Ok, I know this violates the Number One Dave Rule about eating out.
That rule being ... do not eat at chain restaurants where you have to stand to order your food, stand around waiting for your food, walk up to a counter to pick up your food, and then dispose of your food while cleaning your table before you leave.
And, I should note ... I have a Panera Bread Company card and they have my e-mail, which is partially what led me to discover Deptford's version of Pay us so you can serve yourself.
But, I have been surprised. Perhaps it is the face that I was immediately handed my food at my ordering location. Or it might have been the e-mail that informed me that I can get a free bagel every single day for the entire month of January.
Woo Hoo free food ... ok, the other factor in this decision was that my morning's destination is located about 1/2 mile from here so convenience and free food won!
Before you start to question my ethics or frugality (Yes, some of you may be thinking Dave is a cheap skate who gives a decent rating when he gets free food.) I ordered the bacon and spinach soufflé with coffee. My free Asiago Cheese Bagel was bagged for tomorrow's breakfast at home.
So, here's what upped this beyond the cursory chain fast food max of three stars: friendly service, decent presentation (Yes, I know it's factory food but still it looked nice.), no requirement to return to the counter for my food, and a really nice dining/work area.
Two young ladies greeted me as if I mattered (No, they weren't flirting because I observed them greet other customers the same way.)! They had honest smiles and laughed with ease. They processed my order quickly and efficiently. Someone has trained them well or perhaps this outlet was fortunate to have found these two gems to be the face of their outlet.
The soufflé tasted much better than I had anticipated it would. You know ... food off the truck into the freezer into the micro and onto the platter but I tasted bacon, spinach, and warm soft egg. Very nice and it looked good too.
The management has clearly paid attention to the dining area. Bright bold colors highlight a totally clean dining area with a nice blend of music in the background loud enough to enjoy but soft enough to share conversations or to work.
Now, I am not sure about this WIFI notice that I might be restricted to 30 minutes ... if I was hit with that the rating would immediately crash to a 1 star even with the smiling duo, food presentation, and nice dining area. Come on folks ... that is insulting if you want to have customers like me.
So, I am enjoying hot coffee with a boldness ... doing some work ... enjoyed my food ... and yes, I still have to clean up my table but I am not all that messy.
A rare four star chain rating for a nice morning breakfast work experience. read more