A Restaurant Tries The Honor System
June 4, 2010 by Kathy McManus
“Take what you need, leave your fair share.”
That’s the new policy at a Panera Bread café in suburban St. Louis, where diners are asked to pay what they want for their food, leaving the money in a donation box—and leaving some wondering if a restaurant can successfully serve up a side order of responsibility.
“Some will call it a hot trend, others a pipe dream, but the notion of letting diners choose what they pay for their meals has been gaining traction over the last decade,” The New York Times reports, fueled in part by social entrepreneurs “who believe that making a profit and doing good are not mutually exclusive.” The goal of such non-profit restaurants is to cover expenses, using any remaining money to provide food and jobs for people in need. At Panera, customers who can’t pay for their meals are asked to volunteer at the restaurant.
Panera CEO and founder and Ron Shaich told USA Today that he’s “trying to find out what human nature is all about” by placing the honor system at the top of the menu. “There’s no pressure on anyone to leave anything. But if no one left anything, we wouldn’t be open long.”
Critics, however, question whether charity can be a restaurant’s bread and butter. “I don’t think the honor bar system will work nationally,” says trends consultant Marian Salzman. “While young people are very much attuned to helping out and making a difference, if they find themselves sitting next to other customers with whom they don’t feel comfortable, they’re not coming back.”
If you were one of the haves subsidizing the have-nots at a non-profit restaurant, would you contribute the full cost of your meal?
Find More ///
- in Business & Finance, Ethics
- in Blog
- about charity, food, restaurants
Related ///
Field of Dreams
Once an abandoned paved lot, the Red Hook Community Farm is now a source of neighborhood pride and home to some of the best vegetables in Brooklyn and beyond.
Europe Deems 2014 the Year Against Food Waste
Should we take waste stats more seriously?
Save the Pandas: Who Decides?
Do we need to keep endangered species alive? Or is extinction a part of evolution?
Security Matters
Ways to make sure your rental is as secure as possible. And attention, homeowners: there are good tips for you here, too.
Good Vibrations
A whimsical, animated tale about community responsibility and the cost of being complacent.
Is Yoga Bad for You?
A new debate has taken hold over yoga’s health benefits, or lack thereof.
102 Comments
What do you think? Leave a comment
June 19, 2010 by sjdbus39 safety
I believe it is a nice concept. However, not a good business concept. They may need to take a deeper look and the profit and success margin of other organizations who have attempted to do the same thing or in close proximity of the same. I believe they will find that it will not be profitable from a business perspective.
Reply
July 23, 2010 by Misszem
I do agree that this is not a good business concept, and that's what I love about it. I am extremely impressed with Panera Bread, a national chain, for their efforts in making this type of community offering. We live in a country with such a huge discrepancy between those who have and those who do not that I think this is a wonderful way to allow those who are in need of necessities (such as feeding their families regularly!) to receive assistance with subtlety and respect. Diners in the cafe will not necessarily know who paid what for their meal, if anything. As for the business aspect..I am now more likely to patronize my local "regular" Panera Bread to support the business overall and hopefully allow them to continue such great work.
Reply
November 25, 2011 by Monica
Actually, the Panera I go to in Atlanta already gives meals to homeless at the end of each day. I'm not sure if they all do that. But they close at 9, and around 8 you'll have a few homeless coming in, sitting down and eating their meals. So while you call them just a "national chain" they're not like McDonald's, they already give back to the community. And they have the best cheddar broccoli soup ever.
Reply
July 31, 2010 by Emmiejohn
I was raised in a very poor family. We had to eat the leftovers off other peoples plates. My folks tried to trim them so we wouldn't know, but we did know. A place like Panera Bread would have been wonderful. I am forever grateful to my parents for their humility and accepting whatever it took to put food on our table. I would pay full price and then some to keep any other person from being hungery. God Bless Panera Bread. Emmiejohn
Reply
November 12, 2011 by hi
Thank you for sharing this comment about your family!! Many people do not have a clue when it comes to the United States families who live here, in regards to not having food to eat. I have four children and have worked my whole life. I currently have three jobs, because I want to. My father was from a very poor family with fourteen children. A big thank you goes out to this company for doing this but I don't think it will work there are to many people wanting to get a "free ride" in life and they think the world owes them.
Reply
November 25, 2011 by natural law
It is a sad trait of those who have not or not so much to want "a free ride". Free is good but one has to understand that the prosperous owner could give more freely than a small "pop and son" business. God bless his idea. Many small-family bakery owners already give away the left overs or give it at a discounted price.
August 12, 2010 by Sheila
I agree with the one that thinks this place should stay open. I for one would give what, I thought the meal was worth and give at least $10.00 extra each visit. In order to help with some one having a meal. I would also volunteer to work their a couple of hours a few times each week in order to help this place stay open. I have been to a restaurant like this before several times and it is still open for over 20 years now. So, I know that this place can still be open for several years to come. We was struggling a lot when, I was a kid and, I know what being hungry feels like. I think if you have enough people that care about other people that this would be another place that stays open for at least 20 years. Mom of many.
Reply
October 15, 2011 by Jenn
Thank you for your comment. It makes me sad to hear that people are still going through this in this day and age. But I would do the same and not even think twice if my extra would help someone else. That kindness will be repayed when you least expect it. Believe me I know. Thank you all for sharing.
Reply
November 12, 2011 by hi
Where is the restaurant at and is it still open? I think it is an amazing concept!!
Reply
November 25, 2011 by Bonnie Olson
I think this restaurant is to be highly commended. It reminds me of the saying "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." I know what it's like to be poor, and I know how grateful I am for the people who are kind, loving, caring and compassionate. Though I'm unemployed right now, if I had a job, I would go there and pay more than what I felt was fair, because I know that all poor people are not poor because they're lazy. I have applied at many, many jobs and yet have not been hired. I've been looking and applying for over three years.
Sometimes we are in a situation that we hate being in, but this is what life has handed us, and we must make the best of it. When I have money, I am always willing to help out a loved one if they are in financial need, and I have done this several times. Not all poor people are trying to just take all that they can carry. Some are in their current situation through no fault of their own. For those of you who think that a homeless person is just a big loser, I want you to know that some of them had great jobs and a good college education, but then through no fault of their own they lost their job and are now homeless. Pray that that never happens to you.
So, kudos to this restaurant for living the Golden Rule. I feel that you will be greatly blessed!
Reply
October 31, 2010 by jane
I don't know whether or not this will work, but I will make sure to stop at a local Panera shop the next time that I need to get some food on the way to work, to support them how I can, since I don't live in Saint Louis.
Reply
December 6, 2010 by Deb
I agree with Sheila. I, too, would pay for my meal and leave additional money to help the next person out. This concept of paying what you feel the service is worth has legs in the mental health industry and I believe it can work in many areas. Kudos to Panera Bread!
Reply
December 8, 2010 by Taryn H.
I love this idea and hope it works. I would gladly donate what my meal was worth, and, knowing that it would help feed others I would be willing to pay whatever extra I had in my pocket. I would walk outside and hand it to the first homeless person that asked for it anyway...at least this way I would know that it was really going towards food, not recreation.
Reply
January 7, 2011 by Stacy
Absolutely wonderful!!***** I believe you will be surprised at how well it will work out for you. Many years ago I ran across a gentleman farmer who set up a roadside produce stand with the similar idea. It worked out wonderfully. While he was in the fields working, people would pull their autos up, get the tomatoes and melons and leave what they wanted in the contribution container. No one ever stole the container! No one just took the produce, either. He did it with care and conscience and so did the patrons. I believe his family thought he was crazy at first but he was simply paying it forward. And it worked. Remember--the mind is a powerful tool. You will eventually get back what you expect. I think you are wonderful. Bless you!!
Reply
September 24, 2011 by Ellie
My father was a veggie farmer for years. He would go to the store to get bags or something to drink. Leave the veggie's there people would come by & leave him money & a note telling him what they took. People are still good at heart..
Reply
October 9, 2011 by asham
i remember days like that, but for sure not here in florida where the breed of people is so mixed with different cultures and minds.
Reply
November 20, 2011 by Bill
My family witnessed this very same thing in Southeast Missouri. A farmer in Bollinger County had a small building set next to the road and had produce on a table there all during the growing season. There would be tomatoes, squash, corn, melons, cucumbers...all just setting there. At the end of the table was a plain box that you just put money in. I don't know that anyone ever stole from the box. My father in law would often stop there and always put a bit extra in for the produce he took. Isn't is a shame that Congress and the Obama administration don't understand these concepts?
Reply
September 24, 2011 by Wallace
Seems like a fine thing to do. Unfortunately, there are enough scumbuckets and parasites around to cause this to fail
Reply
December 17, 2011 by tumiwisi
Most parasites and scumbags live off corporate welfare, bailouts and legalized tax avoidance if they are corporate executives or off legalized bribes (aka "campaign contributions" if they are politicians. Poor people are generally honest, that's why they're poor....
Reply
September 24, 2011 by terry
It's an interesting idea. I notice that a lot of respondents say "I would" or "I think they should", etc. From a grumpy old cynic - Panera is getting some excellent (and free) publicity out of this.
The phrase "who believe that doing good and making a profit are not mutually exclusive."
That phrase implies that making a profit is immoral, a concept I totally reject.
Reply
October 7, 2011 by hasan
very very very well put. this article, and occupy wall street even, are bringing up important philosophical questions that we as Americans must face.
for example, why do we 'hate' the rich? why do we denigrate the boss, when we tell young people- in this current form of capitalism- to reach that level through 'specializing their education'. we need to analyze the division of labor in this country, as well as take a closer look at other forms of democracy...like proportional representation
Reply
October 15, 2011 by Michael
I agree with you completely.
Reply
September 24, 2011 by Keith
I believe this is very noble concept and a true test of the human spirit. People in general are much more charitable than for what the social elite give us credit. In response to those who believe this is a failed or unwise business practice, you have to wonder what they consider to be "sound". This business model is perfect in every way, FOR WHAT IT ATTEMPTS TO ACCOMPLISH. The traditional business model is profit driven and competitively measured. Success is factored by the measure of net profits and your position in relation to your competition in the marketplace. The traditional business model believes that, if you are not the best and are not turning the most profit, then you are not successful. In fact, they believe much worse, they believe you are failing. Yet Panera's "honor system" business model isn't about maximized profits and crushing competition. It is about sustaining operations while satisfying a social need with quality and panache. Just wait! No sooner will this experiment prove successful then someone will start screaming "COMMUNISM!!!"
Kudos and blessings to Panera! I think I'll head over there today for lunch!
Reply
September 24, 2011 by Gmo
Communism is when the government TAKES your money at the barrel of a gun and, "distributes the wealth". If this cafe's concept works, and it is self-sustaining, then more power to them; no one has any basis for complaint.
However, when they start failing and start taking government "bailouts" then, the complaint gains merit.
Reply
September 28, 2011 by Ellen
Every business relies on profits to keep going. No profits, no jobs. Stop making the providers the bad guys. Just because some people make more money than others doesn't make them the devil. Be fair.
Reply
October 5, 2011 by Tim S.
I agree with Ellen, buy let's not use the word "fair" - it's based on 'he got some, how come I didn't?!?' This was one of the Big Ten, which undergirds most of Western society, regardless of whether this person or that subscribes to it.
Instead let's consider 'just' - it is 'just' for one store to sell something at one price and another store sell it for twice that? Sure - if they deliver what they promise. It's the buyers' choice where to spend their money.
Wealth itself is neutral: the adage is "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil". When folks force a high-priced item on the buyer or don't deliver what they promise, there's an ethical problem. Just making money is often more a sign of diligence and sweat than it is of immorality.
If Joe Richguy wants to throw his money up in the air and watch it float down, why not? It's HIS money! The real injustice is the have-not whining instead of putting forth effort to better his lot - you know, like get a job. I realize of course that this does not apply to everyone: many are willing to take the most menial of jobs but are not hired. But I've seen too many classic welfare bums watching TV instead of mowing lawns (or whatever) - and when I hear them cry, "Unfair!" I have a hard time generating sympathy.
Again, if you're out of work and really trying to find a job, my heart goes out to you. My gripe is certainly not with you.
September 24, 2011 by shari
panera bread rocks
Reply
October 1, 2011 by Ms Debrie
I guess it would work for some. For me, I would rather not sit next to a homeless person who decided to take advantage of the eat what you want concept then volunteer their help.
I am not a snob, but I am very selective about whom I choose to eat around and in whose company I choose to eat. In addition, I expect certain characteristics of the person who is caring for my dishes, preparing my food and serving me.
Reply
October 1, 2011 by Kevin
What characteristics would that be? I'm not trying to attack you, but your comment is very interesting.
October 2, 2011 by Kathy
I think the word that would best describe what your trying to say here is hygeine not characteristics. I see where you would be concerned with that? And rightfully so. However if your working at the restaurant I think. Legally you have to meet guidelines when handling food. So the volunteering might be sweeping or other duties that wouldn't come in contact with Food. I've never heard of this before so I really don't know. I think it is awesome to see Panera take a step of Faith in people and the honor system. YOU will be surprised who are the ones that would pay and who wouldn't. In my own heart I feel like there are some who could afford to pay full price as well as more that won't. Sometimes people with much, live as if they don't. That's how they got to be People with much. In some of the people I've come across over they years. The ones with the least to give, seem to ME personally more giving. More willing to see a need and fill it. To go over and above themselves to think about the needs of someone else. People in my life with much to give aren't so giving. I'm very interested to see the testimonies of how this has touched people's lives and Hopes that the Panera Bread Restaurant succeeds.
October 5, 2011 by Charmane Kelley
Would you be selective in the kind of person to stopped to save your life? You are a snob, as you think you are above sitting next to a homeless person. You may say it is only about your preference, however, I think you just don't want anyone to think that you are getting a free meal yourself by associating.
October 23, 2011 by greggkm
Charmane its obvious you really haven't been around the true long term homeless who don't take baths or care about hygiene or looks for they have given up. I work with the homeless and yes some don't smell bad. But some do. However I ask the to at least wash up some before meals. Even if just washing dirt and grime off hands and face.
October 30, 2011 by John H
It sounds to me like you ARE a snob!
November 5, 2011 by Evie Touhsaent
Ditto on the comments above.
November 12, 2011 by hi
I do not want someone who is touching their nose then handing my plate to me for me to enjoy. My family owned their own business in the 80's and I once went to work in a smock that wasn't ironed. They questioned me on my smock being very wrinkled. Little did the person know I didn't even have a iron or begin to know how to press an article of clothing!! I lived by myself in a trailor. After this was discussed I never went to work looking like a "slob". There are "unspoken" values when it comes to being in the public eye in the restaurant business.
December 3, 2011 by b.keener
Maybe you are such a snob and need to have a maid deliver your meals with white gloves You have to know everyone has a heart and someday one of these people may be there to save your life. You need to work hard on your compassion and feelings for others who are more unfortunate. I remember when my mom had to pick frozen turnips from ground to feed us..Eveidentally you have never walked a mile in their shoes.. Better start walking.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »
Tell us what you think.
Let the world know what you think, but please do so responsibly. Comments are moderated and we will not post personal attacks, obscene language or inappropriate material, comments with links, or comments from people under the age of 18. If you have a question, check out our Comment Submission Guidelines.