The opening of Panera Bread in Gresham Station on Jan. 2 brought students a new option for lunch time. Offering a variety of meals, snacks and pastries, the restaurant can provide for anyone’s culinary desires.

When entering the restaurant, customers are excitedly greeted by friendly cashiers and are prompted to order when ready. There are many different seating options for those who choose to eat in the spacious building. One may also order their food to go.

As the name implies, one of the primary components of the menu is bread. With almost all entrees, one receives their choice of a side of bread, potato chips or applesauce. There is also a large selection of loaves of bread to purchase and have sliced for sandwiches or to have with a meal at home. One of the favorites is the Asiago loaf, which is covered in melted cheese.

For breakfast, Panera Bread offers a multitude of sandwiches including the Bacon, Egg and Cheese on an Asiago Cheese Bagel, a classic favorite. Oatmeal, strawberry granola parfaits and the Power Breakfast Egg White Bowl are also tasty options, along with a selection of egg souffles.

With over ten types of sandwiches to choose from, customers will have a hard time deciding which delectable combination to try. For a light lunch, one may also choose to purchase one of many gourmet bagels served with cream cheese.

One of the most popular meal options is the You Pick Two. Customers are able to pick two of their favorite half cafe sandwiches, half cafe salads, or cups of soup for $6.99. This is a great option for those who have a hard time making up their mind about what to eat.

Those who are in want of an even more filling meal may decide to go with one of the warm, melt-in-your-mouth pastas. A popular pasta is the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, whose creamy sauce delights one’s taste buds.

To add to each customer’s meal, Panera Bread also has quite a few pastries and sweets for dessert. Some of these include muffins, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, coffee cakes and more. When ordering a meal, customers are offered to add on a pastry for only $.99, a great deal.

In addition to the myriad of meal options, one will no doubt find a pleasing beverage due to the assortment of drinks. The establishment serves espresso drinks, teas, fruit smoothies and orange juice, along with the usual fountain drinks and water.

The location of the restaurant is highly convenient for students as it is only a few blocks down the street from here. Students could easily visit during their lunch break on a school day, or after school for a snack.

Although both the location and the delicious food are convenient for students, Panera Bread’s prices may not be convenient for their wallets. The best deal for students would be the You Pick Two, as some meals start at over $9.00.

Though pricey, the restaurant’s reward system makes up for the financial dent. Customers are offered to take a MyPanera card which gives one rewards such as free pastries and free espresso drinks or smoothies. Just for registering their card, a student will earn a free pastry.

The combination of a friendly atmosphere, tasteful food and awesome rewards make Panera Bread a must-visit restaurant for students.