I’m sitting in a Panera Bread in Chevy Chase, MD right now,
getting some work done. I’ve visited several Paneras in multiple states over the past few months when I really needed
to get connected to the Internet ASAP. I don’t see a reason to pay for it at a Starbucks when it’s free at Panera,
which has almost 700 restaurants with free wireless access. They will always get my business over a place that makes
you pay for it. (They have a bigger menu selection too!)
I often try to find local coffee shops, cafes or libraries that offer free wifi, but when in doubt or a huge rush,
I’ve always had luck finding a Panera relatively close by where I can quickly get working on what I need to do. It
would be cool to see more chain restaurants take a hint and join the fee wifi club.
A friend and I will be heading into Washington DC a bit later today, so I did some research on other free wifi spots
downtown. Dupont Circle went wireless early this summer — folks
get free access at any outdoor area surrounding the circle. Initiatives are also underway to create several free wifi
spots at the National Mall. Some are already in service — check out Open
Park to learn more.