Tuesday, October 15 2019

Start with Bread!

There isn't any other place like Panera Bread where you can get a delightful, freshly brewed cup of coffee while also enjoying a fresh French Baguette. Or how about a delicious sandwich on fresh Ciabatta bread with sizzling chicken, fresh peppers, and hand scooped guacamole. See, that's only a few of the many Panera Bread has to offer. Not only do they offer amazing food, the Panera Team will always put a smile on your face. If your day is going bad, they will make sure that you leave the cafe with a full stomach and a happy vibe. The people at Panera believes in food you can care so much about. Food provided in a friendly, delightful environment can be enjoyed while eating and living healthy.

When I first heard of Panera Bread, I thought of them as a restaurant that just serves bread and coffee. That was until my friend Miah explained to me that that’s not what they are all about. “Bro Anthony, they are not just all about bread and coffee. They also make sandwiches, soups, and they make fresh salads too” (Wallen). At this time, I was also searching for a job, and she also told me that they were hiring. So I thought to myself maybe I should go try one of their items and also apply. When I first walked into Panera, the smell was amazing. I could smell the fresh bread baking in the oven and that inspired me to find out more information about Panera. When I went to place my order, the cashier was so nice, and she made me feel very comfortable for my first experience. My order was this amazing sandwich, that I still eat till this day, called the Tuscan Grilled Chicken sandwich. Made on freshly toasted Ciabatta, with basil mayo, fresh arugula, citrus grilled chicken, parmesan and

provolone cheese. Now when I first looked at my plate, I was a little concerned because I am a very picky eater and it was my first time eating this type of bread. Then I immediately thought Michael Pollan, an award winning author saying “ Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food” (10). Since then, I wanted to find out more about Panera Bread, and that also made me want to join their team.

About three months of me working at Panera, I felt that I was apart of the Panera family. My fellow co-workers and I get along very well, and I am very familiarized with the food as well. At first, I didn't know Panera had food choices that didn't have meat in them. That made me realise that this is a place where everyone is able to eat, and enjoy their meal. For example, the Medditeranian Veggie sandwich is one of the most popular non meat sandwiches served at Panera. Starting off with Tomato Basil bread, with cilantro hummus, freshly cut cucumbers, feta cheese, red onion and finished with emerald greens. Panera is a place where everyone is able to enjoy an item off the menu, especially if it's their first time because they offer so many options.

As known, I have great experience with Panera Bread. But to get that deeper connection, I interviewed one of my fellow employees, who is also my manager. Chantale, who was my interviewee, gave me the best aspects when it comes to Panera Bread and their joyfulness in the food industry. She has been with the company for more than five years, and said it has been very “eye opening” to her. Also, she is a prime example for when it comes taking her role in Panera to a different level. “My goals are to either become a GM or to really Master my specialty at the moment which is training specialist.” Chantale responded on her future goals. As explained by Chantale, most of our products are received from our commissary known as the FDF. This is where we receive our dough and fresh produce every day. The FDF, which is known as the Fresh Dough Facility, that distributes fresh dough and other food products to other regional Panera Breads (jobs.panera.com). Panera Bread cares deeply about their community. That's one of the reasons why they donate leftover bread to local charities, and churches.  “We donate to various organizations Churches as well as shelters, and we hope that they utilize them in a way to help the people by giving them a great product and good food to eat.” stated Chantel.

Not only do they offer amazing food, the Panera Team will always put a smile on your face. You can always look forward to them providing excellent service and preparing quality food for you or your family to enjoy. The people at Panera believes in food you can care so much about. Food provided in a friendly, delightful environment can be enjoyed while eating and living healthy.