Too Much Good Even For A Do-Gooder?

I have been accused of being a do-gooder. I fully agree. I believe that we can make a profit and make a difference. Yet, Panera Bread's (aka St. Louis Bread Company) new nonprofit restaurant may be too much good even for me.

I wrote in a previous post that I love the atmosphere at Panera Bread. I generally go when I need a change of work scenery with my laptop in tow. The food is delicious. They also donate unsold food to local charities and food banks. I like that, too. But I'm not sure I agree with their new nonprofit restaurant experiment. 

Patrons are allowed to donate what they want for meals. The suggested prices are listed, but you are not required to pay it. How can an organization budget to ensure it has operating cash flow using this model? I guess that Panera Bread doesn't have to worry too much about that because profits are up 48 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 over first quarter last year. Other restaurants might not be able to take the risk, especially in this economy.

What's the point really? Ron Shaich, the company's former CEO and current chairman of the board indicated that it is not really charity, but a test in human responsibility. I suppose if the concept elevates individual character and true community, it will be well worth it.

I will probably frequent my favorite Panera Bread even more because I like the spirit of the organization. However, this do-gooder believes that Panera Bread could do more good teaching nonprofits how to create sustainable and profitable social ventures that employ people in their respective communities than to become one themselves. What do you think? Click here to read more.