For one thing, it isn’t at sidewalk level, but some five feet above. Alright, it’s a chain, so I guess they are willing to abandon the sidewalk aspect when physical constraints require. Not to mention that there are about eight and a half days in the year when you would want to eat on a sidewalk in Pittsburgh. I would have dropped the “Sidewalk,” but whatever.

I have never been in this place, which appers to be yet another Panera Bread clone, but the sign outside disturbed me. It starts out fairly straightforward; giving the name of the place and some of the things they offer, wraps, salads, other lunch foods. Then, just below, it says “Apply Within.”

I have had some pretty good sandwiches in my time. I had a ham and cheese with fresh, off-the-vine-out-back tomatoes at Chasers in the Run that I still talk about. I have never, however, had a sandwich that was worth applying for. This is a poor innovation in restaurant design. It will slow the process and annoy the people whose applications for sandwiches are declined.

I suggest returning to the classic paradigm wherein the customer orders a sandwich, gives someone a predetermined amount of money and is soon thereafter given a sandwich made to her specifications. I guess I am just old-fashioned.

Related posts:

1. Three ladies at Point Brugge Cafe, Sunday morning.
2. Sidewalk Planning For A Real Downtown
3. Fritos Chili Cheese Wrap
4. Congress and Robots
5. The Street Car Fad