in my town or at work there is one close by. I love that when I’m done eating, if I don’t get up right away there are constantly employees walking around asking the customers if they’re done with their meal, and if they are they pick up their plates and garbage for them. It shows me that the employees are trying to make it a more enjoyable experience.

I personally do not think the prices at Panera are bad, it is a mixture between fast food and a sit down restruant. You order your food and get it yourself but he quality of the food shows in the taste and the way you feel after. The majority of the time I go to Panera in the winter I order a bowl of soup along with a side of bread or an apple, with tax this is approximately $5.25. I am completely full after eating this. They also offer a “you pick two” option which includes half a sandwich or Panini along with a cup of soup or salad. This comes out to about $7 dollars. Though there are some things more expensive than others I do think the prices are fair. 


The lighting and seating in the restaurant are just as good as the customer service, you seat yourself in either a booth or table once you arrive after you have ordered, or if you have a big party there is a special room in the back. When you hear your name called you get up to recieve your food.

There was one incident at Panera when I did order a bowl of the French onion soup –this was shortly after I started being a vegetarian again and had forgotten that there is indeed beef broth in it. I know for some vegetarians this isn’t an issue but for me it was. I went back up to where the food is made and explained to the employee who was working what had happened and he was very happy to make me a mac and cheese for no additional cost. This shows me that they hire employees that do indeed care about customer service, which is very important when running a successful business. This also makes for a more homey feeling. In no time he had made me a new meal, and I left a very happy customer. Later I did learn that on the menu there are certain signs that show whether that food item are vegetarian or just an overall healthy choice. This clears up almost any confusion that someone might have.
     

   

The menu also has a variety of vegetarian options. The creamy tomato soup is one of my personal favorites along with the tomato and basil Panini. This says a lot considering I’m not a big fan of tomatoes. The way they mix the sweetness of the tomato in the soup with the savory spiced croutons is superb. When I get soup I always get a baguette as a side, they offer wheat and white which is a nice choice.

 The mediterranean basil sandwich is very good. And even though there are many sandwiches that don’t have the vegetarian sign on them Panera will make you any sandwich without the meat on there. I get the new Spanish power salad, but without bacon bits and egg, still delicious but now it’s vegetarian. And the Tomato and basil Panini on wheat bread is a more hardy meal, with more carbs from the bread it keeps me fuller a little longer then the soup would.

Usually people who don’t eat meat tend to live a healthier life style. So the fact that there is a healthy alternative for almost everything on the menu works, Panera also has delicious green tea. It’s served hot but I make mine iced. Panera’s hospitality is what brings me in, the variety of vegetarian options is what keeps me coming back.

Things I find should be rated:
Costemer service: ****
Pricing ranges: ***
Vegetarian Variety: ***

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