You may have seen last week’s N-G article about Panera returning to campus after an absence stretching more than 3 years. In other Panera news, the one near the mall is getting set to open a drive-thru in the next few weeks.
When that place was first built, it wasn’t difficult to tell that the configuration of traffic and parking lent itself to a potential drive-thru. But I’d never heard of such a thing. Evidently, there are 30 Panera drive-thrus out of 1,200 locations nationwide. And as if we didn’t know what a drive-thru looks like, here’s a video to show you.
I can’t imagine what the waits in that line are going to be for a sandwich or some other hot or made-to-order item. The concept certainly works for products that don’t need much fuss, such as coffee, baked goods, etc. But when you have to pass out those flashing buzzer things to call people when their food is ready on the inside, how in the heck will they get people through that line in a reasonable fashion? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Categories: Campustown · Champaign · Eating Out · On the road · The Business Section
Just wondering when that Papa Del’s is going to open at Windsor at the Crossing — if ever. (If it has, knock me over with a feather.)
Speaking of Windsor at the Crossing, just wondering how the neighbors are handling all the “seedy people” now frequenting the Off Track Betting parlor at Jupiter’s, which opened quietly earlier this fall.
Just wondering if anyone remembers (or cares) that the Great Impasta is closing at the end of the month. Word on the street is that it eventually plans to relocate to the former Milo’s location at Lincoln Square Village.
Just wondering if this baby will hold off long enough for me to go see Slumdog Millionaire, which opens at the Art Theatre on Dec. 19.
Categories: Champaign · Culture · Eating Out · Rumor mill · The Business Section · Urbana
I had an appointment on campus last week, on certainly the most frigid day of the season.
Freezing cold days provide excellent people watching opportunities. Aside from the sorority girls in their Australian sheepskin boots and poofy jackets, there is an interesting smattering of outdoor gear on display.
Of course, there is always the guy who insists on wearing shorts. I’m not really sure what the point of this is — to exhibit some strange sense of machismo? to settle a bet? to prove insanity?
Friday’s visit didn’t disappoint, although it was close. I was on campus for more than two hours before spotting an offender. He wasn’t wearing flip-flops, but that’s OK. My faith in humanity was restored.
Categories: Campustown · Weather
I’ve hit the wall that is the final few weeks of pregnancy, and while I will spare you the details of my aches and pains and overall crankiness, I have found something that has helped alleviate my dreary state of mind — and it might surprise you.
Christmas lights. The more lavish and tacky, the better.
Maybe it’s the economy or the recent hike in power costs, but my neighbors have seemed to have toned down their displays this holiday season. And it couldn’t come at a worse time.
Bring on the inflatables, the flashing lights, the Homer Simpson Santa.
I need you this year.
Categories: In the Neighborhood · Neighbors
