Panera Bread Is The Largest Provider Of Free WiFi

ayb11 writes "According to this article, the Panera Bread chain of Bakery/Cafes (think Starbucks that bakes their own bread) is the largest provider of free WiFi in the US. Their web site says, " There are currently 573 Wi-Fi enabled Panera Bread bakery-cafes, from California to Virginia. More are added every day." (Even my retired dad takes his barely-used laptop over there so he can get free refills on coffee.) Their full list of hotspots is here."

Comments

Handy when the in-laws arrive

[mr. methane]

I've used the local one more than once. Only thing I've noticed is that it's sometimes fairly laggy even when there aren't more than one or two people on them.

And the sandwiches are pretty good, too. Strong coffee also :)

Well it isn't that expensive

[hsmith]

Companies act like it is a cripling cost, but what $60/month for cable, when customers will use this feature if you have it, it will even draw people to your store. Giving it away for free should bring them more people one would think.

but then again starbucks has such a big customer base that those people don't care what they pay for WiFi as long as they get their mocacappachino that costs $8

St. Louis Bread Company

[Anonymous Coward]

They are still called The St. Louis Bread Company here in St. Louis

Re:I bet

[tmasssey]

Are you kidding?

SBC offers DSL for $30 a month. So I can't see how Panera would pay more than $30/month for high-speed access. Do you know how many times I've eaten over-priced Panera sandwiches for lunch just for the WiFi?

It's easily $7-$8 for a half sandwich, cup of soup (You-pick-two) and a drink. If 10 people do that a *month*, I'm *sure* they've paid for the WiFi. I probably do it *myself* that many times a month. Just for the WiFi!

Obligatory OT Panera Shout

[Asprin]

Mmmm... Panera.... [droool]....

Best. Shortbread. Cookies. Ever.