As someone who works from home, it is important for me to get out of the house once in a while. It would be awesome if I had a place to go, that has free Wifi, gluten free food, and hot tea.
Before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a place I used to frequent was Panera Bread. I loved their sandwiches, their bread bowl soup, and their drinks. I spent a great deal of time in Panera Bread, typing articles and doing research.
Now that I have Celiac disease, I can no longer go there. They do not have the ability to accommodate those of us with Celiac disease, or food allergies. Surely, you can get a cup of coffee, if you're Celiac, right? Wrong. Two years ago, after my diagnosis, I went into Panera Bread for some coffee. I actually got 'glutened' from their coffee. I think Panera Bread would have more business, if they accommodated us. They could do what a lot of other restaurants do: order the gluten free goods, packaged. Or, they could have a separate area to cook/bake food that is safe for us to eat. Yes, I know it's all about money, but, if they make these changes, they will be bringing in a ton of revenue, and the equipment would pay for itself.
I know it's a bakery restaurant, and for them to accommodate us may be a far-fetched idea, but, I miss Panera Bread. I would like to be a customer of theirs, once again. Celiacs, and those who are gluten intolerant, should not be punished for something we have no control over. Celiacs have this disease for life. It would be nice if we weren't isolated from everyday life.
(photo courtesy of: http://stopthecap.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/panera.jpg)
