As you enter Panera Bread, 3416 University Ave., you are greeted with the mouth-watering smell of baking bread. Immediately, you realize why this restaurant prides itself on its baking.??
Panera Bread was originally founded in 1981 under the name Au Bon Pain Co., Inc., but switched to the name Panera Bread in 1999.??Panera is one of the fastest growing companies in the food service industry, with total system sales in 2002 reaching $755.4 million. Madison is home to three Panera Bread establishments that are located on East Springs Drive, Cahill Main and the newest on University Avenue.
Panera is a welcome addition to the casual dining scene. Tracy Wilfert, a frequent Panera Bread visitor, said Panera \is a nice change from traditional restaurants.""??
One great way to try a few of Panera's choices is to opt for the ""You Pick Two,"" $5.60, which includes two of a bowl of soup, a half sandwich or a half salad.
One of the popular signature sandwiches is the Turkey Fresco, $5.65, made with turkey, cucumbers, lettuce, tomato and red onion with a cucumber sauce on ciabatta bread. The vegetables are fresh and piled on the floured ciabatta bread, which is soft and flavorful.
Next, pick the broccoli cheddar soup, $2.99. It's not artificially cheesy-the cheese is thick and the broccoli and carrots are plentiful. You'll also receive a French baguette to make sure that you soak up every last bit of the mouth-watering broth.??
The Frontega Chicken, $5.75, is just one of Panera's hot paninis. Loaded on rosemary and onion focaccia bread, the mozzarella cheese oozes through the pulled chicken, red onion, basil and tomato and gets a tangy kick from chipotle mayonnaise.
Salad fans should try the Greek salad, $5.75. This large portion of leafy romaine lettuce is mixed with tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives and peperoncinis, sprinkled with feta cheese and cracked pepper and topped with a delicious Greek dressing that complements the fresh ingredients perfectly.??
Panera also offers traditional choices, but specializes in a variety of iced coffee drinks, such as the I.C. Cappuccino Chip, $2.95. This drink blends cappuccino chips with espresso and ice and topped with creamy whipped cream-a delicious way to end your meal.
In addition to meal choices, Panera offers many pastry treats, including the chocolate croissant. This flaky, sweet croissant is wrapped around a chocolate center and sprinkled with chocolate, and a steal at only $1.45.
From the casual atmosphere to the bountiful choices, Panera is a great restaurant to try out. Kristine Cook, a first time Panera visitor said, ""I can't wait to come back so I can try some of the other choices.""
So when your belly is rumbling, head to one of the Panera Bread locations. After a Panera meal, you're sure to leave with a full stomach.
