Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: Entertainment

There is a variety of places to eat when shopping at Cordova Mall, and sometimes it may be difficult to choose the perfect place to satisfy their appetite. Panera Bread, located adjacent to the mall, is not necessarily the most quiet place at times. However, the affordable prices for freshly baked goods, along with high-speed Internet access, makes the trendy restaurant the place to be at any time of day.
Every item on the Panera Bread menu costs no more than $10 and is baked fresh everyday. The healthy assortment of food includes signature sandwiches, soups, fresh salads, hot paninis, Crispani hand-crafted pizza, fresh breads and baked goods. A variety of I.C., chilled, hot and espresso beverages are also available to all customers.
"The good thing about Panera is that you get what you want for a reasonable price, with excellent service and lots of diversity all around," University of West Florida student, Alicia Kellam said.
The atmosphere at Panera Bread is suitable for students who need a place to escape. Even during the busiest hours, people can divert their attention to the newspaper, the Internet or a private conversation. Most of the people dining at Panera Bread do not even seem to notice the chaos of the lunchtime rush. The employees are cheerful and quick, and they ensure the dining area is clean at all times.
Panera's Wi-Fi computer networking technology allows computers and PDAs to send and receive Internet data via a wireless network that is free of charge to its customers. Panera's Wi-Fi access is as secure as any open public access network. In order to access Panera's network, a standard Internet browser and a Wi-Fi compliant 802.11b wireless Ethernet card is needed on the customer's laptop or PDA.
Besides making sure that each and every customer is completely satisfied with their experience while dining at the restaurant, the company is also very active in the community. At the end of each day, Panera donates unsold breads, bagels and pastries to local food banks or other non-profit organizations that help people in need.
Last year, Panera's contributions benefited organizations including American Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, America's Second Harvest, The Nation's Food Bank Network, American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Unfortunately, Panera Bread may be a bit of a drive for students who live on or close to the university, but it allows students an opportunity to get away from their regular campus activities. The café is also very convenient for students who work in or around Cordova Mall.
With its ample seating, warm terra cotta wall color, and dim lighting, Panera Bread is a comfortable place to get a warm bite to eat. Especially for students living far from home, it might be a welcome relief from cafeteria food.

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