The menu features "suggested" prices for sandwiches, bread, and coffee, but patrons can pay less—or pay nothing at all. So far, it seems to be working. Ronald Shaich, Panera's chairman, has said that 60 to 70 percent of customers pay the full suggested price and thinks the restaurant will be able to cover its costs within months, and eventually support other charities. With the success of this pilot project, two more nonprofit bakeries are scheduled to open soon. If you really need it, there is a free lunch for you in Clayton.
Image: 2010-01-29, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from gottgraphicsdesign's photostream
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