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Sunday, September 14, 2014

Major Restaurant Chain to Gun Owners: We Respect Your Rights, but Leave Your Firearms at Home

Panera Bread is asking customers not to bring firearms into its locations, becoming the latest company to take an anti-gun stance in an attempt to “preserve the environment we are working to create for our guests and associates.”

The new policy asks that no one other than law enforcement officers bring guns into any Panera Bread location.

In a Monday statement, the restaurant chain cites “Panera Warmth” as part of the reasoning behind the decision:

“Within our company, we strive to create Panera Warmth. This warmth means bakery-cafes where customers and associates feel comfortable and welcome. To this end, we ask that guns not be brought into this environment unless carried by an authorized law enforcement officer. Panera respects the rights of gun owners, but asks our customers to help preserve the environment we are working to create for our guests and associates.”
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20 comments:

Anonymous said...

So they want to "preserve" their created environment...they are just not as interested in preserving their customers lives.

"Panera Warmth..." for everyone but lawful gun owners. The foolish and the politically correct walk hand in hand. I've eaten my last sandwich made by this company...hope they feel the "warmth".
-Delegate Mike McDermott

Anonymous said...

I just sent them an email and cancelled my membership. I'll never go there again and would encourage others to do the same. People have choices and I just don't agree with any business not wanting legally owned guns in their businesses when it is perfectly by the law to do so.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mike, I like the food but can't stomach their Politics.
XBow

Anonymous said...

BOYCOTT.

Anonymous said...

I do not have a carry permit but would if I could. You see, I live in Maryland where the people no longer believe in the Constitution. That's why they still vote for Democrats. As a veteran, I will never step in that place of business again.

Anonymous said...

I just emailed them to thank them for now making Panera an un-safe eatery. they have just let the thugs know they can get away with anything at Panera. Stoooooopid.

Anonymous said...

You don't get it, folks. They are "asking" you to leave your guns at home. No sign prohibiting it. I think they are brilliant. They appease that hypocrite communist, Shannon Watts, but they are not forbidding legal gun owners and those with concealed carry permits from entering. It is merely a suggestion. Keep carrying as long as you are legal.

Anonymous said...

Great move Panera.

Thanks for having the courage to take a stance.

I will continue to patronize your business on a frequent basis.

I hope other businesses notice your action and give careful thought to their own policies.

Anonymous said...

Everyone, do not go to Panera Bread if your legally owned gun cannot go in with you.

Anonymous said...

So you patriotic small government conservatives don't believe a private business should have the right to tell its customers what they are and aren't allowed to bring into their premises?

JoeAlbero said...

8:41, If I have the RIGHT to carry, that means I can carry ANYWHERE I want.

Small business, (which this one is NOT) cannot and should not dictate or create their own LAWS.

Anonymous said...

The creation of gun free zones on and school properties resulted in mass killing on those properties.

Panera Bread might as well hang a target on the backs of the customers as they walk through the door.

As to Joes comment, Panera Bread is fully within there right to prohibit folks from bring guns on their property. But as mentioned above, they do so at their own peril.

Sand Box John

Anonymous said...

I have just stopped eating at Panera....I'm only one guy but that's a promise.

Anonymous said...

They absolutely have the right to ban firearms from their stores. Same as they can refuse service for no shoes, no shirt. I believe it's a smart move, who the heck wants to go to a restaurant with a bunch of nuts carrying guns like idiots.

Anonymous said...

8:41...they have every right as a business and no one is arguing that issue...just as consumers have every right not to partake when a business insults their belief system.

As for those who think folks who want to protect that which is precious to them are "nuts"...enjoy your "gun free zone" and know that no one appreciates a disarmed public more than a bad guy.

As for it being a "suggestion"...it is a revelation of those who control the company. Panera Bread is one of the biggest supporters of liberal agendas and causes that you will find...

Anonymous said...

I'll never go to this communist business again trying to limit my Constitutional rights.

Anonymous said...

Ok are you people for real? Just because you get a permit to carry a consealed weapon doesnt mean you can take it anywere you want. A PRIVATE company has the right to refuse service to anyone. There are plenty wait most places a gun is not needed. Panera has the right to do as they choose. Could we all grow up and act like intelligent adults and not village idiots.....

Anonymous said...

To 12:26, please read the Constitution before you talk about your constitutional rights. When you do, come back here and point to any passage in it that says you can do whatever you want on the private property of someone else.

You do realize that the Constitution limits what government can do to you, not what businesses can do, right? Or maybe you're too busy screaming about your supposed rights without actually having read the Constitution that protects them.

Anonymous said...

I think I'll just spend my money at Chick fil A

Anonymous said...

What if they refused service if you were homosexual or lesbian or black or Hispanic or Muslim?