Comments on: Coffee break- Laptops are Bigger in Panera Bread

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:09:13 +0000

I also go to independent local shops.

By: OZ

OZ — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:48:11 +0000

What other chains other than Panera and Starbucks do you go to for working?

By: Jeff Hester

Jeff Hester — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:15:41 +0000

Contrasting Panera with Starbucks, one key difference is the emphasis on food. Starbucks emphasizes coffee; less expensive and something many people are likely to grab and go.

At Panera, it seems most customers are getting a sandwich and being more leisurely about it.

I’m less inclined to lug a large laptop into Starbucks for 10 minutes, but more so at Panera where I’ll be there for 30-40 minutes (with a table, something you may or not find available at Starbucks).

And finally, Vincent’s point about clientele is well put. I see a lot of students “camping” at Starbucks, often with lower end laptops. It’s a cheap(er) place for them to study or hang out. The setup of Panera implies “I’m here for lunch” and naturally attracts a different crowd.

By: Vincent Ferrari

Vincent Ferrari — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:32:09 +0000

Tables are nice and all, but I think you’re all missing the issue: the clientele.

The Starbucks crowd simply doesn’t use gigantic laptops. Either they don’t buy cheaper laptops (that’s born out in the Starbucks I go to where the cheapest ones you see are low end White Macbooks) or they’re a little more style conscious (chalk that up to pretentiousness or whatever you want, but most latte sippers would never be caught dead with a computer that size, again, at least at the Starbucks’ I go to).

I think it’s just a difference in the clientele and what they use a computer for / buy a computer for, and the kind of crowd that frequents the store. Starbucks, as much as I love them, caters to a more… Well… “snobby” crowd. Panera is way more “down home every man.” That coupled with the fact that Panera’s WiFi is free probably attracts the budget / regular guy crowd more than coffee and pay WiFi.

By: Fernando

Fernando — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Big tables, big sandwiches, big coffee cups…

By: Baz

Baz — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:20:12 +0000

Sounds like it could be a case of the notebook reflecting the dietary choices of its owners and the places they like to go.

‘Panera Bread’ doesn’t exactly suggest lightweight, but rather carb and size heavy….

;)

By: zenpilgrim

zenpilgrim — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:53:32 +0000

My 17 inch laptop was my primary computer, used for video and image editing and I took it to Panera when I had to get out o the home office but still needed to work. Panera offered more table space so I didn’t feel I was a space hog when I was there for a while.

The large laptop has since been replaced by a fast desktop so now I go to Panera with my netbook, check some emails, surf a little and enjoy my coffee. I’m not there as much but it’s more enjoyable.

By: ramfrancisuK

ramfrancisuK — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:32:30 +0000

I think the real problem here is that the coffee shop is fast becoming an office space provider. Next they will be offering “free” telephone, fax, photocopying and secretarial services.:)

Living in the UK, I am seeing a great deal more of this. I find it a bit distrubing. People need to have a break from the office.

More people should just go there to enjoy the Tea/Coffee and something to eat. :)

By: Dirt

Dirt — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:40:28 +0000

I think the main reason is table size and stability. Coffee shops tend to have flimsier tables.

Every time I’m in Panera I feel like everyone is trying to be considerate. Even when families come in, everyone seems to speak quietly. I really like the respect that everyone seems to have there. Decent espresso too.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:48:50 +0000

I met with a web designer there who brought and Imac with a full size keyboard and mouse. When I work there, I have my 17-inch Dell M90 for engineering.

It is definitely more conducive to spreading out. The layout is better. It’s quieter. And the wi-fi is free. Perhaps real work gets done there.