Panera Bread has become the latest in a growing list of restaurants that are asking patrons to leave their guns at home when coming in for a meal.
“Within our company, we strive to create Panera Warmth. This warmth means bakery-cafes where customers and associates feel comfortable and welcome. To this end, we ask that guns not be brought into this environment unless carried by an authorized law enforcement officer. Panera respects the rights of gun owners but asks our customers to help preserve the environment we are working to create for our guests and associates,” the company said in a statement, a press release issued by Mom’s Demand Action, a gun control advocacy group.
The group has been putting the pressure on various restaurants, retailers and grocers nationwide to ban guns from their stores. Restaurants and retailers that prohibit guns in their locations include Starbucks, Chipotle, Target, Sonic, Jack in the Box and Chili’s, according to the advocacy group.
Panera CEO Ron Shaich said the company’s decision to ask diners to leave their firearms at home was not prompted by the gun control group’s campaign, according to MSNBC.
“I think this industry has attempted to figure out how it stands out of ’make a point’ political battles by advocates on either extreme,” Mr. Shaich said in an email to CNBC. “I think what we feel is we’re trying to be respectful of people’s rights while at the same time ensuring that Panera isn’t the battleground for political statement.”
The new rules went into effect on Monday at all of Panera’s more than 1,800 cafes, MSNBC reported.
SEE ALSO: Gun-friendly businesses, bars, restaurants growing in popularity
Gun-friendly establishments are also gaining a foothold in the market. Some smaller restaurants are embracing patrons and their firearms, as recently reported by The Washington Times.
The Cajun Experience in Leesburg, Virginia, has Second Amendment Wednesdays, where patrons are encouraged to either go concealed carry or open carry.
“This is a Virginia restaurant, and we abide by Virginia state laws, which allow for open carry or concealed carry in a restaurant — so why should I hinder it? It’s our constitutional right to bear arms,” said Bryan Crosswhite, owner of the Cajun Experience. “We definitely [have seen] more traffic since we started this. It’s been an overwhelming response.”
• Jennifer Pompi can be reached at jpompi@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.