Eating out can be difficult for those on strict diets. I myself, have a tough time going to chains like Applebees, TGIF’s, etc. If you are a vegetarian, a vegan or follow an organic diet, eating out can be more of a burden than a treat.

I gave up on fast food chains a long time ago. Ordering the fish sandwhich at McDonald’s hold the bun and fries doesn’t sound too fun does it?!

That’s why I was so pleased when a Panera Bread store opened near my home. I rarely eat bread, have not indulged in an entire sandwhich in quite a while, but find that I can choose from many options when eating at Panera. They have vegetarian soups (the black bean is especially tasty), decent salads (you can hold the meat on any salad but you will still be charged for it) and tons of different hot and cold sandwhiches on various types of bread.

Why am I writing about Panera you ask? Well because the company has impressed me. They use many organic products in their menus, from free-range chicken to organic milk and yogurt for children’s options, to an apple or fruit cup with your sandwhich instead of chips (the chips are kettle-cooked and quite yummy if I do say so myself).

It is inspiring to see a chain like Panera embracing a more diverse type of food and service. They don’t just cater to the fast food crowd, they cater to an ever-changing population. One that is growing more health conscious and is trying to teach their children how to make informed and healthy choices.

Hats off to you Panera!

You can visit the Panera site by clicking here

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