Panera Bread has consistently been ranked as the healthiest fast food restaurant by users on websites such as Yahoo, Fitness Magazine and Emax Health. Because of this, Panera remains a top-eating location among college students.

Glenn O’Gara, manager of the Panera Bread near Boston University in Brookline, said Panera’s environment is conducive to studying and that many students gather there during the day with their laptops to work and hang out.

O’Gara also said sales increase by 65 percent during the school year, and 80 percent of the restaurant’s business comes from the students, faculty and staff in the BU community.

Because of its student-friendly atmosphere, several Northeastern students said they look forward to the opening of a Panera near Northeastern.

Morgan Richie, a middler marketing major, said she loves the restaurant, and while she believes their menu items are a bit expensive, she said the meal prices are warranted, “due to the deliciousness they provide.

“I feel healthy when I eat there,” she said.

Richie said she agreed with Panera’s ranking of being a healthy restaurant, and said she usually orders her breakfast from there – orange juice and quiche.

Contrary to those who submitted positive feedback, some consumers don’t think Panera is the healthiest option.

“[Panera] is a tastier alternative to the average fast-food restaurant, but it’s not necessarily healthier,” said Nita Sikharulidze, a sophomore economics major. “The portions are really filling.”

But Sikharulidze said she still likes Panera more than other fast food restaurants because it’s a “simple and comfortable” place to hang out with friends or do work.

Jennifer Assante, a junior biology major, said Panera appeals to people in all age groups, and she thinks many Northeastern students will eat there when the new location opens. A central concern for Assante, however, was the price of their menu.

The price of a sandwich at the restaurant ranges from $6-$7, soups range from $3-$4 and their “you pick two” option – which is half-sandwich and half-soup – is priced around $7.

Because of their prices, Assante said eating at Panera would be reserved for special occasions.

Sikharulidze said she would only eat there during the weekend because “it’s not cheap.”

The Burger King that is being replaced by Panera Bread accepted Northeastern Dining Dollars. While BU doesn’t allow the nearby Panera to accept dining dollars from students, O’Gara said he would “love to get on the meal plan.”

Assante said she looks forward to the new location and believes it will be popular among the Northeastern community.

Other Panera locations in the area include the spot on Commonwealth Avenue on the BU campus, one on Brookline Avenue and one on Harvard Street in Brookline.