I'd like to visit Panera as an occasional alternative to Starbucks, but I'm torn. There are a few things about Panera that are all right: I don't tend to feel cramped when I'm there, their seating is comfortable, and the place is "mostly" clean (sometimes they are slow to bus tables). I wish some of their employees were friendlier, but I've seen much worse. But three problems really stand out:
1) Not enough seating near electric outlets
2) THE WORST MUSIC ON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH
3) Food that is waaaaaaaay overpriced for the quality and quantity served.
Although people hang out at Panera's for hours, I get the impression that Panera would prefer they don't, hence the aural torture and lack of sockets. They don't have to worry about me- I won't be going there much at all.