Panera Says There is Such a Thing as a Free Lunch

For the past year, the bakery-cafe chain Panera Bread Co. and its CEO, Ronald Shaich have been trying a pay-it-forward system that allows patrons to pay only "what they can." After a year, this experiment, in three of the chains' restaurants, seems to be working. While none of the so-called "Panera Cares" cafes are located in Massachusetts, the story got me thinking about whether Wellesley needs such a place. 

With the economy still in the tank, a "Panera Cares" cafe makes perfect sense, and sends a strong message to our kids. That message: we're willing to help our neighbors.

Company CEO Shaich dreamed up the idea: guests order and then are presented with a “suggested price.” Many guests pay that figure, some pay more to subsidize the effort, and some pay a reduced total. And others pay nothing at all. Shaich wanted to see whether he could make a difference in a real, substantive way, and he did. 

In the current economic climate, plenty of fortunate local families would love a chance to see the same real, tangible difference that is made when our community is helped. Having the chain open a "pay what you can” in Metro-West or in  Wellesley be a wonderful opportunity to set a great example for our families.  

At  “Panera Cares” cafes most patrons drop the entire retail cost into the voluntary donation box, in essence subsidizing a meal for someone who can't pay the full amount. Panera says about 60 percent leave the suggested amount; 20 percent actually pay more; and 20 percent leave less.

The largest single payment so far? One person paid $500 for a meal.

Few seem to be taking advantage or trying to "game" the system. The cafes, which serve soups, sandwiches and baked goods, look just like other Panera stores. But donation boxes replace the usual cash registers. 

There are those patrons, including teens and college students, who pay a dollar or two more for their meals, when they can afford it. (Way to go young people.)

Way to go Panera. It's taken a long time, but finally, here is a news story that reports on a large company doing the right thing!

I plan to tell every person I know, young and old, about what Panera calls “a hand up, not a hand out." Then, I hope to support the chain, whenever I have the chance. So kudos to Panera Bread Co.

In the meantime, start talking with your kids about how you donate to your favorite causes. Children don't have to give all of their money away, but small donations by you and your kids can lead to a lifetime of generosity.

Find out from your children what problems they would like to see resolved and choose how to be charitable from there. Who knows? You could be raising the next generation's Ronald Shaich.

Tell us in the comments how you are modeling charitable giving for your family.