Panera comes to campus

Coffee, pastries and hot soup make for an inviting combination for a busy student on a chilly, rainy day — and that is what Panera Bread was counting on when it selected its location on Nassau Street near the the University's main gates.

Since its opening last month, Panera — which is open between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends — has quickly become one of the most popular off-campus locales for studying and socializing, attracting University undergraduates and graduate students alike.

According to Panera general manager Sheila Marshall, the owners initially "expected the location would do well," but she said what they have experienced thus far has surpassed even that prediction, calling it an "excellent reception."

Panera managers said they are well aware of the significant impact University students are having on their business, and that they often see a rise in sales in conjunction with University events.

"We try to keep up with what's going on at the University because it really affects our business," Marshall said. "Lots of times we have unexpected rushes having to do with sporting events at Princeton letting out."

The peak times for students at Panera are usually late afternoons and evenings, according to Marshall, who said they often arrive with their computers — for which power outlets are located along the walls — and a pile of books.

"I see the students sitting with laptops in the corner working to all hours of the night," said Marshall.

Politics graduate student Jonathan Eastvold said that he frequents Panera nearly once a week. He said he enjoys working at the cafe because it allows him to get off campus, it offers a nice view of the action on Nassau Street and the free coffee refills make it less expensive than most of the other off campus options.Even some University professors are taking part in the new "Panera culture," Marshall said.

"Lots of people who work at Princeton will come in here in the mornings and have a cup of coffee or a bagel before classes begin," Marshall said.

In fact, Marshall said, a University language lecturer, who was visiting the cafe for only the second time yesterday, said she enjoyed coming to Panera because "'other places are very packed, like Small World.' "

Natalie Christensen '01, who was working on her history reading at the restaurant, said yesterday was her first trip to the cafe.

"I had class up campus and had heard the soup here was very good, so I just wanted to try it," she said.

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For as many students as there were eating soup or sipping coffee yesterday at Panera, there were also plenty of Princeton locals.

Kathleen DeFrancesco, a self-described "townie," said she comes to Panera Bread for its good variety of food options, and because it is quick and healthy.

A California native, DeFrancesco said there are many cafes similar to Panera in her home town. "Princeton has needed someplace like this for a while," she said.

With the customer traffic Panera is currently experiencing, Marshall said new workers are always needed. Though she currently has no University students working for her, she said she hopes students returning to the University next year or those who plan to remain on campus over the summer will look into applying for a job at the cafe.

With such a prosperous opening month, Marshall said she is expecting a successful future for the franchise she runs. "We are excited about just being here; it's a great location," she said.