Married to Panera
I'm married to Panera Bread. The people, the brand, the experience.
While working/eating at Panera today, the manager ran over to make sure I had chicken on my salad. Yep - just like I ordered it, thanks:-) The cashier stood behind the counter and gave me a smile and nod. Nice.
Several minutes later, she came over again. Apparently I was leaning against one of the banners and it was about to fall, the back of my head its target. They're looking out for my stomach and my head. Thanks again!
It's unconditional love. How did Panera and I go from a courtship to a marriage.
First sign of unconditional love. Right about this time last year, when summer is winding up, I got super sick. I hadn't eaten much in two days and "nothing" still sounded best. My wife sneaks out to Panera to get a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee. One of the managers noticed my absence - poured Cindy a cup of chicken noodle soup to go, added the roll and coffee - all of it on the house. Wow.
Second sign. My turn. A Saturday morning a few weeks later. I get up early (but so do a lot of folks here). Except for the guys working the kitchen, the manager was the only one who showed up - along with a dozen customers. Like a deer in headlights and ...(what's that running down his face...sweat or tears?)...the line of people getting longer fast.
Let's have some fun...I jump behind the counter and start bagging bagels, giving away strudels and soon we're all smiling. The manager gets a second wind and even made a few phone calls for help. I get a Panera hat and a new nickname ("Brother Bread")
Since then, I hold most of my business meeting there. I come in and rearrange the furniture for large gatherings like I own the place. But I also pick up garbage from the parking lot on my way in. Hey, if I'm bragging on Panera, it better be sharp, right?
I'm not their best customer. There's plenty of us. We've become a community - a family - on the customer side of the counter. I'm just one of many customer enthusiasts.
And we each have a sense of ownership. Is it because of the bread? Probably not. The coffee? Nope.
It's about the people, the relationships, the love. We're the kind of customers you want in your business, yes?
As this Labor Day comes to a close, I'd just like to say thanks to my peeps at Panera. I love you.
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