ST. LOUIS-Expanding Wi-Fi’s presence in non-traditional locations, Panera Bread Co. said it has equipped 325 of its retail locations in 27 states with free wireless Internet access using ICOA Inc.’s neutral host wireless network. Panera noted that company research has shown that the average total online time per bakery has increased three-fold during the past year, and it has registered hundreds of thousands of customers accessing the network during the past 12 months with an average connection time of an hour.
“Customers response to the convenience and reliability of our free Wi-Fi Internet access has greatly exceeded our expectations and we believe it is positively impacting our business,” said Ron Shaich, chairman and chief executive officer of Panera. “Offering free Wi-Fi Internet access is keeping our customers in our stores longer-primarily during off-peak hours-and bringing them back more often, enhancing their experience of Panera Bread’s quick casual environment.”
Shaich added that the company expects to have 375 locations Wi-Fi enabled by the end of this year and 500 locations over the next year, including the planned opening of between 140 and 150 new stores this year that will all be equipped with free Wi-Fi access.
