Panera Cares, Customers Rise to the Occasion

Panera Bread Co. will open its third "pay what you want" cafe on Monday, marking its third such endeavor — and test of the public's integrity. Panera Cares is billed as a community cafe concept, and a non-profit arm of the US restaurant chain. Its new cafe in Portland, Oregon, follows launches last year in Clayton, Missouri, and Dearborn, Michigan.

"In some ways it is a test for humanity," Panera founder Ron Shaich tells AP. "Will people step up and help each other or will they take advantage?" So far, yes. About 20% of visitors to the first two locations leave more than the suggested amount, 20% leave less and 60% pay the suggested amount.Continue reading...