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Went to Panera Bread today
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chuckywang
Lifer
How the FVCK does someone have so much to say about Panera Bread?
sygyzy
Lifer
I love Panera Bread. I wish they would bring one around here. I have only been in one in San Diego. Anyway, that was a pretty long post for a rant and it was not even a good rant. I think you summed it up well. It's not your kind of place. You should stop going there. Avoid Corner Bakery too, while you're at it.
sygyzy
Lifer
I wanted to avoid this but since you are "calling me out" I have no choice but to elaborate. The OP is ghetto. He is self proclaimed low-class. Which is fine. This is not an insult. But to try to "justify" it (he doesn't have to, btw) he makes fun of anyone better off by calling them yuppies and coffee-drinkers. Wow.
Anyway, Panera Bread is NOT a fancy, fru fru, or expensive place. Understand, it is not even a true restaurant. You go in there and order from a counter. They have soup, salads, desserts, and some small dishes like pasta. It's just like Corner Bakery. There is a soda fountain. There are tables and free WiFi. Many students and business people go in there to catch up on email or study.
The fact that the OP is so offended and feels out of place there simply amazes me. Again, this is not like some guy walked into a fancy steakhouse for lunch and is uncomfortable. It's more like someone walked in to a Chilis and had a problem.
That's why I recommended he stay away and helped him out by mentioning another place he might feel uncomfortable.
And that goes for you too Literati. If you think people are snobs because they go to a restsaurant and order food and sit down and eat it, then you should avoid it too.
Are you overweight?
I _love_ Panera. I can't actually recall buying anything there-- no one's ever given me a gift certificate there, and if I'm going to have a fancypants fruit drink there will be triple sec involved-- but I have rummaged through their trash on several occasions, and their excess (ostensibly stale) bread thingies are always thrown away in their own packaging, insulated from the rest of the trash, sanitary as sanitary gets. That's the way it is at the one nearest my home, anyway.
This topic is ripe for an uncalled-for debate over class distinctions in Western society, and yet most of you are still stuck on bread products. Sheesh.
That said, you raise a very good point: with a few obvious extreme exceptions, it doesn't matter how out of place you appear or feel if your self-confidence is high enough. No one's going to stare at you or force you to leave; at most they'll just act a little different than they would with someone just like them, and you'll probably never know this, because life doesn't offer quicksaves. The less you think about it, the less you'll find yourself perceiving what may or may not be there.
I have a neat little story about not fitting in in an establishment of this type, but it is kind of nasty and not at all heartwarming, so I'll leave it out. Suffice to say that sometimes there is more than just your imagination going on there, but that your own insecurity will act as a multiplier on whatever's actually there.
This topic is ripe for an uncalled-for debate over class distinctions in Western society, and yet most of you are still stuck on bread products. Sheesh.
In fairness, most people DO react to you differently if you seem out of place. Sometimes this is because people who feel out of place will act it, sometimes this is because you clash (I mean CLASH) with the other patrons.
That said, you raise a very good point: with a few obvious extreme exceptions, it doesn't matter how out of place you appear or feel if your self-confidence is high enough. No one's going to stare at you or force you to leave; at most they'll just act a little different than they would with someone just like them, and you'll probably never know this, because life doesn't offer quicksaves. The less you think about it, the less you'll find yourself perceiving what may or may not be there.
I have a neat little story about not fitting in in an establishment of this type, but it is kind of nasty and not at all heartwarming, so I'll leave it out. Suffice to say that sometimes there is more than just your imagination going on there, but that your own insecurity will act as a multiplier on whatever's actually there.
thats kinda wierd that you think panera is trendy. Its just like a starbucks that serves soup and hot sandwiches. The one by me has 1/2 sandwich, soup, salad -pick 2- for $6.35 after tax. coffee is like $1.50? but its unlimited refills while you are there.
I go in and eat there with jeans and an untucked button shirt all the time, and I feel fine. People there aren't really dressed up, but they don't dress like slobs.
Just think of the place as Burger King with a better seating area and higher quality food.
I go in and eat there with jeans and an untucked button shirt all the time, and I feel fine. People there aren't really dressed up, but they don't dress like slobs.
Just think of the place as Burger King with a better seating area and higher quality food.
Mediocre sandwiches.
Whoa, hold on there. I don't think I was making fun of anybody. I don't have a problem with "yuppies" or "cofffee-drinkers" so long as they aren't blindly following a trend (and if they are, why should I care? -note to myself). Yes, the rant had exaggeration, but I was trying to be funny. I did make fun of the restaurant, but not the people.
It's one click upscale from the restaurants I go to for a quick meal. I like diners, greasy spoons, and the like. I don't typically go for anything else, and I try to stay away from fast food. I try to keep a tight hold on my wallet, so I even stay away from places like Applebee's.
I was not offended at all. You seem to be, which is puzzling. Then again, I can see in your statements that you aren't exactly offended. (Sorry if that sounds confusing.) The Panera Bread that I went to has an urban/college town feel to it. I actually did feel that I would have half the restaurant staring at me if I walked in with a t-shirt and jeans. It did feel trendy.
That's not what he was saying at all.
We were standing several feet from the counter, as far out of the way as we could get while being able to read the menu.
I've never been there, people. It was different than any other restaurant that I've been to. I ranted. I joked. It's no big deal.
Amused
Elite Member
Um, are you high? Their average full sandwich tops 700 calories. They are HUGE.
And the food is excellent. I love their Sierra Turkey. (950 calories)
As for feeling out of place, WTF???
In the summer, when on my Harley I go in dressed in jeans, boots and a sleevless shirt or leather jacket. I never feel out of place. There are all kinds of people in my local Panera stores.
This is why i asked if he was a "big boy". I eat good there.
EvilYoda
Lifer
mmm...okay then. I'll bite my tongue, but I'm glad you felt out of place then...I still don't get what the big deal is and why your panties were/are in such a bunch that you had to write a whole story about your experience. I go into diners/bars in Warren/Flint/Detroit all the time and I don't care if I don't match the surroundings. I guess I'll never have to worry about running into you at Somerset.
montanafan
Diamond Member
I like Panera Bread. I like the Tuscan chicken on rosemary and onion focaccia, the Chicken Caesar on three cheese bread, the caramel lattes, the caffe mocha, and they have some really good pastries.
Sure they try to be trendy, but the food is good, more expensive than fast food but not overly expensive, portion size is fine, just something different when you're tired of burgers etc. but still just want a sandwich. I haven't noticed the customers being particularly well-dressed. Last time I was there I was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt and fit in just fine.
That being said, I did enjoy the OP.
Sure they try to be trendy, but the food is good, more expensive than fast food but not overly expensive, portion size is fine, just something different when you're tired of burgers etc. but still just want a sandwich. I haven't noticed the customers being particularly well-dressed. Last time I was there I was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt and fit in just fine.
That being said, I did enjoy the OP.
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