Panera Don't Fail Me Now

One of the things I've missed most about school being out is my trips to Panera. Kyle was in school two days a week, and I tried to reserve one of the two days each week to spend most of the four hours that he was in school at Panera: sipping coffee, enjoying their free WIFI, and writing or working on the computer. If I got bored with that, TJ Maxx is just next door, so I can easily pass 45 minutes or so trying to have a Maxx Moment finding that steal of a bargain.

Next year Kyle will be in school three days a week, which means I can have one day at Panera and use two days to surf the net at home get stuff done around the house.

Today I got a babysitter so that I could get my hair cut (so I'd look great for my exciting NYC adventure tomorrow--details to come). I decided to have him come a couple hours early so I could treat myself to Panera.

I arrived at about 9:20. I ordered my bagel and filled up my mug with their dark roast coffee and half and half. One huge benefit to Panera in my mind is drinking out of a mug. You have to ask for it, but they are a vast improvement to styrofoam. I sat down with my laptop and the WIFI didn't work. There was a signal, but it wasn't working. I thought it was my computer being wonky, but I heard someone else complain as well. I had some writing to do, so I opened a Word document instead, but I was sad about being thwarted.

Then I got up to refill my coffee, and they were out. I decided to go with the Cafe Blend, which is fine, and they were out too. Out of coffee. Before 10:00am. Not good Panera.

They remedied the situation, but I'm hoping that when I step out in September I'll have better luck with my favorite coffee cafe. Since Starbucks is now offering free WIFI and free refills with their Starbucks rewards program, Panera is going to have to work a little harder for this mama's business.