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It’s the bread, Cosi says

RAY PFEIFFER/Herald photo

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Also by Greta Hughes:

by Greta Hughes

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Cosi, the newest addition to the State Street dining experience, hopes to bring the feel of a small Parisian sandwich company to the heart of Madison.

According to Sara Harrison, a Cosi marketing consultant, the idea for the restaurant began in France, but first came to life in New York in 1996. Since then, she said the chain has been expanding with the help of increasing popularity, and the newest additions include establishments in Madison and Middleton.

According to Harrison, much of Cosi's popularity stems from its signature flat bread baked daily at each restaurant.

"[Our bread] is now baked daily at all Cosi locations in a unique stone oven where customers can actually see the exact process … it takes to make the bread," she said. "It is definitely what makes the sandwiches so amazing and delicious."

Mary Carbine, executive director of Madison's central business improvement district, said the variety of stores and eateries on State Street, like Cosi, are what make the street such a central and unique asset to the city.

"It's really nice to see the mix of … food and dining and tavern businesses, [as well as] the retail and service businesses," Carbine said.

To contribute to the originality of the State Street business district, Harrison said Cosi offers a variety of salads and sandwiches to compliment their flat bread.

However, she said Cosi's most unique item — and probably the only one of its kind on State Street — is the restaurant's S'more. Customers receive graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows and a flame to roast their own S'mores at the table, she said.

In addition to great food, she said Cosi offers a catering service for all occasions. The restaurant offers a team of experienced professionals who are expertly trained to cater any event ranging from business luncheons to dorm meetings, Harrison added.

Comparing the restaurant to other venues on State Street, Harrison described Cosi as a "signature restaurant" that offers an outstanding menu and a sophisticated yet modern environment.

With a brand new opening on State Street and another at Greenway Station in Middleton, Cosi continues to serve the Madison area with a fun and unique environment. This atmosphere, some patrons said, is what keeps them coming back.

University of Wisconsin sophomore Ann Patnode said the atmosphere of Cosi is what makes the restaurant so successful.

"The overall feel is that of a classy sit-down restaurant," she added. "But at the same time, it offers its customers a fun and relaxing environment."