little blog on the prairie

We ventured out to C-U’s newest fast-casual dining concept, Atlanta Bread Company, over the weekend. I feel I have to give them some slack because they just opened on Thursday, but it is, warts and all.

For the uniniated, we had a discussion about ABC a while back. On the surface, it looks to be a Panera knockoff. But it’s almost more of a hybrid between Panera and Za’s (without the make-your-own component), as it also has pizza and pasta (evidently the Champaign store is one of a select few with an expanded menu). It’s unlike Panera in that they actually have silverware out on the little condiment stand instead of having to ask for it at the counter, but that’s a story for another day. It’s also unlike Panera in that instead of waiting for your buzzer to go off to retrieve your food, they give you a number and deliver the food to the table (ala McAllister’s). That’s a g-dsend for those lucky enough to dine with small children. They also bus your tables for you, which is nice with all those big ceramic bowls and plates they have. There were lots of employees on the floor to help when we were there.

My initial impression during the ordering process was favorable. I ordered a children’s meal for Peanut and they were able to accomodate my last-minute request to put her grilled cheese on wheat bread. They also gave me a milk for her and didn’t quibble about it, even though the kids meal is supposed to come with a fountain drink. I was less than impressed, however, when they didn’t bring the chips that go along with the sandwich. Not that I would probably have given them to her. It would be nice if there was an option (ala Panera) to have some fruit with the sandwich instead. If I wasn’t dealing with an overtired child, I probably would have spoken to the manager about it. Next time, I’ll remember to ask about it.

I had ABC’s version of “you pick two” with a salad and a chicken salad sandwich. The chicken salad sandwich was nothing to write home about (for great chicken salad, go to Milo’s in Urbana) but the balsamic bleu salad was yummy. This could be a plus or a minus, but they don’t include chicken on the salads, it is extra. I was kind of annoyed about this at the time, but after I thought about it I decided that it’s nice to have options. It just makes for a very expensive salad. On the other hand, they will sell you half a salad (and the portion is very large) so that is a way to keep it down if you have a smaller appetite.

I will give ABC my business again. Afterall, I didn’t have a chance yet to check out the bathrooms — you all know how I love to do that. And, more important, they have pumpkin muffies.