Panera Bread Review

Contributed by Tim Williston

July 12, 2005

Hotspot Vitals:
SSID: PANERA
Free Spot: Yes
Network Type: G
Power: No
Speed Test dn/up (kbps): 1290/317
Location: Aspen (145th) between 71st and 81st in BA
Website: www.panerabread.com

While visiting a client in Broken Arrow, I decided to hop on over to Panera on Aspen to try out their Wi-Fi service. The store is located on Aspen (145th E Ave) between 71st and 81st at Detroit. This store is decorated and laid out like the others... tasteful and comfortable.

After ordering my sandwich, I surveyed the restaurant for power outlets. Many laptop users don't need power, but I prefer to operate mine with it plugged in. I was a little surprised to find only a couple. Most other Panera's have plenty of outlets available, so I was disappointed to only find two. By the way, the two that I found are in the Southeast corner of the store.

After connecting to their wifi network, which was quick and easy as usual, I ran a couple of speed tests which were about average for Panera. Their tables are mouse-friendly, which makes me very happy.

This store has a the newer G network, and I connected with a Very Good connection and 36.0 Mbps for most of my time there. I never noticed any network slowdowns or anything like that. So far in my experience, most Panera Bread locations in the Tulsa area have very good food and wifi service. Maybe that why Panera is a very popular spot to surf or work!