I've never been to an ABC before, but judging from the website, there are some in the DFW area. I may have to try them out sometime.

I'm a HUGE Corner Bakery Cafe fan. Their sandwiches rock my world.

I like the breads at Panera, but overall, I'm not a huge fan.

Panera only arrived here in Seattle a few years ago, and now they're popping up all over. I've never been to one, though.

And I'd never heard of Atlanta Bread Company until this thread.

I love Panera and go there often. I like the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and the Black Bean Soup. And of course, a lot of their bagels. And their iced green tea is the best.

Have not really tried Atlanta Bread Company- unless someone has brought their bagels to an event and I tasted them, which I do not specifically recall.

I've never been to either, but Spokane seems to get more chain/franchise eateries than my cowtown.

Yum! i love Panera

The "mother ship" of Panera (St. Louis Bread Company) is usually very good. There's also an excellent one in the Arlington/Alexandria area of VA. But the two biggest reasons I go there are (as I said earlier) you can eat outside, and also, we have our Alumnae Association meetings at one!

Thetagirl218, I hate the new focacia, too. Something in it turns my stomach completely inside out. blech.

I love Panera! When I first graduated from college and was barely squeaking by on $250 a week, their chicken soup/bread bowl and bakery sweets were a huge once-in-a-while treat for me! But I'm with everybody on the new foccacia--kinda reminds me of a hockey puck. Bring back the old recipe.

At first I thought this was about Panera bread vs. the ABC stores (as in the stores all over Hawai'i and a few in Vegas) and it was ABC, hands down. More variety.

Then I remember about Atlanta Bread Co. I think they are both pretty much the same thing. But I like Paradise Bakery better than both of them. But now I'm mixing my east coast and west coast, I think.

We have both ABC and Panera, and they're pretty equal in terms of quality and service here. Jason's Deli is currently my #1 pick for soup/salads/sandwiches.

I am so bummed. After reading this thread, I got to craving Atlanta Bread, so a friend and I went there for lunch. They closed down!!!

We went across the street to Panera. They said ABC closed on Sunday.

No ABC's in my town, but there's a Panera just about every where I turn. I like Panera quite a bit and probably grab lunch there at least 2-3x month. I'm a big fan of their soups. And I like those muffies as a nice little snack without being a mammoth of a muffin. Seriously, I don't need a muffin for three people. I've never had a problem with their service. Jason's Deli on the other hand, is another story.

You should try both so you can make a fair and balanced judgement:)

I like ABC, but I like Pandra way more. I love their salads, soups and bread. :)

Fawn, FH keeps telling me how awesome Jason's Deli is - do they have soups? Are they good?

BTW, had Panera tomato soup again tonight and it was sooo yummy. Service was a little better tonight too, so I guess it's breakfast and lunch at ABC and dinner at Panera from now on, lol.

I've been to Panera. Never to ABC. Actually like Quiznos better than Panera.

In-laws LOVE Jason's Deli.