Panera Bread Foundation recently launched a new community cafe in Clayton, Missouri. There are no cash registers or prices. There are only donation bins. The idea is that anyone can come in for some food and they only pay what they’re able to. Everyone who needs a meal gets it whether they have the money for it or not.
This non-profit cafe is called St. Louis Bread Company Cares. Previously it was operated as a typical Panera or St. Louis Bread Company location. But now it’s all about helping others. They offer a volunteer option where people can donate an hour of their time in exchange for a meal. They’ve partnered with a nonprofit in the area to train individuals in need. So far the company says the program is working. Some people come in a leave nothing. Others leave a few dollars and some customers leave well beyond the suggested donation.
The company plans to open similar nonprofit community cafes in the future. Their hope is to open two more by the end of 2010. What do you think of this idea? Do you think it would work in your community? Or do you think too many people would take advantage of it?