I seem to notice that many Panera Bread restaurants that I’ve encountered are very chess-friendly. What is it about Panera Bread that makes it that way? Is there something at the corporate level that makes it that way?
Has anyone else run into Panera Breads that were chess-friendly, or it is merely coincidences that I’ve noticed?
Panera is one of several casual dining chains that tries to encourage people to stay for a while, on the hopes that the patrons will keep buying coffee, sandwiches, bread, sweet rolls, etc. Free WIFI access is one of the more common ‘hooks’.
I’ve not seen any chess players at the Panera outlets here, but I’m not a frequent patron.
I assume they’re trying to encourage off-peak patronage, not during the lunch and dinner rush periods.
This was very popular when I lived in Germany, And the meals were great and if you never taste the way they make coffee, best I have ever drank! They section off an area for the players, but anyone can come and play or watch. There were alot of expert rated players, and I was very impressed how strong there defensive play was, just waited for you to make a minor mistake and it was over! “What great memories, and friends I have acquried over the years because of this great game”!! Bob-life member