What it's like to eat at the 'Panera Bread of London' that's taking over America

Panera Bread has always beena comfortable go-to spot for me for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while I was in college. The location was right on campus and I would go there almost twice a day, racking up loyalty points on my Panera card.Familiar items on its menulike hot paninis, spicy chili, or cinnamon crunch bagelsalways offered a comfort factor to what I was ordering.When I moved to New York, I noticed a different, yet similar, popular lunch spotPret A Manger.I wasn't familiar with the company since it is only located in four cities in the US, but I had recognized the sandwich shop from when I went on vacation to London. The chain is accelerating expansion in America.Since Pret is somewhat like the Panera of London, I decided to branch out and try this lunch spot that is a growing rivalfor Panera.Here's what I concluded after my first visit.Walking into the sandwich shop, I was greeted by a spacious setting with ample amount of room for tables and comfy chairs. Rather than order from the cashier 'like at Panera ' I ventured over to the cold refrigerators that lined the wall. With a variety of options, I noticed unusual ingredients. The sandwiches were unlike anything I have ever seen! Sweet chili crawfish baguette' Salmon Tzatziki flatbread' How was I supposed to know what these taste like' While I scoured the refrigerator to find something I recognized, I became more and more intrigued to try one of these specialty, made-to-go soups, salads or sandwiches. I went with a red beat and quinoa salad, feeling particularly healthy.See the rest of the story at Business Insider NOW WATCH: We tried the trendy restaurant that could become the Chipotle of Indian food
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