I really like Panera Bread. I like their coffee, I like their pastries, I like their sandwiches, I like the atmosphere and the staff is always professional, lively and courteous. It does however epitomize homogenization of chains which, in my opinion, always lowers the value of most dining/drinking/unique experiences.\n\nI like it better than it's predecessor, The Atlanta Bread Company which all but disappeared in Charlotte.