Someone asked me if Atlanta Bread Company and Panera Bread are the same. I guess the comparison can't be helped as they're both soup and sandwich chains, but my answer: absolutely not. I harbor a special love for Panera in my heart that Atlanta will never compete with, no matter how many tries I give it. My visit today pretty much confirmed that.
A fist-sized portion of bread is served with most meals. In the past, I've always been turned off by their bread, which is usually pale and under-baked. I don't have much faith in a place that claims to be a "bread company," but serves such sorry bread. On my most recent visit, the baguette wasn't disturbingly discolored and it had a nice crunch to the crust. I also noticed a subtle hint of olive oil in the bread's recipe. Maybe they're making a few improvements.
Like most lunch chains, I'm sure the soup comes packaged and is heated in-store. I ordered the chicken and wild rice soup today. Highlights: the soup had conspicuous specks of pepper and bright green chives. Unfortunately, it also had the color and consistency of glue... I suspect that the grain had broken down and congealed into a thick paste that was not appetizing.
Atlanta also separates itself from Panera by serving a few additional items on their menu, including pastas. My vegan lunch buddy tells me that Atlanta is a little more generous to those with dietary restrictions, though I don't have any special recommendations to vegetarians/vegans out there.