Panera

[Mimi]

I regret that when I was in NYC for the first time I didn't go to a deli. I did ride the Yankee Clipper and see a game and go to MOMA, tho.

[matedog]

Panera is...adequate. It's next to the Target and is open earlier than most coffee shops which works well since my demon spawn still has a 5:30/6am wake up time.

[WestwayKid]

My mom and dad seemingly go to Panera 3-4 times a week... !

It's not bad, but also not great. My biggest gripe is that it seems like every time I go it's 1) super busy and 2) under staffed and 3) really dirty.

We just got this chain in Milwaukee: https://cafezupas.com/ and I like them a lot better than Panera.

[Wolter]

They’re moving in here at a rapid rate.

[WestwayKid]

Potbelly or GTFO.

Potbelly is awesome! I work for a foodservice distributor...and they're one of our customers. You get a lot of insight into how "good" a chain is by what they buy...and Potbelly spends a little extra to get better ingredients than some of their competitors. We also count another large sub chain as a customer...and their ingredient standards are definitely not as high and I think you can tell in the finished product.

[JennyB]

Do you guys know that Panera started in the 'Jortsville and that it's called St. Louis Bread Company here? Well, now you do.

I rarely eat there. It used to be good (they used to have a great caprese salad that they would serve during the summer). I will order from there if someone from the office is running up there for lunch, but usually just soup.

Does anyone else have Firehouse Subs? It rocks.

[revbob]

Oh how I wish you could all experience the greatness of a proper deli.

[Kory]

I loathe Panera. There was one across the street from my college that I had to go to a few times but never again. It's so gross.

[JoseUnidos]

I go there maybe once a week for coffee because it's 2 blocks from where I work & it's cheaper than Starbucks, but it's my 4th or 5th choice for caffeine.

[Wolter]

Oh how I wish you could all experience the greatness of a proper deli.

To be fair, these chains aren’t offering a 1:1 comparison with what is in a deli. It’s like saying a mediocre burger chain doesn’t offer a good bratwurst.

[revbob]

Oh how I wish you could all experience the greatness of a proper deli.

To be fair, these chains aren’t offering a 1:1 comparison with what is in a deli. It’s like saying a mediocre burger chain doesn’t offer a good bratwurst.

True but just on sandwiches alone these places (I've not heard nor in some cases been to some mentioned) just don't rate.

Yeah this is opinion but so are most of the other comments.

[JennyB]

Oh how I wish you could all experience the greatness of a proper deli.

To be fair, these chains aren’t offering a 1:1 comparison with what is in a deli. It’s like saying a mediocre burger chain doesn’t offer a good bratwurst.

Exactly. I know proper deli (ahem), but when I like a quick sub, Firehouse is amazing.

[revbob]

Oh how I wish you could all experience the greatness of a proper deli.

To be fair, these chains aren’t offering a 1:1 comparison with what is in a deli. It’s like saying a mediocre burger chain doesn’t offer a good bratwurst.

Exactly. I know proper deli (ahem), but when I like a quick sub, Firehouse is amazing.

Okay next time I see one of these I will at least look inside. I think Ive seen them in DC...

[Flex]

I sort of remember Panera as one of the first stabs at slightly-higher-quality fast food than the usual McDs type offerings, and I was semi-impressed with it circa 2003. But it's done to a lot better affect elsewhere, and I'm fortunate to live in a town with some awesome soup/salad/sandwich type offerings. I'm pretty sure the nearest Panera is at least an hour and half drive from me anyways.

[Mimi]

Oh how I wish you could all experience the greatness of a proper deli.

To be fair, these chains aren’t offering a 1:1 comparison with what is in a deli. It’s like saying a mediocre burger chain doesn’t offer a good bratwurst.

Exactly. I know proper deli (ahem), but when I like a quick sub, Firehouse is amazing.

We have a Firehouse around here, but I haven't tried it yet.