Panera Bread: Escape from Grease Burgers

The family and I recently had a pleasant experience at Panera Bread. Easily forgotten compared to Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, and Quiznos, Panera Bread could easily establish itself with a healthy, hearty menus of sandwiches, salads, and soups.

This chain, established in 1993 as the former Au Bon Pain Co., sits itself apart from the litany of ‘fast-food’ joints in the following ways:
· Healthy: a 2008 Health magazine study named Panera Bread America’s healthy fast food restaurant.
· Convenient: There are only a couple of Panera Bread location in my market (Austin, Texas), but there are over 1,266 throughout the US and Canada. A big win: Free Wi-fi makes Panera more of a hang-out place compared to like-minded competitors.
· Store layout: At the location I visited, the majority of the seating is purposely ‘away’ from the order, pick-up and drink stations. The usual commotion around those activities are a restaurant is pleasantly irrelevant at Panera Bread.

One area of concern: Despite the nice atmosphere and tasty food, I thought the portion size could have been a bit more generous.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

US Soccer Plays at an Elite Level

A silent few probably saw some of the best soccer played by a US team in a long time on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the second half brought out a ferocious Brazilian side that was not to be denied the Confederations Cup for the 2nd year in a row.

The US lost 3-2 to the creative and ultra-talented Brazilians, but they displayed a team-first, cohesive effort that the US rarely displays on the international level.

Kudos to Bob Bradley and team for their:
Athleticism: They looked like the fitter team for most of the night, yet the Brazilians played smarter and more opportunistic soccer, especially in the 2nd stanza.

Execution: The Americans converted on their chances in the 1st half, but the 2nd half was devoid of scoring opportunities. Conversely, Brazil weaved through the US defense for many 2nd half chances.

Communication: To succeed against the Brazilians, a team must communicate relentlessly. The defense looked solid and tight, but Brazil got into a rhythm that wore the US side down as the night grow longer.

So I ask you?

Why do you or don’t you watch soccer, the world’s most popular sport? Let’s get a discussion going.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

Remember: You are the Message

I am chewing through Roger Ailes' classic, 'You are the Message'. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's concerned about making an impact with their communication at work or home. Isn't that pretty much everyone?

Most importantly, I've learned the importance of being like able. This isn't being a 'Yes man'. You can have all the pedigree, experience, and skills in the world, but if you don't possess character, trust, and integrity your message will lose its appeal.

Ailes cites numerous examples of seasoned execs who fail to motivate, inspire, and drive results from the troops because they lack the like ability factor.

Pick up your copy of 'You are the Message' today.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

LaCoste: A Brand on the Rebound

Moms are special. I truly believe that the job of 'Mom' is the toughest in the world. To celebrate the 'Mom' in our household, I bought my wife a nice shirt from the Lacoste store in the Domain shopping complex in Austin, Texas.

This wasn't such a remarkable event (except for the smile on my wife's face), yet my interaction with the friendly manager on duty, Mario, was extraordinary.

Mario and I started conversing about the Lacoste brand. I remember the Izod-Lacoste brand being 'front and center' in the mid-80s. Mario had me captivated as he told about his meetings with the Lacoste CEO in France, the rise and fall of the Lacoste brand, and their current path back to prominence. It appears that Lacoste is taking a very measured, cautious approach to growth -- something Starbucks should have embodied years ago. Lacoste won't fail because its supply outstrips its demand.

Lessons: Be interested in the passions of others - you never know what interesting stories and experience you'll hear. And don't forget about the greatness of Moms everywhere.

Good luck to Lacoste!

Happy Mother's Day

Dan Naden

Until next time,

Naden's Corner

Chick-Fil-A: Not your typical fast food experience

My family and I visited the local Chick-Fil-A last weekend. I thought the visit was to be your routine, expected fast food stop: noisy, smelly, unfriendly, and impersonal.

Within two minutes of walking through the Chick-Fil-A doors, however, I knew this was to be a different time.

The wait staff behind the counter seemed genuinely interested to see us and take our order on a partly-cloudy Sunday afternoon. I’ve been to many fast food joints where the wait staff is either half-asleep or angry at the world.

Upon completion of our order, I was told by a friendly young lady, “grab a seat; we will bring your food to your table.” Huh? Did I hear that right? A fast food place was bringing food to my table?

The place was buzzing on this Sunday afternoon. It looked like many others had the same idea. My family and I settled into a cozy booth next to the window and watched the many other families enjoying themselves.

Within a few minutes, the same friendly young lady (her name was Reagan) brought our food to the table. What service!! During the course of our meal, she returned to our table at least 4 times to check in and say, “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

After a thoroughly enjoyable meal, I thanked this young lady for her hospitality. She responded with a phrase you just don’t hear too much anymore: “My pleasure.” Talk about refreshing.

This lady and the rest of the Chick-Fil-A staff could have been chosen to be grumpy, rude, and distant. It was special to see that they had taken the opposite approach. They were thrilled to serve the many guests with a smile. Burger King, Wendy’s and McDonald’s beware; there’s a new sheriff in town that really puts people first.

Until next time,

Dan Naden