I'll admit to wanting to like Panera Bread, but having a hard time doing so. It's something like Starbucks in that regard. I think it's because I just don't go there often.
The service is almost always top-notch, and you also have to like that they have free wireless connectivity (when it works). But really - who cares if you have free access for your laptop when you're eating, and while there are people who sit there for hours at a time to use up the free services, who wants to do that? I'd rather sit on my computer at home than do it at Panera.
My biggest complaint is that I can't find something that really hits the spot. Yes, the drinks are decent, as are the bread offerings, but they don't really fill me up. If I want a sandwich, I'll go the fridge rather than go to Panera. It's not that they are bad, it's just not my thing.