Attn: Panera Fans

[*NikkiBell*]

We have a lot of Panera fans here on the DIS. I just got home from there and thought I'd share something new they are doing. They are doing a new member rewards program. Surprises, invites to special events, etc. will be given to you as you use the card. Apparently these will match your preferences for items as you use the card. It is free to join and they even give you a smaller card to put on your keyring.

EDIT: I just registered online and already have a reward waiting - a free espresso or smoothie! WOOHOO!

 

[jcb]

Cool. Thanks. We have one just down the street. I go for the Mac and cheese. It is one chain that, to me at least, has actually gotten better.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I agree! I go there a few times a month, mostly on Saturdays. I love their Sierra Turkey and Asiago Roast Beef sandwiches.

 

[auroralark]

I love Panera! Thanks!

 

[Golf4food]

We got a free bakery item when we activated our card.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

I have a card that I haven't gotten around to registering yet. When we are in Buffalo we always have to go to Panera because it's DH's favourite place and I really enjoy it as well. I will register it tonight - thanks for the reminder and push in the right direction!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Panera is ok but I still think the Atlanta Bread Company is better. I had a chunky potato soup there today that was sooo good.

I do like the Asiago Roast Beef at Panera though.

 

[misstheworld]

Our Panara introduced the cards this summer. I got one and I have to tell you, I think it's one of the best "rewards" cards out there! There isn't a whole lot of rhyme or reason, that I can tell, but on average we eat there 2-3 times a month. I've gotten about half a dozen "one free pastry" rewards and 2 free drink rewards. And, I got something on my birthday that just randomly showed up. It doesn't cost a thing, and even if you only eat there sporadically, it's so worth it!!

I also get recipes sent to my email (I chose this when I signed up) and a notification when they add a new menu item.

 

[EJKorvette]

No one has mentioned the free Wi-Fi yet.

 

[dpuck1998]

sidenote, if you get sick of carrying all those key ring rewards cards, I use "Key Ring" app and scan all my cards in so they are on my phone. Many scanners won't read them, but its about 50/50 and they can always punch it in.

 

[jcb]

sidenote, if you get sick of carrying all those key ring rewards cards, I use "Key Ring" app and scan all my cards in so they are on my phone. Many scanners won't read them, but its about 50/50 and they can always punch it in.

I use Cardstar, but it is so old I had to enter the numbers manually. Best Buy clerks hate me.

 

[dpuck1998]

I use Cardstar, but it is so old I had to enter the numbers manually. Best Buy clerks hate me.

Best Buy scanners can never read the barcode, but ToysRus never has a problem. Not sure why, but some scanners just won't read the barcode off the screen.

 

[sayhello]

No one has mentioned the free Wi-Fi yet.

But they've had free WiFi for years. That's nothing new.

Sayhello

 

[Spaceace5150]

Lee Cockerell discusses Panera on his blog today (not a positive story)... just FYI.

 

[sayhello]

Lee Cockerell discusses Panera on his blog today (not a positive story)... just FYI.

Link, please?

Sayhello

 

[dpuck1998]

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=lee+cockerell+blog

 

[BriarRosie]

Link, please?

Sayhello

http://blog.leecockerell.com/?p=969

It was not a huge deal. The sign in the window said it opened at 6:30am, when on Sunday it really opens at 7am. Lee is blaming the manager on duty the night before for leaving the incorrect signage up.

Ok, my take on the rewards:

I had signed up for the Panera rewards a couple months ago. It gave me a free pastry/dessert item upon registering, and another this month for my birthday. And for spending a gazillion bucks on my birthday to bring my coworkers the fabulous bagels they have, I got a free smoothie or similar beverage as another reward.

I haven't used any of them yet. One expires on Christmas, and the others in January.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I love their card, their is nothing like a lunch Rock'n out with Panera!

 

[mommyceratops]

I go there a couple times a week. I have gotten some cool things with my rewards. A free pastry of my choice, free espresso, dollar of any drink one time I got a free sandwich.

I have been using mine for months and they start off giving you a lot of rewards then they spread out and get small.

They seem pretty random too.

 

[hanse]

Thanks - we have several near us.