| Author |
Message |
    
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 317
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 7:59 pm: |     |
I've never been a big fan of Starbuck's, but I recognize that it fills a need in some towns. I keep reading over and over on MOL how people want a Starbuck's, Starbuck's, Starbuck's...
well after today, I say Panera, Panera, Panera!
Went to the one in Millburn/Shorthills and loved it! Not only do they have coffee, muffins, danish, etc., but they serve sandwiches, soups, salads, and a whole range of interesting breads. Granted, they don't have all the variations of latte's and cappuccino's, but they offer free refills on the coffee on the menu. I had a hazelnut coffee and a toasted Asiago mini baguette - YUM! And the prices are reasonable.
If you've never been there, try it. It's on Morris Ave., in the strip mall across from the Shorite. |
les
Citizen
Username: Les
Post Number: 74
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 8:51 pm: | |
I love Panera's. In addition to the one you mentioned, there's also one at the Essex Green Mall in West Orange, and another on Route 10 in Denville. If you're ever out near Phillipsburg, there's one off Route 78 at exit #3. Nice atmosphere there, too! |
NewsDeadline
Citizen
Username: Newsdeadline
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 10:26 pm: | |
While Panera is a good place to stop for some coffee and bread products, I think a better addition to the area would be a local cafe and bakery like Cait and Abby's in South Orange and Millburn. Why move another franchise into town when we could do just as well with a new local business that meets the same needs.
(But with Panera in mind, if you're traveling south there is one on Rt. 1 South near the Menlo Park Mall.) |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 775
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 1:13 am: | |
NewsDeadline: I have been to many "local" delis that were nowhere near as good as Panera.
Also, keep in mind that many local franchises are owned by local businesspeople. In fact, I'm not sure if Panera corporate owns any of its outlets. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 318
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 10:43 am: | |
News - I'm saying IF there had to be a franchise in town, I'd rather have a Panera over a Starbuck's.
|
Cato Nova
Citizen
Username: Cato_nova
Post Number: 541
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 11:25 am: | |
Enough with the chatter. Why don't a bunch of MOL posters pool their capital and open a franchise here? We jibber jabber about what we want, but no one does anything. If a local consortium got together to invest in a franchise, I would consider investing. But where would it go? |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2754
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 12:06 pm: | |
I believe each Panera is company-owned.
-s.
BTW: What's wrong with suggesting the addition of your favorite Panera-like items to the menus of appropriate (existing) eateries in our area? While I doubt that any one of them will turn themselves into a Panera doppleganger overnight, they might appreciate knowing what will make their establishment more attractive to local patrons... |
Cato Nova
Citizen
Username: Cato_nova
Post Number: 542
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 12:28 pm: | |
From the Panera website:
The future growth of Panera Bread will be based upon company bakery-cafe development as well as the continued sale of franchise area development agreements.
Panera Bread does not sell single-unit franchises, so it is not possible to open just one bakery-cafe. Rather, we have chosen to develop by selling market areas which require the franchise developer to open a number of units, typically 15 bakery-cafes in a period of 6 years.
Panera Bread franchisees must be well-capitalized to open great bakery-cafes and meet this aggressive development schedule. Additionally, they must have a proven track record as excellent multi-unit restaurant operators to operate great Panera Bread bakery-cafes.
Qualification Criteria
Applicants must meet the criteria identified below to gain consideration for a Panera Bread franchise.
• Experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator
• Recognition as a top restaurant operator
• Net worth of $7.5 million
• Liquid assets of $3 million
• Infrastructure and resources to meet our development schedule
• Real estate experience in the market to be developed
• Total commitment to the development of the Panera Bread brand
• Cultural fit and a passion for fresh bread
Markets Available for Franchise Development
• Four Boroughs, New York (excluding Manhattan)
• Santa Barbara/Ventura, California
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Austin, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
|
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2760
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 6:49 pm: | |
I stand corrected.
-s.
BTW: Sbenois, looking for a new business line? |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1485
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 11:08 am: | |
I loved Panera the first couple of times I went. Then everything seemed to start tasting the same, and way too salty. Plus they were almost always out of my fave sandwich (the hot chicken with melted cheese, can't remember the name).
Right now I am liking Cosi on Rt 10 (I'm there every Saturday around lunchtime so it is convenient). Very similar to Panera.
But I must admit if I don't get Starbucks once a week (I'm limiting myself because of Weight Watchers) I am not a happy girl. |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 730
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 12:58 pm: | |
I went to Panera in Westfield (on the main drag) this past weekend for a quick post-bike ride bite, and it was good. I usually go to the one in Short Hills. I will say, it was EXACTLY the same in Westfield, which makes me think it's like the yuppie/wealthy suburb version of McDonalds. That said, i would imagine a Panera in Maplewood Village would utterly thrive. The one I was in downtown Westfield was packed, with lots of kids and young families with strollers. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3131
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
my vote is for a Hale and Hearty Soup! Panera is all fattening and lame after a while. Starbucks is overpriced and lame. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 731
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 2:54 pm: | |
I had a not-so tasty salad at the Panera in Hoboken. I don't really need to eat there again.
It wasn't bad, I just didn't enjoy it.
I don't want a starbucks OR a Panera!
|
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 141
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 10:44 am: | |
Although I still like their bread, soups and some of the salads, I agree that the sandwiches have lost their luster for me. I'll stop there when I want a decent meal pretty quickly, but if I want a good sandwich I'll take the corned beef and turkey sloppy joe from Bagel Chateau any day of the week.
Panera also needs a fairly large footprint for a store, if the examples in Short Hills and West Orange are typical. I also have to imagine they've got some strict requirements for parking ... see multiple threads. You'd probably need to buy and demolish a substantial property on the Avenue in order to build a successful franchise.
Their coffee is good but we've got NetNomads, Village Coffee and Sage, not to mention the Maple Leaf and Bagel Chateau. Coffee from the adequate to the sublime abounds in the Maplewood. (Some days all I want is a simple cuppa joe from a diner). |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3136
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 11:01 am: | |
I'd love a healthy soup/salad and wrap sandwich sort of place. |
jem
Citizen
Username: Jem
Post Number: 1200
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 11:05 am: | |
Soups, salads and sandwiches are terrific at Sweet Concessions in South Orange. |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 342
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 11:53 am: | |
My husband and I once bought a cookie at Cait and Abby's in SO. It was shaped like an apple. But it must not have been a real cookie, because it was as hard as a rock, it crumbled into pieces if you could break it, and it had about 1/4 the flavor of cardboard. I guess it was one of those things that you buy for kids because they look fun, but you're not supposed to attempt to consume as an adult.
This isn't a judgement on C&A, but i'm not so hot on them since the cookie experience. On the other hand, i once met a friend at Panera in Essex Green for lunch, and she almost had a meltdown when it looked like they were out of her 4 year-old daughter's favorite cookie, which she was supposed to bring home as barter for her getting to leave for a few hours. (They had one left, and all was well.)
Anyway. I need a cookie. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3139
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 1:44 pm: | |
Cafe Sage has good cookies. Sometimes they have fresh black and whites -- I am suspicious when they are wrapped in plastic. The chocolate chip and oatmeal are also good. Sage is my favorite Maplewood coffee shop. |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 343
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 4:21 pm: | |
I agree. Cafe Sage has good chocolate chip cookies. Especially when they're a little melty. I almost had to pull over while eating and driving one once because it was almost (almost) too much chocolatiness.
They're not as good as my favorite chocolate chip cookies in nyc, but they'll due. |
juju's petals
Citizen
Username: Jujus_petals
Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 4:29 pm: | |
Hey, I could use a cookie right now. Sadly, I'm up to my armpits in chocolate bunnies and the like right now so it seems so wrong to got get some. Uh, I know this is off topic but anyone know a good italian bakery nearby? I could really go for a few pinioli cookies right now.
|
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 741
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 4:30 pm: | |
papayagirl - do tell more about your favorite NYC choc chip cookies.... |
Copperfield
Citizen
Username: Copperfield
Post Number: 125
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 8:27 pm: | |
Have to agree with Wendy- Panera food all starts to taste the same - very salty.
And few healthy options.
Cosi is much better, eat there in Manhattan all the time. Much more variety. |
SO Refugee
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 112
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 8:35 pm: | |
I would settle for a moderately priced restaurant with "comfort food" or even a decent diner in SO.
|
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 344
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 10:17 pm: | |
Pippi - the best cookies in nyc (in my opinion) are from Levain Bakery on West 74th St. Huge (as in height, not diameter), melty if you get them at the right time, and a meal in themselves. We almost gave them out as favors at our wedding, we loved them that much!
http://www.levainbakery.com/
And Copperfield - i eat more than my share of Cosi, since there's one in my office building in ny. But it just doesn't compare to the pre-Xando merger Cosi from a few years ago. The bread was *so* much better. =-( |
Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 29
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2005 - 7:42 pm: | |
I guess that's why we have a huge nail salon opening up in town, eh? My mouth is watering already....yummmm!
Nothing satisfies me more than the smell of nail polish remover in the morning.... |
Beans
Citizen
Username: Nalini
Post Number: 64
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 1, 2005 - 9:47 am: | |
sorry for the thread drift, but everyone seems to complain about all the nail salons, yet there are more that are opening up and it's obvious that these establisments are doing well. If Maplewoodians are not using the nail salons then who is? |
gozerbrown
Citizen
Username: Gozerbrown
Post Number: 673
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 1, 2005 - 11:38 am: | |
I like Panera, but I think the customer service is poor. I know, I know...I don't want to thread drift into a customer service rant. I just find Panera is exceptionally bad, especially the one in West Orange. |
Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 31
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 1, 2005 - 11:52 am: | |
Maybe they are coming in from Milburn, South Orange and Livingston? I don't know, but I sure would like to get to the bottom of it. It's nice to fantasise about the types of businesses that come into and are in town, but the reality is that we really don't have much say in it. Then the thread drifts into other things that get way off topic, it's like a 60s flashback.
Do we have any say in the types of business that come to Maplewood Ave? I think we all just tend our own gardens and bitch and moan about things beyond our control when given the chance.
Just a casual observers opinion, sorry...... |
Yonti2323
Citizen
Username: Yonti2323
Post Number: 26
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 1, 2005 - 2:27 pm: | |
Why can't we get (and keep) a decent deli in Maplewood? I loved Cravings, but they kept cutting back their hours more and more, and then finally closed. It's the one type of business that is a glaring omission from the village. However, I would hate to see a chain like Panera open here. |
Camnol
Citizen
Username: Camnol
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 2, 2005 - 9:03 am: | |
"I'd love a healthy soup/salad and wrap sandwich sort of place."
I like the Village Coffee Company on Maplewood Ave (I think that's the right name) for soup and wraps. I had some of their Italian wedding soup the other day and it was delicious. |
Lucky13
Citizen
Username: Lucky13
Post Number: 61
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2005 - 9:00 am: | |
one word- INDIAN!
the true niche cuisine for the NYC metropolitan area, and we don't have any in town.
yours the place in SO (although it's not as bad as some suggest) and screw going to westfield and having my sales taxes support a vile right-wing republican local government. i'm a partisan shopper. and i'm a maplewood shopper.
bring me some indian food, please! i will promise to eat there twice a week if someone does. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 185
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2005 - 12:03 pm: | |
Beware thread drift: I want a good Indian too but if it came to Maplewood, my fear is that it would be overpriced. If you can't get Italian for under $10 what makes you think you're going to be able to get good Indian for that little.
Until then, go down the GSP to Edison, on Oak Tree Road there are hundreds of Indian restaurants. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page