Panera Bread, Give Me Your Location

Store locations. That's the number one thing every major restaurant or retail chain should have featured on its website. It should be featured prominently and be the first thing I see.

Normally, this isn't something most people think about. It's just a given. You go to Target's website to find the nearest Target. You go to Taco Bell's website at 11pm because you're craving a 4th meal like you haven't eaten in months and NEED to find the closest one.

Today I was trying to find the address of the closest Panera Bread Co. so I went on their website. The first thing I see is a big piece of chocolate cake, followed by Today's Soups. Their "Panera Locator"is featured less prominently than "Recipe." Who goes to Panera's website to get recipes??

Panera Bread is a great restaurant and I'm sure they pride themselves in getting the details right. However, they should definitely feature their store locations more prominently. You might not think that extra second it took to find the location matters, but they might as well get this right, since they do a great job with everything else. Here's where I'd put their store locator. I also took the liberty to replace "Recipes" with a store finder, since no one really goes to Panera's website for recipes...

panera bread suggested website design

Papa John's happens to have a great store locator feature. It's right at the top and easily accessible, like it should be. Take note Panera Bread. Help us find you.