Panera coming to Porter Square (where Qdoba was)

[ron_newman]

From February 17 meeting minutes sent to the Porter Square Neighbors mailing list:

Mark Ostow (owner of Zing Pizza and Cafe Zing in Porter Square Books) showed up to introduce himself and to express concern over possible competition from Panera Bread, which is coming to the space previously occupied by Qdoba (and McDonald's before that) in the shopping center. Without taking a position on business competition, we thanked Mark for Zing's high quality and local ownership, and wished him continued success.

Comments

[benndragon.livejournal.com]

Oh, that explains why there was an anti-Panera flyer sponsored by the local carpenter's union at the Gentle Dental in Porter Square a couple of weeks ago. It said, amongst other things, that Panera was using non-union carpenters, but didn't say where.

[ron_newman]

Is it illegal for them to use non-union carpenters? I don't really understand the rules for construction trades around here.

I like Panera but would hate to see Cafe Zing lose coffee sales.

[derekp.livejournal.com]

Panera doesn't strike me as the type of place that has the same economies of scale as, say, Wal*Mart. Can't Cafe Zing just compete on the merits of it's coffee, prices, and perks as compared to Panera?

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

do they really get that much in coffee sales, especially with a DD's right there as well? and porter square books?

That said, I really like Zing, and also hope this doesn't negatively effect them.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

I dont see how that Qdoba space is even big enough to accommodate a Panera Bread.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

I would think Dunkins has been a bigger threat than a Panera will be in terms of coffee sales?

[ron_newman]

They are the coffee concession at Porter Square Books.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

oh yeah yeah, sorry, my mind totally blanked on that detail!

I only by my drinks from porter square books (or diesel if i'm in davis), but that's because i can get a herbal chai latte (or iced in the summer), and I doubt panera will do that. but again, that's just me. :)

[gruene.livejournal.com]

These guys need to take a page from the IBEW. Don't attack them for hiring non-union workers, that just looks like you're whining. Attack them on some other issue that will resonate with the public.

Google "biotech greed" if you don't know what I'm taking about.

[en-ki.livejournal.com]

Dunkie's has better coffee and pastry than Panera, but it's lit like a fast food men's room. It's not competition as a hangout space.

[pakoo.livejournal.com]

Did they mention an opening date?
thanks

[en-ki.livejournal.com]

That one always just bewildered me. I had no idea who was complaining or what they were complaining about, just that they didn't like biotech. It's like a billboard on Milk Street saying "banks suck!" rather than mentioning, say, bailouts and fraudulent foreclosures.

[thespian.livejournal.com]

there's a downstairs there, too, just no one ever uses it.

[ron_newman]

I did not attend this meeting and am only passing on what was mailed to me.

[gruene.livejournal.com]

Yes, it was a bit mystifying, but it worked. Genzyme caved and hired union electric workers.

[benndragon.livejournal.com]

Actually, the focus of the flyer was that Panera's food is no better than any other fast food place in terms of fat and calories - I had to look at the fine print to figure out who even put it out, much less why.

[benndragon.livejournal.com]

It's not illegal to hire non-union, this is the union expressing their displeasure at the use of non-union workers by putting out flyers saying that Panera's food is similar to other fast food places in terms of fat and calories (rather than being healthy like they claim). Which is also not illegal.

[bluesauce.livejournal.com]

How terrible for him to have to face any competition.

[koloratur.livejournal.com]

I am excited about the Panera, and terrified about what the parking lot, a clusterf&ck at the best of times, will become when it opens!

[real-green-tea.livejournal.com]

Panera is a bastion of free wifi and quietude with good lighting. I welcome the possibility of going to such an establishment without having to travel to Fenway or Arlington.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

Agreed on the hanging out type space. I actually love the 1000 calorie pastries at Panera haha.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

Oh I had no idea!

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

I actually said the same thing to my husband after reading the post earlier. They are hopefully banking on a lot of foot traffic!

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

There is a Panera in Everett, that is the one I usually go to but I am coming from Teele Sq not Porter...not sure if that would be any more convenient for you :)

[sparkgrrl658.livejournal.com]

cinnamon sugar bagles OH MY GAW