Panera Bread is relatively new to Redmond. Family back in Florida have always raved about Panera, so we gave them a shot.
The atmosphere is quite nice, and the seating was definitely varied and plentiful. Warm colors and a gas fireplace make a cozy setting.
You order at a counter and pay and are given one of those light-up pager thingies to take to your table. There were two women helping us at the counter. The woman taking the order was about as friendly as a rock, but the girl who was grabbing our drinks & fruit cup seemed nice enough.
We proceeded to a table with our kids, and I realized they'd not given us our daughter's milk. So my husband had to go back up to the counter (and the rock) to ask for it.
We waited about 10 minutes for our food, and it was pleasant enough.
The food was fresh and good. The kids split a PB&J on sourdough with chips, which they seemed to enjoy. I had the Greek Salad with whole grain baguette. It was fresh and delicious, although I did find a small (gasp!) hair on the very edge of my plate, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't my own.
Prices were good, the bread was excellent, and I will try them again.
more