Today, I went to Panera Bread for a quick soup and sandwich combo. I got the Black Bean Soup and Tomato Mozzarella Panini, and it was great.
Panera Bread was started in 1981 as a company called Au Bon Pain Co, a company with locations along the east coast. In 1993, they purchased the St. Louis Bread Company a chain of about 20 stores and re-staged and ultimately renamed the chain to Panera Bread.
Currently there are over 1300 units bakery-cafes in 40 states and in Ontario Canada operating under the Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Co. and Paradise Bakery & Café names. Panera opened on Main Street about 3 years ago, if my memory is correct.
They offer some delicious panini sandwiches and salads and great soup, but they also have great bread. You can check out Panera’s Menu. They also have a bakery menu. I have gotten bread there several times and it is always great. So if you need something quick and delicious, stop by Panera.