Where's the butter? (Avery Road Panera. Dublin)

The entrance and the sample table.

This is my first Panera post in which I must report disappointment. I was quite excited for this visit, as this Panera is located in a very nice area of Dublin and this was my very first visit to this site. The reason for my disappointment revolves around 2 things: 1. The food I selected 2. The overall ambiance of this Panera.

The REVIEW.

Date visited: 1/27/11
Time of day: 5:30PM
Those in attendance: Myself and Abby
Items ordered:
Me: Pick 2...Grilled cheese and the steak chili, whole wheat baguette, unsweet tea...and large quantity of butter.
Abby: Pick 2...Grilled cheese, creamy tomato soup, whole wheat baguette, water w/lemon

I knew that I was going to Panera all day, so I had already decided to order something different from the menu tonight. Because it is freezing outside, chili sounded like a great idea...and a nice grilled cheese sandwich goes great with a bowl of chili. Abby, the vegetarian, chose a grilled cheese as well and opted for the tomato soup, for obvious reasons.

The very blah grilled cheese...but note the corn bread on my chili.

Immediately after ordering the grilled cheese, I had my doubts about the quality of this grilled cheese. I thought to myself, "Is Panera really someplace that would make a good grilled cheese?" In my many years of ordering grilled cheese sandwiches, I have found that the best place to get a grilled cheese is at a greasy spoon diner. A good rule of thumb with grilled cheeses...the fancier you make them, the worse they are. A grilled cheese sandwich in my mind, should be cooked on an iron skillet, with the standard american cheese slice, and drenched with REAL butter. Panera's formula is this: take 2 pieces of customers bread of choice, throw on on slice of cheese of choice, and press in the panini machine. Bland doesn't begin to describe this sandwich. WHERE'S THE BUTTER?

The chili on the other hand, was a delightful surprise. They call it steak chili, and include a little bit of cornbread on top. Although I like my chili a little spicy, this chili was made to appeal to the masses. So it was very tame...but good.

The LAYOUT.
It was a unanimous decision that this layout is off-putting. I can't decide if it is the layout, the color palette chosen (Browns, oranges), or perhaps the time of day. Whatever the case, I don't think I will be back. I wonder if it was just the time of day...the dinner rush had a lot of families tonight. Kind of loud, and non-relaxing.

Random notes.

• Our cashier was by far the friendliest, nicest, and most attractive Panera cashier I have ever seen. He was friendly, funny, and even allowed us to order the grilled cheese and chili as a "Pick 2" even though it's not on the menu.
• It would have been nice to include a picture of the cashier, but I think it would have been really weird to A) take his picture and B) explain why I am taking it
• This Panera had an interesting "bar" seating area, that is perfect for your laptop. (See photo)
• There were a group of old ladies sitting a couple of tables over. As they left the building they snatched up a few more of the free samples. One of the ladies seemed to unnecessarily keep using the tongs to distribute the free samples.
• Abby snagged her tights on the chair at the table.
• Abby also thought she recognized a gentleman at the restaurant...as I write this, she still hasnt figured out who he is.  

To date, I have been to 6 Columbus area Panera's of the 19. I have also been to 2 Florida Paneras.
Stay tuned for my next Panera review. There is talk of a visit to the Clintonville site, this weekend.

PNRA stock watch update

I see today that their stock is inching it's way down. It closed today @ $96.96. I believe it was trading around $104 over Christmas, which was an all-time high. I still think now is not the time to buy. Perhaps if it dips down in the 80's...but certainly if it should reach the 70s. Not that I know what I am talking about. Just a fun guess. Other food for thought, Chipotle's stock is sitting around $220. So, perhaps there is plenty of room for growth for PNRA. Maybe now is the time to buy?

I heart warm weather...my winter "south Florida" visit

The victim of this Panera Addict's review...



 Old man winter and I do not agree. Thankfully, I am lucky enough to have opportunities to travel during some of these unpleasant winter days. As I write this, I am ending a trip to Ft. Myers/Naples. My trip this time down south is more of a "work" trip than most of my travels are. You see, I work for a family business...and it just so happens that the other sales reps are men that have been with the company for 15, 25, and I think the other 35 + years. This trip to Ft. Myers was a result of meeting certain sales goals as a team. This trip also was based around golfing. Yes, 3 entire days of golfing.

I wouldn't say that I hate to golf...but I also wouldn't say that I love to golf. And 3 entire days of golfing seems a little much. But I am not going to complain...I could have been in -10 degree January Ohio weather. I am rather thankful of this trip for many reasons.

I will say that I had high hopes of visiting a local Panera...in fact, if you read my previous post, you would see that I had it mapped out. However, a golf trip with men is serious. It turns out that 18 holes of golf plus dinner equals an entire day and night of your time. Our tee time today, for example was at 10:40. I was finishing up a run this AM and my uncle calls me at 7:50AM to tell me the rest of the guys are going to breakfast then off to the course. Seriously? How early does one need to warm up? I thought I would be able to sneak in a Panera visit this AM...but as you can see, it was imperative to hurry up and wait for that 10:40 tee time.

But wait...I am creating a new post here, so certainly I found time to visit Panera? The answer is yes! In an interesting turn of events, I was able to visit one of the Naples Panera after our round of golf. It was an interesting story of how I was able to do this...but far too long to include in this post. Let's just say, I made it.

So, without further ado....MY NAPLES REVIEW:
Time of visit: 4ish PM
Location: Rt. 41 Naples
Item ordered: Hot british breakfast decaf tea

Hot tea with two tea bags....still equals les miserable.

Ok, I know what you are thinking...hot tea..really? I had just had lunch and a couple beers, plus before that, I had several caffeinated beverages. The fact that I found this Naples Panera at this point in time...well, I will say it...it was MTB. I wasn't looking for a Panera, but it found me.

I wanted a hot cocoa...as it was pretty cold, well for Naples. However, I only had $2 in my pocket. Hot cocoa is $2.25. So I ordered the tea. To be blunt...the tea sucked. I even used 2 tea bags (yes, I said 2 tea bags) and there was virtually no flavor. I might as well have drank plain hot water. Live and learn.

As far as the layout...this one was pretty darn small. Probably the smallest I have seen. However, it's location in Naples is awesome...right at a heavy corner intersection. Very high-end area. The service kind of sucked.

Random notes...

• My cashier kept talking about how January 22, was such a big day for her to the other staff...as she waited for the hot water for my tea. She kept saying, "Oh my god, is today what I think it is..." And then she kept waiting for others to recognize her big day. I never did figure out the significance of Jan. 22 for my cashier. I hope it was a good one though. I wasn't interested enough to ask. (shocking)
• Some foreigners were sitting next to me...speaking a different language, and probably laughing at me as I took a snap shot of my tea.
• An old couple was sitting near the entrance. I didn't hear any conversation, but they seemed happy.
• A younger couple was sitting near the bathrooms...had to have been 17, 18. My only observation...I am not sure why these tight spandex pants are popular. This girl was wearing skin tight capri type spandex. Dear Lord...make that go out of style soon. Thank you.

In conclusion....this was a very nice unexpected visit to Panera Bread, Naples Florida. I hope to visit this Panera in many future winters...perhaps then I can try a sandwich...and maybe that hot cocoa.

The view on the morning runs...very nice.

Florida Panera visits

I get to escape the Ohio winter for a few days...yet again! Tomorrow I travel to Ft. Myers. I am excited for sunshine, and the projected near 80 degree weather. At some point in time I plan to visit a new Panera.

Well, confession time...
I have already map-quested the route from the hotel to the nearest Panera! Looks like I will be about 15 miles from the nearest Panera. I hope to get a visit in at least one morning.

Stay tuned for my review.

Meet my 2nd fav Panera, Westerville South

In an attempt to knock out another Panera review, I visited the Westerville Panera on S. State St. This was not my first visit to this one, but it was my first "official" visit. If you haven't been to this Panera, I recommend that you put it on your list. This is a great place to go and relax. The minute you walk into this Panera, you feel relaxed. The layout is very small, but they use the space quite well. Despite the lack of a community room, I rank this Panera as my #2 favorite of all Paneras I have been...so far. The Lakewood Panera is my #1...so far.

Stats on the visit:
Date: 1.16.2011
Time of day: 10 AM
Items ordered: Whole wheat bagel w/cream cheese and an unsweet tea of course.

The evidence of the $2.87 bill.

So I cashed in on the My Panera freebie of a bagel. So that means the only thing I paid for this visit was a drink and cream cheese. Well, you can imagine the shock in my eyes when the associate told me the total due was $2.87. That just seems like a lot...maybe I am cheap. But I guess the atmosphere made up for the cost.

Random notes:

• I brought an issue of Bloomberg's Business Week and sat in a nice corner area by the windows.
• Sitting a couple of tables behind me in front of the fireplace was an older lady, probably in her 70s. She was wearing a white beret style toboggan.  A couple of tables from her were 2 older gentlemen, one was wearing an OSU sweatshirt the other a Steelers.
• It seemed like the two tables were regulars and they knew eachother. The 2 men were joking with the lady about her hat. In another conversation, she talked about how she was moving to Findlay to be closer to her son.
• They also had the patio tables out...maybe it's a storage issue.

"Five Points" Panera (3728 Tremont Rd), Upper Arlington

I have been to this Panera several times before my official visit, which was yesterday. I have always liked this Panera. It is located in a nice area of Columbus, Upper Arlington. There are nice neighborhoods and quite a bit of retail that surrounds this Panera. What's very interesting, is that there are 2 Starbucks located extremely close to this Panera. One is located inside a Barnes and Noble, which is attached to this Panera. The other Starbucks is less than a quarter mile down the road on Tremont.

Despite the natural competition of the coffee and wifi that they both offer, it seems that both businesses seem to thrive in this area. I personally prefer a Panera over a Starbucks as a meeting place and a work station...but that is probably not too surprising. For those coffee drinkers out there, I am curious who has the better coffee...Starbucks or Panera?

About my visit:
Date: 1.15.2011
Time of Day: 11AM
Items ordered: Old faithful (Pick 2, sierra turkey, greek salad no olives, wheat baguette, unsweet iced tea)
I really tried to go out of my comfort zone and order something different, but I just couldn't. Next time.

Old faithful...Sierra Turkey on wheat, greek salad no olives,
wheat baguette, unsweat tea...and a bunch of butter.

As mentioned before, I have also enjoyed this Panera. It is a pretty small Panera, that does not offer the Community Room, nonetheless I like the atmosphere. This Panera happens to be located very close to my friend Amy's house. So when I do visit this Panera, I am typically with her. There is a booth by the drink station and in front of a window that we typically sit. I was flying solo yesterday, and was happy to see that the booth was open! (Often times, that booth is taken)

The food was predictably good. The crowd was moderate, as it was only 11 AM. By the time I left around 11:30, it started to pick up more. I was surrounded by 2 guys studying what seemed to be theology, another lady that was flying solo who was reading a book, and one family. Very diverse crowd. I wonder if they noticed that I was taking pictures of my food. I wanted to blog about this experience while at the Panera, but felt self-conscious eating at a Panera with my "Panera Addict" blog on my screen.

Random Notes.

• They had free samples, but there weren't any in the basket.
• I have acquired a free bagel and pastry on My Panera card...again.
• This Panera has a nice outdoor seating area. I found it odd that they still have the outdoor furniture sitting outside though. It is the middle of January in Ohio...there is little hope that we get spell warm enough to drink coffee outside.
• I am staying away from the onions in the sandwiches and salads...well just onions in general. Enough said.

Columbus welcomes you, Mr. Covelli

As you know, I just recently began documenting my obession with Panera. But long before I documented this strange hobby, I have enjoyed my Panera Bread for quite some time. It is interesting to learn that a Warren, Ohio based company, Covelli Enterprises has recently aquired the Columbus area Panera Breads. What's even more interesting is the fact that as of 2005, they owned and operated over 100 Panera Breads throughout Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida! The annual revenues exceed over $220 million per year! (According to a Smart Business Online article)

Sam Covelli is the man behind these Panera Bread franchises, and chances are that if you live or vacation in these area you have been to a Covelli Panera. I was browsing through all of their locations on the Covelli website and was very surprised to learn that they have 22 restaurants in the southern portion (Broward and Palm Beach County) of Florida...of which, I believe I visited one years ago. Too bad I didn't pay more attention back then.

Covelli Enterprises also owns and operates several of the O'Charleys franchises.

I must admit, I know very little about this Covelli group, and even less about Sam Covelli. Regardless, it seems that the Covelli's are experts in the franchise restaurant business.

Also, there is good news for Panera fans that live in a Columbus area suburb that DOES NOT have a Panera: Mr. Covelli stated in a Business Journal article the following,

 

"I always wanted Columbus. We think there's a lot of growth in the Columbus area, but we're going to continue to grow in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and our other locations in Florida, but it's exciting to get the market."

 

My hopeful interpretation of Covelli's statement is that they plan to expand throughout Columbus wherever it makes sense. I have 2 suggestions, right from the start for Mr. Covelli: Newark & Zanesville.

Black Bean Soup @ Home Base

Pick 2 combo: Black Bean Soup + Veggie Sandwich

In an effort to get some work completed...I, along with my laptop, decided to go to Panera last night. I chose the Pick 2, with a Mediterranean veggie sandwich and the Black Bean Soup. I was able to find my second favorite spot to work at the New Albany 'Home Base' Panera. This spot is located next to the drink station and the exit. I like this work area for 2 reasons: One is the privacy, rarely does anyone sit next to you. The second reason I like this is the fact that there is a convenient outlet to plug in my laptop.

For future reference, I will not choose that seat during the cold months. It was rather distracting to get a brisk of cold air every time someone left the restaurant. One other interesting factoid about this visit is that someone sat right next to me. Bummer.

On the plus side, the black bean soup is fabulous! I highly recommend. This soup is quite guilt free as well, with only 170 calories, 4 fat grams, and 5 very important grams of fiber!

My Orlando trip included a visit to PANERA!

Panera Bread, Sand Lake Road - Orlando. Pictured: Ashley and Abby.

Date visited: 1.7.2011
Time of day: 10:30 am
Attendees/Items ordered:
Me: Old faithful, the Pick 2 combo (Sierra turkey on wheat, greek salad, and baguette) with iced tea.
Ashley: Breakfast panini with bacon, egg, cheese and a Mocha
Abby: Pick 2 combo (Broccoli and cheddar soup with greek salad)
Bonus: I gave my free My Panera reward of a pastry to Ashley and Abby. They opted for the a strawberry danish.

The story:
While visiting my friend, Ashley, that lives in Orlando, I had the distinct honor of going to the Panera located on Sand Lake Road. The weather in Orlando was gorgeous! Sunny and in the high 60s each day...not bad for January! When the weather is so pleasant, it is difficult to be negative...but somehow, I found flaws...mainly due to the service we received.

I fell instantly in love with the exterior of the building. They had an AWESOME outdoor seating area with higher end furniture. Beyond the exterior - my first impression of the interior was that it was quaint. That's right - they did not have a community room, so this was was much smaller. Despite the lack of community room and the more intimate seating, I did like the interior layout. As I said, it was very quaint...proving the age old adage - bigger isn't always better.

The FOOD.
No real trouble with anyone's food, other than the lettuce on my salad was a little brown for my liking, but other than that it was good. Ashley had a mocha with her meal, which she received free from her My Panera rewards card! She did note that while the Panera mochas are good, they are also expensive. (Further confirming the point that Amy made in the St. Clairsville post). I was told that the danish was good.

Our meals.

The SERVICE.
In a word - awful. The food preparer could not get my order correct. First he tried to give me the greek salad with a soup instead of the sandwich. When I told him what I ordered, he seemed rather annoyed. A few minutes later he called my name to pick up my order...only to have the sierra turkey on the default asiago bread, instead of the wheat bread as ordered. I had to inform him that it was still incorrect. Finally he called my name with everything correct, but the baguette. They gave me white instead of wheat. At that point it wasn't worth the fight.

Random FACTS.

• Abby signed up for My Panera card.
• They stop serving breakfast at 10:30...but thankfully Ashley was able to get that last-minute breakfast order.
• This Panera did not have free samples
• Orlando area Paneras use billboards to promote their stores.

Overall I enjoyed my visit to this Panera. I regret not sitting outside on the patio. Although it was nice outside - it may have been a tad chilly to sit there comfortably. Considering the fact that it was snowing in Ohio - I should have taken advantage of the patio seating.

Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, to go please.

Last night I picked up a Panera sandwich to go for dinner. I got this at my "home base" of the New Albany Panera. I wasn't that hungry, yet I was feeling adventurous. I decided to try the veggie sandwich and opted for an apple as the side item.

I really like their Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. After I ordered the sandwich, I had my regrets. You see, it didn't specify all the ingredients on the menu, it just simply says Mediterranean Veggie on the menu board. I just assumed I would like all the veggies. After ordering, I was worried there would be olives. The sandwich is made up of the following ingredients according to the Panera website:
Zesty Peppadew™ piquant peppers, feta cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cilantro Jalapeño hummus on Tomato Basil bread

I forgot to take a photo of my sandwich...but here is a photo I found online. Notice this one has the tomato basil bread.

My only complaint about my experience with this sandwich: They were out of Tomato Basil. I opted for the less exciting whole wheat. It was still good, but I think tomato basil would give it that extra something.

I will definitely put this Panera sandwich on the list as a good standby (next to the sierra turkey, of course).

I am now in Orlando and have plans to visit a Panera while down here. This will be my first official out-of-state Panera review. What a big weekend it is going to be!

The big "REVEAL"...

In a previous post, "My Panera Card" I mentioned the fact that Panera sent me an email on my birthday with news that I had earned a special reward on "My Panera" card...just because I turned another year older!

Anxious to see what the big surprise could be, I asked the cashier at the Bethel Road Panera what rewards I had earned. To my surprise, I had earned 1 free bagel, and 1 free pastry! Not bad for doing nothing.

I decided not to cash in on my rewards that day, and instead saved it for another day. Turns out I have until February 17 to use the rewards. Based on my obsessive visits to Panera, that shouldn't be too difficult.

What bagel will I choose? Asiago cheese? Jalepeno cheese? Everything? Or will I be in a healthy mood and go for the whole wheat? It will be a game time decision.

As far as the pastry goes, I will probably donate that one to whomever is willing to go on my next Panera outing with me. So for all my friends and family out there: In addition to my vast conversational skills and overall friendly demeanor, a trip to Panera with me could land you a free danish!

Running for Panera...Antrim Park + Bethel Panera = Good Morning

The Panera Bread on Bethel Road

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Bethel Road Panera. The back story to this Panera visit goes as such: A friend of mine, Abby, and I are running in a half-marathon next weekend in Orlando. Training for this half-marathon for both parties, has been a struggle to say the least. In an attempt to do a last minute training session before next Saturday's race, we agreed to meet at Antrim Park for a 6-mile jaunt. Antrim Park happens to be located just a couple of miles from the Bethel Road Panera, so I was able to convince my friend to make a morning of it...we run, then we go to Panera! What a morning!

The run yesterday was a bit of struggle, but we were able to get through the run knowing that Panera was on the horizon. As we jokingly (or non-jokingly) chanted, "Running for Panera".

The review on the Bethel Rd. Panera:

Date visited: 12.31.10
Time of day: 10:30 ish
Items ordered:

Panera Pick 2: Chicken Salad, Greek Salad

Me: Pick 2, 1/2 chicken salad on seasame semolina, 1/2 greek salad (no olives), baguette, unsweet tea
Abby: Pick 2, 1/2 tuna salad, 1/2 greek salad with olives, baguette, soda

As you will notice I strayed from my typical "pick 2" favorite, which is the sierra turkey. A friend of mine noted that I should explore the menu a little more if I am going to have a blog about Panera. The chicken salad was pretty good, but it definitely was not the best chicken salad I have had. In fact, I think the Kroger chicken salad is better than Panera's. The greek salad was good as usual. Because I strayed from my normal menu item, I didn't know if the pick 2 came with a baguette. The cashier did not offer me the option of baguette, chips, or fruit...and I was given the default white baguette. I was a little disappointed in that.

Regarding Abby's order...she noted that the tuna salad was not her very good, but everything else was very good. She also noted that Panera has really good olives. As an olive hater, I wouldn't be able to tell you the difference between olives. She confirmed that Panera olives are super good. So if you like olives, I suggest you give Paneras a whirl.

Other observations:

They have a community room! So this Panera seemed a little more spacious than those that do not have the room. Another bonus at this Panera is the samples. This is a very key component to your Panera visit. Right as you walk in the entrance, there were samples of bread sitting there waiting to be sampled. Not all Paneras do this, and sometimes if they do all of the samples are gone.

I forgot to mention that I found a HAIR in my food! More specifically, I found it nestled between the top and middle part of the sandwich. I was very grossed out, needless to say. Finding a hair in your food, in my opinion, is one of the grossest things that can happen at a restaurant. I pointed this long piece of hair out to Abby. Naturally, she was grossed out. I somehow overcame the initial disgust and pretended it was my hair. Somehow it could have happened, right? I didnt feel like complaining, and if the worst case scenerio happened, and it wasnt my hair...the people that were preparing the food seemed like they washed their hair. At the end of the day, I ate the entire meal and survived.



The sample tray...and Abby sneaking into the photo.



Anyways...this wasn't my first visit to this Panera. I have been to this one several times over the years. But this is my first official review of the Bethel Panera. Overall, I really like this layout. The community room is a plus. The restrooms were clean.