Comments on: Dueling Baguettes: Con Pane vs. Charlie’s Best Bread

By: tracy

tracy — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:14:35 +0000

in a word, Charlies sucks. Con Pane has a problem with the owner’s attitude and their product (baguettes) gets a B- grade from me.
i just found this site and love it!!! congratulations for doing such a bang up job.

By: Ocimum

Ocimum — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:40:53 +0000

I went to Charlie’s opening and yes I agree with some of the comments above in regards to copying Con Pane’s sandwiches and so forth, however, I recently went there with a friend and her daughter for lunch and they were handing samples of the new upcoming menu. We had a taste of a roasted turkey on organic squaw, a roasted chicken on rosemary focaccia, and a mushroom prosciutto rustic flat bread pizza, and I will say, I was very impressed. So we asked when will the new menu start to come back and try other items. Well folks we went back this past weekend and the new items were fabulous and I was happy to see that they have worked hard to become not only different but great at what they do. I was a very satisfied customer and will continue to support them…

By: RollerGirl

RollerGirl — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 21:17:38 +0000

Since Catherine from Con Pane is listening I will add one more request. Please upgrade to a better “dirty dish drop off” option. That old cabinet has seen its better days and I really don’t like bending down to the floor to deposit dishes into it.

Killer cinnamon rolls though.

By: Liz McCarty

Liz McCarty — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:39:08 +0000

I’m late to the game but was out of town for most of September and missed the opening of Charlie’s. Now that I’ve been there a few times, I feel like I can comment. On one of my visits, the person at the counter came to the conclusion that I thought I was in Con Pane. He immediately made it clear that it was not Con Pane and told me where they had moved.

Charlie’s can’t be the first to try to copy some of those wonderful Con Pane breads. And in all fairness, no one has a copyright on bread names. A stroll into Vons bakery will find many of those same breads. It’s what you do with the ingredients that set you apart and Con Pane has figured it out.

Con Pane may win in the bread department but Charlie’s does have some positives. They are open 7 days per week, are friendly and greet me when I walk in, are less than a 5 minute stroll from my house, offer samples and are contributing to the gentrification of the Point.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:48:55 +0000

Catherine,

That is great news. I know a move like you made has a to-do list a mile long. I’m sure its going to be beautiful out there. Continued success…

By: Catherine from Con Pane

Catherine from Con Pane — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:55:57 +0000

It took a bit longer than I would have liked, but we finally found the perfect teak and iron patio furniture and received it about three weeks ago ago. We also hired a new landscaper last week, so he’ll planting new flowers in our flower boxes next week. The new furniture and flowers combined with our signature red umbrellas make the perfect place to enjoy a fresh baked cinnamon roll and cup of coffee or the original Turkey Cobb sandwich and fresh brewed Iced Tea – that is, when it’s not raining!

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:52:07 +0000

Love the Charlies white bread loaf, but there are some real creeps working at the PB location. No surprise on the PL location. I do wish Con Pane would put more effort into their outdoor space. Sub Ikea tables, chairs and minimal landscaping. Drop a grand on some plants and it would do wonders.

By: Kirk Mather

Kirk Mather — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:41:57 +0000

agree – a disappointment for breakfast recently. Hadn’t noticed the copying aspect. Probably give Charlie’s one more try.

By: Bob Ritz

Bob Ritz — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:07:12 +0000

You hit on the head.
Con Pane is a world class bakery, so mimicry is expected.

By: John Hinchman

John Hinchman — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:38:40 +0000

You were kind. You didn’t even mention their use of styrofoam cups and plates. Yuckkkkk.