There have not been too many days when I have not come home with a story about something very special that I witnessed or experienced.
Sometimes, it was a little anecdote about how one customer paid for a stranger’s meal. Or there have been so so many days when one of our associates went so far above and beyond to make someone’s day. And then there have been those nice notes that I’ve received thanking us for donations that we’ve made.
After about 40 years of working with amazing customers and associates at some of the nation’s finest restaurants, including Panera Bread, O’Charley’s and Dairy Queen, I have come to understand that people can be pretty special!
As the owner of more than 300 restaurants worldwide, I have a unique perspective on many issues that I plan to share here.
I’ll post updates on everything from events at our company to issues that touch my heart. And, of course, I’m an Ohio State fan. So, you’ll read about the beloved Buckeyes here too. And I also am a big supporter of schools and a great believer in higher education. And I also feel strongly about people’s access to quality health care and healthy and fresh food. I could go on and on.
That’s why I needed to create this blog.
Please feel free to share your comments. I’d love your feedback.
Good morning, Sam,
I’m sitting here at the Panera Polaris, with a few minutes before my coaching client arrives, and reading your blog I am so pleased to find you a Buckeye! As an Alumnus and lifelong Buckeye fan, it warm my heart to know you love the Scarlet and Gray. I have had the privilege of coaching numbers of Quick Serve Restaurant executives and franchisees, and by all indications you and your folks are doing a good job running Panera – without exception I have received friendly, competent service every time I’m here. Thanks for all you do.
All the best,
Dennis
Dennis,
This is so great to hear! Yes I am a Buckeye Fan through and through. Two of my three children graduated from OSU, and we look forward to the opening of Covelli Arena on OSU’s campus next year. I am glad you are receiving exceptional service at our locations. We continue to work to make this our number one priority. Thank you for your comments!
Good Evening Sam!
Wonderful job with Panera #4814 (Boardman, OH – Market Street). A world-class store and quite a change from the original St. Louis Bread.
Always forward,
Adam
Thank you, Adam! We all appreciate your kind comments.
Mr Covelli i know you do charities i have done soooo much yet keep finding myself in a tough situation. My dream was to always get into wwe and came soooo close yet finances hit again sir. If. Possible to get a endorsement financial backing id sooo much appreciate it this would prob be close to 25k to 30k. I would love to know if. Your in the buisness of backing a fellow ohioan. My ex wife worked as a asst manager for you for years as you are the top of the crop. Best buisnessman out there today. Thanks sir. It never hurts to ask. Im sure the answer is no but sure will make a effort to ask. Thanks Sir. Your truly a great man.
Thank you for reaching out again. Our company is committed to supporting the communities we serve, however, due to the number of requests we receive, we must limit our financial support to official non-profits and other charitable organizations. I wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. I’m always rooting for my fellow Ohioans!
Hi Sam :
I have been coming to the Westlake ,Ohio store since it opened and have conducted many client appointments here.I finally just decided to reach out and write this .
It is better than my home office and the associates and everyone are so friendly and I can tell they really enjoy their jobs. Its nice to see that in this day and age you care about your partners and are passionate as I am in the way you conduct business . Keep up the great work you are doing
Thank you so much for your kind comment and we appreciate your loyalty! We are also so grateful that you took the time to comment. And most of all, speaking for all of us at Covelli Enterprises, thank you for valuing what we do! We certainly value you!
Hi Mr. Covelli,
As a West Virginia University graduate student, I love coming to Panera to study and relax while enjoying the fresh and healthy food options that are only steps away from campus.
Many thanks,
Catherine
Good luck with your studies, Catherine! And we are happy to be able to provide you with a place to study and we’re proud of our healthy food options. Best of luck!
We travel all the time with our job and I can only say by the food you serve,the friendliness of customer service and the clientele that comes in, I feel at home. Thank you for your continued dedication and the on going goal of needing to serve clean food and mostly real food.
Hello Mr. Sam Covelli! ~~~Nancy Gurish here, reading your blog at your Panera Bread in Willoughby Ohio. I’ve spent hours and hours at this Panera with family and friends in this fine restaurant. We come here for two reasons: 1) a private place to converse and / or study, and 2) something good to eat and drink. Panera Bread Restaurant has been a very welcome addition to us here in neighboring Cleveland OH. I’m a resident of Cleveland and I frequent several Panera Locations, Willoughby, Lakewood, Mentor and other locations. My work at this time in my life is as a website publisher so I can take my laptop to a Panera and work and eat in a very nice setting. Thank you for that! My child is still in high school, and home schools! Home schooling takes a family to many different locations in a day so, I am able to bring my child to an event, and find a nearby Panera so that I can work! Panera Bread gives me the opportunity to work and eat lunch near any event that my child is attending! Your restaurant fills the needs of all of my family members. And at this moment, I am considering ordering some of Panera’s great soup! Thank you for providing such a clean and inviting place for my family and friends! We appreciate it! ~~~Nancy Gurish
Your Health And Tech Friend Magazine
Dear Mr. Covelli,
I’m sitting in my local Panera (Bainbridge) preparing for a big meeting, and I wanted to thank you for the atmosphere that you’ve created. I’ve been in food service for many years, and I know that a memorable customer experience is invaluable. I’m a firm believer in the “full show” that treats all the senses. Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes are all powerful memory makers. I’m comforted here as I plan the next big step in my future. I just wanted to say thank you for the stage you’ve set.
Also, our daughter will be starting at Ohio State this Fall, and I was charged up to see how many Panera choices I’ll have to choose from. Go Bucks!
Sincerely,
Dominic Russo
Thank you for your comment, Dominic. I am happy that our cafe works for you and I hope your meeting went well!
Mr. Covelli, I work in you Grove city location, and I love my job and the atmosphere you and Albert have created. Thank you for being so connected with us as employees. You really make things fun and easy.
Jessica from 4772
Thank you for your kind words, Jessica!
I am glad that you are with us.
Thank you so very much for this great comment!
I spend at least 5 of every 7 days in a Panera Bread somewhere in our great nation. Without exception I am always most comfortable when I am at home in a Covelli franchise.
When I walk through the door at my home Panera in New Albany my drink cup is on the counter as I step to the register along with a warm smile to start or end my day.
The staff and management always go out of their way to make every experience special and me and my guests feel important.
My only request is that you consider adding the cold press juice to your cooler that they offer in many of the corporate stores on the west coast. The green smoothie is great but still not what I need to accomplish my nutrition goals.
Thanks again to you and your team for bringing excellence to my Panera experience.
Thanks for your kind comments and suggestion. We are always interested in customer feedback and preferences.
It is better than my business,and home office and the associates and everyone are so pleasant with such a vibrant sparkling attitude and I can tell they really enjoy their life,and their jobs. Its refreshing to see that in this day and age you care about your partners and are concerned, committed, dedicated , and passionate as I was taught as being the best way to serve the customer, and I am sure that you, Mr.Sam Covelli have always conducted your business . ,
Thank You
Robert
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I truly appreciate it.
Thanks, again!
Robert Allen
3 SEPTEMBER 2015
Reply
It is better than my business,and home office and the associates and everyone are so pleasant with such a vibrant sparkling attitude and I can tell they really enjoy their life,and their jobs. Its refreshing to see that in this day and age you care about your partners and are concerned, committed, dedicated , and passionate as I was taught as being the best way to serve the customer, and I am sure that you, Mr.Sam Covelli have always conducted your business!!
Thank You
Robert
Store at 11462 Euclid Ave
UC
Cleveland, OH.44112
Mr. Covelli ,
In this world of “Profit Above All” , it is a pleasure to see people like yourself & your company.
I started my business Worldstock Entertainment in Sept. 2008 with the mission of using my talents & skills, along with those of the artists I am blessed to be connected with, to make the world a better place.Throughout the years I’ve been honored to work on a Pro Bono basis with a number of Non-Profits at the Local,National & International level & eventually this led to my current role as Creative Advocacy Director for the Alive Inside Foundation.
So glad to see a Panera location opening up in my hometown of Parma, Oh. & hope to spend some time there.
Also hoping we can connect with your company to help raise $ for our Bridge Program.
Music Connecting Generations
You’ll love this .
https://vimeo.com/142274914
E-Mail: wm@aliveinside.org
Hi Sam,
After all these years it is great to see that you remain a businessman that looks at the big picture and thinks about the human condition, both with your customers and employees. I remember, years ago, when I worked for a purveyor to McDonald’s and was visiting you in your offices. I was pretty amazed by the facility you created for use by your employees. If I recall, one of the highlights was a full blown workout facility which would rival the ones found in many, much larger, corporations. Also that day, you took delivery of two new Mercedes, one for you and one for your wife.
Reading your blog and hearing that, your approach to running a successful company hasn’t changed, is a model and testament to how to be a very successful businessman AND stay very human at the same time!
I frequent the paneta location on rt 23 just north of Powell rd..I think this is Lewis center…when I’m in route to a realestate appointment and have the time I enjoy stopping here to collect my thoughts while enjoying a good coffee while going over my data for the appointment..it’s clean it’s calm ..has a fireplace and its cozy but roomy! Perfect is the word! Thanks!
Dear Jim,
Thank you for such wonderful comments. I am thrilled that our Powell Road location works for you!
Thanks, again!
Mr. Covelli, thanks for writing this blog and sharing your thoughts, views and vision. I greatly value your restaurants in the Central Ohio area. They are a great place to meet with our athletes 1:1 and in small groups. I met a couple of your family members over the last two years – I was very impressed with their professionalism. I’ll be following your blog as you update it. I applaud your allegiance to the Buckeyes – many of the coaches and players are adding value to the lives of others in Central Ohio & throughout Ohio – we have had a very small part in that. As a result, a growing group of “Athletes of the Marketplace” (CEO’s/Entrepreneurs) has been launched following the lead of the Buckeyes “doing good”in and through their businesses. Thank you for doing the same.
Gratefully,
Matt “Kuch” Kuchers
Dear Matt,
Thank you for your kind comments! It’s so rewarding to hear such nice things. We share the same thoughts about the Buckeyes!
Thanks, again!
As a an active member of a number of non-profit groups, your Panera franchise serves as a great spot to meet up and do good for society.
You are a shining example of responsible business. Long may society continue to benefit from such a great company.
Jon
Thank you so much, Jon! We feel honored to be able to serve the non-profit community.
Greetings Mr. Covelli!
You are such an idol for young entrepreneurs such as myself! I remember opening one of the first Panera Stores to grace Ohio in Westlake – when I was just in High School (1997/1998). Something unique and special I remember about the experience was that you allowed employees to create their own nametags to offer authenticity.
I left college and started my own business and am well on the way to starting my second one – Thank You for the inspiration!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this story. Best of luck to you in your entrepreneurial endeavors!
Your flagship store in Montrose just out side of Akron here…the store rocks the local community every day with great service, and is the center of the business activity in the morning. Keep up the great work, Karri, Caroline, Ashley, and Paul.
Thank you for your comments. We agree!
Young stow Niles Panera is the Best Dana Davano
And Mrs. Mancini
Thank you!
Bless Panear Bread Thank you Mr. Covelli
Thank you for your kind words!
Love the Panera at Austin Landing, Miamisburg, Ohio. I loved it when it first opened and love it now to sit outside on the outdoor patio sippin a latte or munchin a pastry on cool evenings like tonight. The waiters/waitresses have always been courteous and kind there. Tonight – was good for sippin chai tea and sitting with my daughter discussing some heartbreaks of life. A waiter, Johnny even came outside and asked if we needed anything before they close, as it was 10 till. He was very sweet. Thanks for a relaxing place to sit and for great food and drinks.
Thank you for taking the time to tell us about this! Your comments are very much appreciated!
Thank you for taking the time to share this lovely story!
Mr Covelli-
Hi, Sally Murcia here. I frequently visit your Panera location in Davie, FL. I come in to unwind and have a few personal moments at the end of long days or nights taking care of my 86 year old grandmother and 5 year old son. I love the atmosphere and personality of the staff. Everyone is kind and personable without being intrusive. The food is, as always, excellent. I see my fellow patrons in such good spirits when they leave. I have had some trouble in the past with scheduling and such, but now that my son will be starting school I hope to work at one of your locations in the near future.
Thanks for letting us know. We appreciate your comments and would be happy to talk with you about joining our team!
Sam…..we host lunches at my firm at least twice weekly for our continuing education and other workshops. Our Panera fare always please everyone. Your Grandview Panera moved to Goodale….which is now just a short hop for our staff. At the same time we are pleased that large orders are delivered. Great and trusted menu offerings!
We are thrilled to hear this! Thank you!
How many people would like to have the option of clam chowder everyday? Great stuff, and you get to eat the bowl .yum,yum,.
Glad you like it!
I’m sitting here in my home office (aka the Clintonville, OH location) and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the staff of this location. They cater to a wide variety of clientele from the group of older retirees in for a cup of joe and conversation, to the gaggle of school girls fresh from classes (at least during the school year), and of course even to guys like me who want a quiet corner to focus on the work at hand.
It is a real joy coming here and I applaud you for being among the first to include calories in a highly visible manner. As someone who specializes in the importance of a visual culture for my profession, I can tell you it works. It’s given me an opportunity to discuss the importance of nutrition with my family and we have started selecting healthier options as a result. Without seeing it so boldly, we probably wouldn’t have thought twice about what we were putting into our bodies. Not to say that we don’t make the occasional selection of the treats …
Finally, I know that this location (and you) work closely with the schools and communities of the area. As a member of our local school board, I applaud you for what you give back to the communities. We are all in this world together and I am thankful that people step up to the plate and give back where it matters the most.
Warmest regards,
Shaun B.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments!
Sitting in the Panera Bexley today, starting my 3rd year as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 166. We have our weekly Key 4 (Scout) leadership meeting every Sunday at this location. Thank you for supporting our movement!
We appreciate that you hold your meetings at our restaurant! Thanks for taking the time to let us know!
Mr Covelli
Your business acumen is appreciated and your promotion of healthy choices is applauded. The classical background music is a nice touch in today’s world of restaurants playing too loud music. Continued success and if you need great preventive health content for your staff, let us know. best of health
Tom copub Healthy Referral
former tennis coach Kent State, John Carroll & Israel Tennis Centres
ps happy to donate a tennis outing or clinic to support one of your charities.
Thank you for your kind words and offer.
Sam-
I spend way too much time (and too much money) at Panera. Today I am at the Panera café #4961 in North Charleston. Do you think some kiosks could be added like all the other locations I have visited?
Other than that, this location is very clean and has some great folks.
Dr. Mazzotta,
Thank you so much for being such a frequent and loyal customer! I am glad to hear that you have had positive experiences within our Panera Bread cafés. We do our best to ensure the best customer experience with the friendliest service in the cleanest restaurants possible. It is also our goal to address the needs of our guests by introducing conveniences like drive-thrus, rapid pick up, delivery and ordering kiosks. I cannot tell you for certain if this location will receive ordering kiosks this year, but I can tell you that we are preparing to launch small order delivery in the area very soon. This means you can enjoy your Panera favorites delivered directly to you at your home or office. Our goal is to continue to create ways to delight our valued guests like you. Thank you again for your feedback!
Mr. Covelli,
I must admit that I am not a coffee fan at all. As a result I don’t make Panera a regular habit. But, recently, I had to finish some proposals while I was on the road and if I knew one thing about Panera, it was that it had reliable wi-fi.
One bottled water and a cheese danish later in Youngstown, OH and I was working in a comfortable atmosphere with like-minded business people and no longer having to stress out about having my work done.
While I still may not be a coffee drinker, I must compliment you on the pleasant, non-intrusive atmosphere you provide at your locations. They are well run, the girl at the counter was friendly and knowledgeable and the danish was great.
Thank you.
Chuck,
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to one of our restaurants. We strive every day to create the exact atmosphere you describe, so that makes me very proud. My hope is that you will feel this same sense of warmth and welcome at all of our cafes. Stop in again soon. Maybe we’ll be able to turn you into a coffee drinker, yet! Thank you for your message.
Sam, Thanks for the store in Mt. Vernon, Oh. I was out of work for a while, and I needed a place to find some peace and think about life. Panara was it. I’m now employed here in Mt. Vernon, but the times of soul seeking was only possible because of the great atmosphere and service from your restaurant. I still make it in at least once a week – the coffee is always fresh and there is always a smile on the employees faces.
Rich,
Thank you for your sharing your story. We’re glad Panera was an oasis for you when you needed it. I am glad to hear our Mount Vernon café is doing a great job providing a friendly and warm environment for you and our other valued guests. Thank you for continuing to make Panera part of your week, and please continue to let us know how we are doing.
Thank you .. as your teach each of us to be a special person in any way we are able.
Richard
Well Sam after reading some of your post you are a gentleman of gentleman’s and have the old school value which has somewhat expired over the generations.
As a business owner for over 40 years in New York and Central Florida, I have had the opportunity to work in the food service industry as a Refrigeration, HVAC, and equipment repair company. Over the years I have serviced the McDonald, Panera chains in these geographic areas.
I have just recently joined your Central Florida stores as a subcontractor support your HVAC and refrigeration needs.
Your staff’s friendly attitudes, Cleanliness of your organization is more than impressive and I commend your organization. The young people you have working there are very hard working and have the values that this country needs in the future to be successful individuals.
Sam my hat is off to you, as I am an old dog in the industry and I have seen a lot of mismanaged organizations, to say the least your organization is not one of them.
Have a Great Day and it is a pleasure servicing your stores in the Ocala and The Village areas of Florida.
Sincerely;
Steve
Good Morning Sam,
I just wanted to THANK YOU for employing such great folks. Our local Sales Manager, Jennifer Hanson, has been very helpful to me, when I asked her to assist in obtaining Panera props for a fundraiser that I volunteered at this week.
Providence House had their largest fundraiser, Deck the House, and we needed props for the display of the donation that someone had made, bread for a year. Jennifer helped me to get these items from the North Olmsted location. They were very gracious as well.
I work for Professional Travel and we are one of the top Corporate Travel Management Companies, in the Country. So if you are ever looking for a TMC that has the same values as you and your Covelli family, please keep us in mind.
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your Covelli Family!
Mary
Sam,
I have been researching and following multi-unit franchisees for some time now, and your organizations seems to be first class. I had the opportunity to visit one of your stores in Ohio, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The people were great, the restaurant had energy, and the food was delicious. It starts at the top, and I congratulate you for your service and success.
Have a great 2020!
Regards,
Mitchell Lee
Hello Sam-
You’re a tough guy to get a hold of but I certainly understand!
You may or may not remember from around 2005, I came in to meet you for the first time with Jerry Henn and I was with Marsh & Mclennan. I was there representing the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” program (which we sponsored) and which Jerry had been nominated and won the prior year. He thought you were a “slam dunk” for the award and said he would make an introduction. Well, that led to E&Y creating an appropriate award that would fully represent the entrepreneur that you are! This , of course, led to a trip to Dessert Springs and a chance for us all to spend time with our spouses at a beautiful setting for the National Show. (You should have won there too!)
Anyway, I’d love to have a chance to spend an hour with you to share what my expertise brings to the world of restaurants and food services and specifically the health care products I help develop for the under-insured or un-insured food service worker struggling to make ends meet; and the Employer struggling to retain good employees that don’t qualify for full benefits.
Can I get on your schedule or can I invite you to stop in to our 947 W. Waterloo Rd.(Akron) location to tour our National Mail-Order Rx facility when you’re in the area?
James Piper
330-962-4444