Thank you for saving my life.

I know, a bit dramatic, but those bread bowls are the things that keep my sanity intact. Whether I’m having a tough day, sobbing over a crappy breakup, or even just want a tasty meal after school, Panera is the restaurant that fills the void in my soul with oodles of carbs.

Panera builds friendships. It connects families. And it has some of the best pastries ever (your chocolate croissants are a favorite). But my favorite item on the Panera Bread menu is the Panera Bread bowl, which I love more than most of my family. 

Kidding, kidding, but seriously, the bread bowls are to die for.

Until someone has experienced the greatness of biting into a bread bowl, they have yet to live. The crunch of the bread as you bite into it is reminiscent of the baguette scene from Ratatouille, where Colette describes the way you can tell whether bread is good or bad. And the bread at Panera is definitely some of the best there is. 

Not to mention that it’s filled with a soup or Mac and Cheese of your choice! Dude, that is a dream come true. 

No other restaurant will ever compare to the joy I obtain by sitting by the window in a Panera Bread on a cold autumn day after being warmed up by a bowl of soup, and after being able to tear into said bowl like I’m a cavewoman. It’s so much fun!

I have not tried Panera Bread’s broccoli cheddar soup or Mac and Cheese, (some of the most popular items) and I am deeply sorry. Please do not cancel me, I promise I’ll try them soon!

However, I believe the chicken and wild rice soup is incredibly underrated. It’s my personal favorite addition to a Panera bread bowl, due to its simple yet amazing combination of flavors, creamy broth, and overall comforting energy. However, that is subject to change should I try the Mac and Cheese.

My only Panera related criticism is the change from the amazing Prickly Pear Hibiscus Fresca, a personal favorite of mine, to the charged lemonades. I get why the change was made, since so many students prefer a lemonade with more caffeine than they should even consume to a healthy sleep schedule, but I believe your old beverages should make a comeback.

Nonetheless, you are mind blowing. Thank you for saving my (metaphorical) children from starvation, my crops from failure, and for being what keeps millions of high schoolers’ mental health afloat with your amazing array of bread and pastries.

Should you need a Panera Bread spokeswoman, I’m your gal! 

Much love,

Kaitlin Swift, a 16 year old connoisseur of all things Panera Bread