The “third place” is taking a prominent space in people’s lives. It refers to the place where one spends time when one is not at home or at one’s place of work. The term has become more commonly used in the last half-dozen years. It has become associated with a certain chain of coffee shops. And while there is no doubt that company’s comfortable couches, indirect lighting and free Wi-Fi have changed the culture, the idea of the third place is connected with more than just coffee.
Sociologists refer to the third place as “the living room of society” and as a place of “community-building.” Sprinkled liberally throughout their narrative are references to food, foodservice and hospitality.
Ted Karousos grew up in the restaurant business and is the proprietor of one of the original third places, the Blue Plate Diner in Middletown. He discussed the concept with me on a recent podcast. “The diner was one of the first regular gathering places,” he said, explaining how the routine of the regular customer at the diner counter is the foundation of the cultural linkage. Repeat customers get to know each other, as do the servers. A community begins to build.
Those who observe the restaurant and food scene often report on the contribution to the culture made by the foodservice community. In Rhode Island, where most eateries are independently owned, the link is unmistakable and strong. Food and beverages bring people together, resulting in a third place.
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TASTE TEST: Invited guests test and photograph the new dinner menu offerings of Panera Bread. Rhode Island is one of two test markets for the casual cafe’s targeted evening menu.
/ COURTESY PANERA BREAD[/caption]
This was seen during Panera Bread’s test rollout earlier this month of a dinner-centric menu. While Panera has always been open during evening hours, an additional menu of hearty meals and side dishes is being offered from 4:30-10 p.m. Items include hot sandwiches and new product categories for Panera such as artisanal flatbreads. Providence is one of two dinner test markets, the other being Lexington, Ky. The Providence market area includes Panera’s cafe restaurants located throughout Rhode Island, as well as those in Seekonk and North Attleboro.
The dinner menu will be available on Panera’s digital ordering platforms for pickup and delivery. The drawing card of this program at first glance would appear to be the demand on consumer time. Dinnertime can be hectic, and the quickest option isn’t always the best, leading people to compromise between convenience and quality. The new items work hand in hand with guest favorites such as salads and soups to offer options at dinner that don’t sacrifice taste or quality for convenience.
But an interesting thing happened during the rollout event at the Chapel View location in Cranston. While a group of invited guests perused the newly introduced items, placed orders and discussed the new menu with staffers of the Panera franchise Howley Bread Group, some regular customers settled into their customary spots at the cafe tables, laptops unfurled and at the ready. They were in their third place and ready to meet, chat and interact as they usually do on most weeknights. Some looked over the dinner offerings, while others stuck with their coffee or cold drinks.
Karousos says while this is not a new phenomenon at his diner, he is receiving requests from small groups in business, social organizations and others to host new gatherings in the restaurant’s private dining room. n
Bruce Newbury’s “Dining Out” radio talk show is heard Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 1540 AM WADK, on radio throughout New England, through various mobile applications and his podcast. Email Bruce at Bruce@brucenewbury.com.
