Someone asked me if Atlanta Bread Company and Panera Bread are the same.  I guess the comparison can't be helped as they're both soup and sandwich chains, but my answer: absolutely not.  I harbor a special love for Panera in my heart that Atlanta will never compete with, no matter how many tries I give it.  My visit today pretty much confirmed that.\n\nA fist-sized portion of bread is served with most meals.  In the past, I've always been turned off by their bread, which is usually pale and under-baked.  I don't have much faith in a place that claims to be a \"bread company,\" but serves such sorry bread.  On my most recent visit, the baguette wasn't disturbingly discolored and it had a nice crunch to the crust.  I also noticed a subtle hint of olive oil in the bread's recipe.  Maybe they're making a few improvements.\n\nLike most lunch chains, I'm sure the soup comes packaged and is heated in-store.  I ordered the chicken and wild rice soup today.  Highlights: the soup had conspicuous specks of pepper and bright green chives.  Unfortunately, it also had the color and consistency of glue...  I suspect that the grain had broken down and congealed into a thick paste that was not appetizing.\n\nAtlanta also separates itself from Panera by serving a few additional items on their menu, including pastas.  My vegan lunch buddy tells me that Atlanta is a little more generous to those with dietary restrictions, though I don't have any special recommendations to vegetarians/vegans out there.