Panera's Bread Restaurant Chains Are Anti-Gun

[J.Solo]

I stopped in to a Panera's Bread Restaurant chain tonight, with my wife, for a sandwich & salad.
I took my Notebook with me to assess various gun boards using Paneras FREE WYFI connection.

All the Gun Boards I tried to connect to were blocked.

This included:

Ruger Forum
S&W Forum
GLOCK Talk Forum
Rimfire Central Forum
Cast Bullet Forum
Gary Reader Forum

I tracked each one through the Blocking System and found that the reason for the blocking was due to "Weapons" Content.

Just thought I'd let everyone know - J.Solo

[DIRT Farmer]

We don't go there anymore after they told my wife she had to have tomatos on her sandwich. With an attude like that why would anyone buy from them.

[Charlie Sometimes]

That is one of the most expensive place to buy a "sammich" I have ever been in. We don't go there anymore- too snooty and high falootin' atmosphere, if you ask me. Not intended for the average man and family to enjoy very often. WAY TOO PRICEY for what you get. This is just another good reason to boycot that business.

Tell everyone you know.

[AZ-Stew]

Best Buy has sites blocked for the same reason.

Regards,

Stew

[KYCaster]

I could never understand why the management of a company would feel the need to make a political statement...Just doesn't make any sense to me. No matter what side of an issue you choose, you take the chance of alienating a significant number of potential customers.

But then,.....there are lots of things I don't understand. :confused:

Jerry

[Charlie Sometimes]

I could never understand why the management of a company would feel the need to make a political statement...Just doesn't make any sense to me. No matter what side of an issue you choose, you take the chance of alienating a significant number of potential customers.

But then,.....there are lots of things I don't understand. :confused:

Jerry

AMEN, brother, AMEN!
All I can figure is they are basically ignorant to the core.

[theperfessor]

I don't really know how blocking software works but I wonder if it comes with some pre-set defaults that block porn and a lot of other stuff and that nobody has bothered to shut off or reset. I remember reading a report a few years ago involving internet viruses that pointed out a lot of servers were wide open for hackers because nobody had ever changed the original password that was set at the factory.

Not trying to defend the practice but it may just be a question of ignorance. Has anybody talked to the owners or corporate headquarters to determine their policies?

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

We had a provider that sold a "package deal" filter/blocking for our school. I had a password to bypass things it called weapons, shopping or porn, some sites they had labeled were ridiculous too! But you need to be very careful at an elementary school! Check out youtube movies under shows Bat Masterson, they have that labeled all wrong, insisting on you having an account and be signed in!

Now we select the sites ourselves, much better than before!

Kinda like Starbucks (not that I ever gave them a dime) would not make a commitment awhile back . . .

I feel anyplace that does not respect my right to have my gun does not need my business.

[mike in co]

thanks for the update on Paneras......krap i like thier pecan roll...oh well

to show how stupid blocking is.....at one point most tools would block the word "breast" as porn....nearly put breast cancer sites out of business.......

mike in co

[NSP64]

That is the reason I have an android phone. I can go to whatever websites I want.

[smoked turkey]

KYcaster stated something to the effect that a business that takes the position of blocking some sites from use is taking the chance of losing some customers. That is true. However we gun owners and hunters are all too often the silent majority. If enough of us would speak up and let them know of their lost business it might make a difference. Not that I care one bit about doing business with Panera, I know those who do that need to know. I might go out of my way to stop by and let them know how their position is going to affect the bottom line of the company from shooting types and their friends.

[Duckiller]

Friend in So. Mich with CCW regularly goes into Panera with no problem. As The Perfessor said they may have bought a package that blocks thing they don't realize. It is not a restaurant that I would go to very often.

[Blammer]

Seems like they have thier prioities messed up.

[JeffinNZ]

So you are complaining about a free service right?

[Down South]

I don't really know how blocking software works but I wonder if it comes with some pre-set defaults that block porn and a lot of other stuff and that nobody has bothered to shut off or reset. I remember reading a report a few years ago involving internet viruses that pointed out a lot of servers were wide open for hackers because nobody had ever changed the original password that was set at the factory.

Not trying to defend the practice but it may just be a question of ignorance. Has anybody talked to the owners or corporate headquarters to determine their policies?
I'll try to remember what I can about this. I asked one of the higher up IT people at work once a few years ago how they figured out what they block and how. The reason I asked was because they blocked one of my hunting sites. I wanted to know why.
Somehow they plug in certain words to filter in the description and in the link name plus they hire a third party company that searches for web sites that are lets say undesirable. The company buys this list of sites on a regular basis and feeds them into the filter system to block. The web site I frequently visited had something in the description about weapons or guns or knifes. I don’t remember just which right now. Anyway, I told the IT person that the site was a hunting and sportsman site. I explained that it was not the type of site they were looking for to block. The IT person (person whose name came up on a blocked site on the warning page stating if any questions call….). The IT person told me that they would personally check the site and if was what I said it was that they would remove the block. The block was removed within the hour and I never had another problem.

[danski26]

How about this one.....I am blocked from "weapons" sites at work too but I AM THE DEPARTMENT ARMORER!!!! When I have asked for access to the sites I was ignored.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

So you are complaining about a free service right?

Very rarely is anything "free" it is all rolled into the overhead, and charged accordingly when you pay for your sandwich . . .

Just like those beer nuts at the bar/pub . . . or the chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant.

[theperfessor]

Just for the record, I never use WiFi in public places such as restaurants, etc. I'm not really all that paranoid but I do believe that could be used to track what the users there do. If I can't access 3G/4G service on my iPhone I just put it back in the case and move on.

[OutHuntn84]

KYcaster stated something to the effect that a business that takes the position of blocking some sites from use is taking the chance of losing some customers. That is true. However we gun owners and hunters are all too often the silent majority. If enough of us would speak up and let them know of their lost business it might make a difference. Not that I care one bit about doing business with Panera, I know those who do that need to know. I might go out of my way to stop by and let them know how their position is going to affect the bottom line of the company from shooting types and their friends.

There was a gal a while back who made cards for these situations. Cant remember exactly what they said, but they were for if or when you were at a place of business and noticed they were anti-gun, you handed them a card. It said in a non threatening way no guns no money and had some other info on it. I would always put my number on it so they could call me when they decided to pull their heads out. It worked twice.

[Rocky Raab]

Not to defend Panera's without actually knowing their stance, but just because they block access to certain websites doesn't mean they are anti- anything.

For example, they require shoes, but aren't anti-feet. They might not take Canadian currency, but they aren't anti-money. Stores that don't allow pets aren't anti-pet. I could go on, but you get the drift.

What would it take for a store to be considered pro-gun or even neutral in your estimation? A sign that offers free ammo with purchase?

[2wheelDuke]

How about this one.....I am blocked from "weapons" sites at work too but I AM THE DEPARTMENT ARMORER!!!! When I have asked for access to the sites I was ignored.


You have to love logic like that. I can't research police supplies, martial arts training, or anything like that on my work computer. It tells me that category of "weapons & violence" is prohibited. Carrying a weapon and being able to use it are important parts of my job :groner:

I know the guest wifi at the hospital won't let me on this site, and some supply houses are blocked, but they seem to have forgotten about some sites, like Natchez.

[smoked turkey]

I personally like those places that post a sign at the door that says something to the effect "concealed carry welcome here". I admit that doesn't happen too often.

[hoosierlogger]

thats what you get for going to a restaurant with the word bread in the title.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

There was a gal a while back who made cards for these situations. Cant remember exactly what they said, but they were for if or when you were at a place of business and noticed they were anti-gun, you handed them a card. It said in a non threatening way no guns no money and had some other info on it. I would always put my number on it so they could call me when they decided to pull their heads out. It worked twice.

You mean something like this:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/RCBS270-150SP4.jpg

Print your own:
http://www.azcdl.org/ThanksFrontBusCardTemplate1b.pdf

Found here:
http://www.azcdl.org/html/educational.html bottom of the page under activism there are more . . . just need microsoft . . .

[The Double D]

I stopped in to a Panera's Bread Restaurant chain tonight, with my wife, for a sandwich & salad.
I took my Notebook with me to assess various gun boards using Paneras FREE WYFI connection.

All the Gun Boards I tried to connect to were blocked.

This included:

Ruger Forum
S&W Forum
GLOCK Talk Forum
Rimfire Central Forum
Cast Bullet Forum
Gary Reader Forum

I tracked each one through the Blocking System and found that the reason for the blocking was due to "Weapons" Content.

Just thought I'd let everyone know - J.Solo

I have always thought posts like this were useful. But the more I think about, there is something missing.

You do not state what Panera's said when you asked them why!

I suggest you write them a polite letter and enquire about this blocking and ask why it is done. No accustations, no preaching about our rights, just ask why. Tell them when and where you visited their store and what you tried access and what blocking message you recieved.

If they respond that they are anti gun, that is their right and you would be fair in reporting that us. If that is how they respond, then you should should responded by thanking them for their response, acknowledge their right to the position and tell them that you no longer patronize their business and you will share their position with others.

It would also be fair for all of us to write them a letter, and state that we will no longer patronize their business and will tell others of their stance.

If they are anti violence, then they are misinformed and need educated.

By reporting this blocking software to us without asking for and providing us with their response is patently unfair.

They may be unfair in their policy; we are in the right and don't need to be unfair in response.

Here is their contact information.

CEO William W. Moreton
6710 Clayton Road
Richmond Heights, MO 63117

[Wayne Smith]

We have the same software in the office. It does allow this site, but blocks most others. Nobody here knows feces about it - it's all through an outside "IT professional" contractor.

[waksupi]

We have the same software in the office. It does allow this site, but blocks most others. Nobody here knows feces about it - it's all through an outside "IT professional" contractor.

And that, is a good reason for the name cast boolits. Many of the programs don't register on boolits!

[Marvin S]

Goverment does the same type of things, but has just allowed access to facebook and like sites to cater to the young people. But sites like WELDING DEPOT and TIG Warehouse are blocked and they actually pertain to my job. You are supposed to be able to submit what is called a blue coat exception to gain access if they see fit but it is more trouble than it's worth. But I can get to Guns America and Cast Boolits but not Gun Broker, Gunboards and many others.

[Geraldo]

That is the reason I have an android phone. I can go to whatever websites I want.

That or an internet card for your laptop eliminates the problem of IT people and bad blocking software.

[Wayne Smith]

How does an internet card on my laptop help? It's the same network, the only one I have the access code for that is available at work.

[Heavy lead]

How does an internet card on my laptop help? It's the same network, the only one I have the access code for that is available at work.

You can use the broadband option or the wifi option on internet cards. The broadband you can do anything you wish outside of the wifi.

[mike in co]

Not to defend Panera's without actually knowing their stance, but just because they block access to certain websites doesn't mean they are anti- anything.

For example, they require shoes, but aren't anti-feet. They might not take Canadian currency, but they aren't anti-money. Stores that don't allow pets aren't anti-pet. I could go on, but you get the drift.

What would it take for a store to be considered pro-gun or even neutral in your estimation? A sign that offers free ammo with purchase?

ok starting a hissy fit with a writer......

i consider your reply a typical politically correct answer...which is entirely incorrect.

ask your friend zumbo about politically correct answers.

there is no "well sorta "....you suport the constitutuion and my rights, or you do not.

yes it is thier service to do with what they please...they pay for it....but they will not pay for it with profits from me.


yes it would be nice to hear a "REAL" answer from thier boss.....until then no funds from me.

mike in co

[2wheelDuke]

And that, is a good reason for the name cast boolits. Many of the programs don't register on boolits!



The gunloads.com part seems to throw flags. I'll try later from one of the guest wifi services I regularly use later tonight and take note of the provider they use for filtering.

[mike in co]

while i have participated in this thread...

IT IS POLITICAL AND ON THE WRONG FORUM.

it should be moved before it gets deeper....

thanks
mike in co

[jameslovesjammie]

I personally like those places that post a sign at the door that says something to the effect "concealed carry welcome here". I admit that doesn't happen too often.

Have you ever been to Minnesota? There are businesses in the Twin Cities that have clearly posted on their doors, "No Guns Allowed!".

Like a criminal is going to come to the door, see the sign and say, "Awe shucks. And I was gonna rob those guys," and turn around and walk away.

[OBIII]

How 'bout this possibility? Customer uses Panera's website to order a weapon. Weapon arrives, the customer then uses said weapon to go on a shooting spree. Purchase is traced back to Panera's website, Lawsuits follow, Panera screwed. JMHO.

OB

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

How 'bout this possibility? Customer uses Panera's website to order a weapon. Weapon arrives, the customer then uses said weapon to go on a shooting spree. Purchase is traced back to Panera's website, Lawsuits follow, Panera screwed. JMHO.

OB

They're not ordering anything from their site, but just using a wireless connection . . . do you thunk when someone goes into a sporting goods store, and that once they follow all the procedures that Uncle Sammy has mandated and sell someone a gun, that the store will still be liable?

All weapons must be cleared by a ffl if not bought face to face, and some commie states even prohibit that!.

Only thing if anything thing that can be ordered from their site is food!:bigsmyl2:

[MT Gianni]

while i have participated in this thread...

IT IS POLITICAL AND ON THE WRONG FORUM.

it should be moved before it gets deeper....

thanks
mike in co

I don't see it as Political yet Mike, but will move it if/when it becomes so.

[mike in co]

How 'bout this possibility? Customer uses Panera's website to order a weapon. Weapon arrives, the customer then uses said weapon to go on a shooting spree. Purchase is traced back to Panera's website, Lawsuits follow, Panera screwed. JMHO.

OB

straight from fantasy land.......


so you are telling me that when i order guns and i have , say aol for my service, that they can be sued ???

you really really are in fantasy land.....

so the bank i write my check on can be sued, the us mail for send in the check......
dell for making my computer, intell for the chip....on and on and ...who made the solder ...what employee actually assemble my keyboard...

grow up and start an adult conversation

mike in co

[Rocky Raab]

(hoping this doesn't put it over the edge)

You haven't been paying attention if you don't know that anti-gun people have been trying to sue the seller, the wholesaler, the manufacturer and maybe even whoever invented gunpowder when a gun is used in a crime. Sue everybody into oblivion and you "eliminate" guns is their strategy. Everybody except the scumbag who used the gun in a crime, that is.

(dangerously almost but not quite political comment over)

[mike in co]

rocky,
courts throw out krap all the time. if there is no real connection the courts will see it, the defense will object and out it goes.
yes they sue the seller, the maker, the ammo maker.....but the phone company that the order was placed on ?? even the courts see past that.

mike in co

[Rocky Raab]

Oh I know, Mike. But the posts were that such a thing wouldn't or couldn't happen; my point is that it already has. Or at least been tried.

I can remember when no murderer had ever been acquitted because gloves didn't fit.

[9.3X62AL]

I can remember when no murderer had ever been acquitted because gloves didn't fit.

Yeah, but Nevada handled that oversight nicely. Heisman THAT, bee-otch!

[Ken TN]

OK NEWS FLASH HERE FOR YOU!

Last year here in Memphis 2 customers at Paneras got in an argument over a parking space and one of the guys shot the other in front of his kids....
Note to self: do not park to close to a Hummer in Memphis!

If I recall the victim had lost his wife and the kids were now alone....
The shooter was convicted this past month of 2nd degree manslaughter and tried to kill himself once the verdict was read.
Nothing like being in a rush to get to HELL!

I guess they can make their own policies, I will not go in unarmed...
Funny how Memphis is on every COPS episode, Memphis Blues, Lady Cops or whatever the show is called. Can't wait to get outta here.

[Rocky Raab]

Prolly sumthin in the BBQ sauce.

(Rocky ducks and runs for cover, chuckling...)

[Down South]

I can't help but email some of these business sometimes just to see if they own up to being anti-gun or just to see what their response might be. Anyway, I emailed Panera due to reading this thread and I posted their reply below. If some would like to call, the number is in the reply.

Dear Sam,

Thank you for contacting Panera Bread regarding our free WiFi service.
Panera Bread reserves the right to monitor WiFi activity, filter
content, and otherwise control or prohibit usage.

If you feel a site has been blocked in error, you may contact our WiFi
help desk with the web site address and they will have the site
reviewed. If it is blocked in error, it will be cleared. The WiFi help
desk, at 866-WiFi HLP (866-943-4457), is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Eastern time, 7 days a week.

Thank you again for contacting us. We appreciate your business and value
your comments.

Sincerely,

Isabella
Customer Comment Coordinator


And what I asked of Panera........

I've always wanted to visit one of your bakeries. I've heard that your
bread is delicious and I'm a bread lover.

I may have a problem though. An acquaintance of mine recently
frequented one of your shops for a sandwich. While there he accessed the
internet. In deep regret he discovered all of our favorite forums that
deal with hunting, shooting, reloading, etc were blocked. We were
wondering why Panera's has these sites blocked.

It is of interest to us if the possibility of Panera's may be anti-gun
or anti-hunting. I'm hoping that the reason these sites were blocked is
just by a simple mistake that will be corrected. I know that my company
buys lists from a third party that seeks out sites that, lets say that
are undesirable. Sometimes mistakes are made and sites that should not
be blocked are. My friend and I who are both members of many shooting
and hunting forums would like to see access to sites that are good,
honest and above reproach. We believe hunting and shooting forums fall
into this category. We are both asking that Panera's lift the block from
these sites. Many of our forums members are also regretting hearing of
these blocks and are awaiting your reply



Thanks, Sam Wactor

[Just Duke]

You mean something like this:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/RCBS270-150SP4.jpg

Print your own:
http://www.azcdl.org/ThanksFrontBusCardTemplate1b.pdf

Found here:
http://www.azcdl.org/html/educational.html bottom of the page under activism there are more . . . just need microsoft . . .

Nice bullets! :bigsmyl2:

[mike in co]

phone number no longer in service.....

for the wifi help line

[mike in co]

so i called a local store, and got a wifi support number

404 478 7300


call and ask for access....


MY GUY SAID CORP POLICY WAS NO BLOODY SHOT UP ANIMALS........IF EVEN POSSIBLE TO A FAMILY MEMBER.

my response was that hunting is part of the family lifestyle in colorado, wy, utah, new mexico, montana, and to impose someone elses lifestyle on us was going to cost them customers/money. i noted that the internet was fast and widespread.

mike in co

[Dannix]

Panera isn't a veggie-only place -- guess when it comes to meat harvesting it's an out of sight, out of mind approach, except that they emphasize, iirc, that they use only free-range chicken or some such.

I do remember a time I saw a clearly Indian-of-India Hindu order Broccoli and Cheddar soup. If she only knew....


Mike, I could get in touch with a specific store manager or district manager, and ask them. I bet they may open up some sites despite what corporate may technically answer. Panera gives a lot of freedom in the realm of customer service to even the lowest employee, at least in my southeast experience.

[mike in co]

heck, i want everyone to call thier local store and ask for the number for tech support...then call and complain


i will quit going there till they change...and i do like thier pecan roll......dang

mike in co

[Down South]

phone number no longer in service.....

for the wifi help line

Thanks, I will voice my opinion to them about that to their email and make a call to the correct number when I can.

I think that we (ALL) need to voice an opinion as often as we can. That’s been folks like us problem for too long. We have just let it go too long.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Nice bullets! :bigsmyl2:

Yeah, but . . . I haven't been able to shoot them yet . . . waiting on my checkmaker in 270 . . . Its a RCBS 270-150SP

Then I'll give the coyotes something to howl about, but I won't post the bloody pictures for Panera's customers to see (only us smart folks!):bigsmyl2:


[smilie=s:

[Lee]

Need ta learn how ta make yer own bread. Yeh, I know, it's a hassle. But it tastes better, it's fresher, and the litttle yeasties(same as Paneras uses) can't tell if yer packin. Come the day, yer gonna hafta' learn ta roll yer own anyways.........think about it.:D

[9.3X62AL]

They don't like bloody, shot-up animals........but serve ham, chicken, beef, and other meat products and dairy goods. The irony is palpable.

I don't care for their stuff very much--it's over-priced and over-hyped, and the Redlands, CA store I've visited is over-run with yuppie soccer moms in Volvos and SUVs who can't park for **** in the Toyota Camry-sized parking stalls in the lot. My F-150 is a tight fit, as well.

[mike in co]

the first email back to me:

Dear Michael,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comments and concerns with me today. As we discussed, in order to preserve a family-friendly environment, we have general content filters around categories such as nudity, alcohol, drugs, weapons, gambling, etc. At times, these filters can be too stringent and we appreciate guests like you taking the time to let us know when innocent content is being blocked so that we may address the situation. This site has been submitted for review to the content filtering advisers with the intention for it to be unblocked. If it passes all approvals it should then be available within 24 hours.

I greatly apologize for any inconvenience.


what i dont like is THIER forcing thier family values on my family.

we shall see..

i asked about several sites
ar15.com
acuraterelaoding
and three or four others...did not write the list down

mike in co

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Mike,

Time will tell . . . but I got a feeling that we have to many weapons here . . . not counting the blood from testing the effectiveness of our boolits . . .

I bake my own bread . . . grind my own flour too . . . much better, and I don't have to drive 80 mi one-way to get it either!

I do miss my real oven I had back in VT:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Bread%20Oven/11loavesofbreads.jpg
100% organic, naturally leavened (sour dough for westerner's)

[Down South]

Good going Mike. What I do believe is if we had not started speaking up, the sites would have remained blocked. The bottom line is a dollar bill in most cases. If they think that they will loose customers, most of the time their policy will change.

[walltube]

things in Mississippi.

"Ryan's" buffet reigns supreme here. Not a sissy Panera Bread to be found. : rolleyes: What that means is, cornbread, hushpuppies, and hot rolls on the table ASAP . Most notably absent 'round here are the "no guns allowed" signs.

If you carrying concealed and are detected as being so, then you are not carrying concealed so very well, are you?

[David2011]

So you are complaining about a free service right?


That misses the point, Jeff. If they are blocking the site because of anti-gun sentiments my money is not welcome at their establishment. Fortuantely, as the thread has progressed, it seems that the Panera's in question is open to unblocking sites that are weapon but not violence related.

David

[walltube]

Uhh, I didn't include a 'humor' smilie in my "...sissy Panera...". Which means, I am not inferring all Panera Bread clientele are sissy, anti-firearm phobic. :). Paricularly C.B. members.

If there is a Panera Bread in Hattiesburg, we'll test their 'anti' waters; if'n, today, we have the time.

[BOOM BOOM]

HI,
HECK school computers will also block your personal e-mail on yahoo.