There is no cash register at the Panera cafe near Government Center in Boston. There are no prices either — just suggested donations and bins to leave money, if you can afford to.
This is Panera Cares Community Cafe, a nonprofit outpost of the national bakery and sandwich chain that is set to open in Boston in January. The idea, according to Panera founder and co-chief executive Ron Shaich, is to provide a place where everyone can eat with dignity, regardless of their ability to pay for a meal.
Comments
What a great idea. One of the Panera Cafe restaurants in my old neighborhood helped out people during a power outage a few years ago. The manager came out into the dining room and asked people if they needed food to take home since their power was out. He offered bread and items that didn't need a cooler. Hats off to Ron Shaich.