Ranting in Chicago

We stopped by a Panera Bread today in Chicago for lunch. We were afraid to go in as it's usually overcrowded with those tied to their laptop. And sure enough, even though the fast casual concept expanded its walls, over 50% of the tables were filled with students and free wifi users wearing sweatpants, hoodies and running shoes. Somebody needs to be on table patrol - clearing these loungers and their space for those who actually want to eat and continue on with their day.

Sure, they may have bought a sandwich two or three hours ago. But now they're just loitering around absorbing space from additional paying customers. One table of three students even brought from home a plate of baked goods for snacking.

I'm one for using free wifi. I've had to use it on occassion when our internet was down. But when it keeps paying customers at bay, rules and regulations need to be put into place to protect the integrity of the restaurant. How about no loitering during lunch or dinner hours? The solution is nothing more than posting a sign at the front door notifying patrons of the change. Let the girls take enjoy their sponge cake elsewhere. In the words of Valerie Cherish from The Comeback, "I don't want to see that!"