Saturday, July 20, 2013

15 minutes of Panera fame...

How did I not post something about my interview on MYPANERA.com? It is kind of a big deal.

Here's how it all went down:
About a year ago I received an email from someone claiming to be a freelance writer for MYPANERA.com....requesting an interview with me, to discuss my blog. At first I thought it was a joke. Then I realized, no one would go to that extent for a joke that wouldn't even be that funny.

So I set up a phone interview to discuss my Panera journey. The entire interview was hilarious. Why? Well, to me, this blog is just fun. I love Panera and I enjoy writing. It is a nice little outlet. I don't take it seriously. So I couldn't help but laugh at the majority of the questions.

To start out, the writer asked me some standard background questions. Name, age, city, state, occupation, married/single, kids/no kids. Then the question of how did I start the blog and why. Which led to more questions...

You can read the article HERE.

Random NOTES and Takeaways:
  • The picture. I didn't know to what extent this article was going to be. I certainly didn't think a picture would be included. So, believe me when I say that...had I known a picture would be included, I would have found a better one. I am standing in front of the coveted Lakewood Panera, to my credit. 
  • Why do I keep writing MYPANERA.com in all caps? 
  • A Panera mug or t-shirt. Haven't gotten a one of them. Kind of feel like I have earned something from Panera. If you think about it, this blog should be included in Panera management training. Lots of insight to be gained. (Please note my sarcasm)
All in all, my Panera interview went well. I was flattered and felt less guilty for my time and effort over the past couple of years. 

Blog neglect

I haven't updated my blog since Christmas Eve! Don't fret. I have lots of updates to share. Though I haven't blogged, it doesn't mean that I have stayed away from Panera. In fact, the exact opposite is true. My Panera visits have likely hit an all time high.

I like bullet pointing my thoughts, because they are so random...it is difficult to form a paragraph.

Here goes nothing...

Random NOTES:

  • I moved to Florida! My original goal in 2010 was to visit all of the Columbus area Panera Breads. I passed that goal with flying colors. Some may argue that I took it a little too far. So now that I have moved, I am upping the ante. To what you might ask? Not sure yet. It will be announced in the near future. 
  • Just because I moved to Florida doesn't mean I will abandon my Ohio Panera's! I will be back in the Buckeye state quite often, and will always fit in a visit. I know of at least one new Panera set to open in Columbus this fall. 
  • Upcoming blog topics you have to look forward to include:
    • My recent Ohio roadtrip Panera visits. It includes a couple new spots, and some oldie but goodies.
    • The Destin, FL review. One city. Two Paneras. My thoughts.
    • Atlanta Bread chicken salad sandwich versus Panera Bread. Lots to discuss. 
    • I found the perfect "man" salad at Panera. 
    • The Pay-As-You-Go cafes. 
    • An updated listing of where a Panera needs to open
  • I also need to update everyone on my interview on MYPANERA.com!!  
So, lots to look forward to...