Panera Bread is a chain, yes. But a good kind of chain. High quality stuff that you're gonna find at the same level of goodness no matter which Panera you visit. This one though, just so happens to be pretty close to my house. It is the closest Panera in fact. Walking distance. I can make a weekend day of a walk to the nearby shopping rounded off with a lunch stop here. Or, my preferred timing, a morning trip before work to grab a few flatbread sandwiches for the road. Maybe it's a seasonal thing, but currently the turkey-cranberry flatbread is not on the menu. I miss it dearly. Other favorites include just about any of their soups, the pick 2 menu option, the fact that an apple is a side item choice and the wide selection of different drinks that include tea in their name.
The environment at this spot could use a little work. Perhaps they need a bigger building? The inside feels cramped. Since so many people love Panera, the tables are often packed. Church groups, study groups, like minded locals, you name it! Free WiFi is basically a big deal these days and Panera delivers. WiFi I mean. But food too.