Panera Bread got its start in 1993 when Au Bon Pain purchased the St. Louis Bread Company from its founder, Ken Rosenthal. In 1999, Au Bon Pain sold its other restaurants and renamed itself to Panera Bread Company, realizing the huge potential of the brand. The name comes from a Latin derivative meaning “bread basket.”
The company offers a wide variety of pastries and baked goods, such as muffins, bagels, and pasta, along with beverages, including tea, frozen smoothies, coffees, and lemonade.
Panera was one of the first companies to offer free wifi service, however, due to high demand, the company was forced to cut users time to 30-60 minutes only during peak hours.
In 2007, the chain purchased 70 stores from Paradise Bakery & Cafe, a Phoenix, AZ, based company. The company is the largest provider of free WiFi service in the country.
In 2008, Panera expanded operations into Canada.
In 2009 and again in 2011, Panera was sued in California for failure to pay overtime and give employees mandated breaks and lunches. The company paid $5 million to settle claims without admitting any wrongdoing.
In 2010, the company moved its headquarters to the Sunset Hills area of St. Louis.
In 2011, the company had $2.7 billion in revenue and almost 50,000 employees.
In 2015, the company announced plans to use 100% cage-free eggs by 2020.
In March 2016, the company opened its 2000th location in Elyria, Ohio. The company has stated that it intends to remove all artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives from its “At Home” line of grocery products by the end of 2016.
The company states that in 2016, they had annual revenue of $2.6 billion. That same year, the company was sued when an employee deliberately put peanut butter on a sandwich, even after being told that the customer was allergic to peanuts.
In 2017, subsidiaries that were named Paradise Bakery and Cafe were rebranded to the Panera Bread name.
The company was forced to recall the cream cheese they sell at all locations due to fear of listeria contamination in January 2018.
Panera ramped up its advertising for the new dinner menu in June 2019, in hopes of luring more customers who usually think of the chain only for breakfast or lunch.
After a public outcry, the company announced that they were returning French onion soup to the menu in early January 2020.
Panera Bread was listed in February 2023 as one of the most expensive food chains in the US.
In October 2023, parents sued Panera after their 21-year-old daughter died within hours of drinking the company’s caffeine-filled drink called Charged Lemonade.
Panera currently has over 2100 locations in 41 US states and Canada. The Panera Bread corporate office is still located in St. Louis, Missouri, and locations that are in St Louis still operate under the name St. Louis Bread Company.
Panera BreadPanera Bread got its start in 1993 when Au Bon Pain purchased the St. Louis Bread Company from its founder, Ken Rosenthal. In 1999, Au Bon Pain sold its other restaurants and renamed itself to Panera Bread Company, realizing the huge potential of the brand. The name comes from a Latin derivative meaning “bread basket.”
The company offers a wide variety of pastries and baked goods, such as muffins, bagels, and pasta, along with beverages, including tea, frozen smoothies, coffees, and lemonade.
History
Panera was one of the first companies to offer free wifi service, however, due to high demand, the company was forced to cut users time to 30-60 minutes only during peak hours.
In 2007, the chain purchased 70 stores from Paradise Bakery & Cafe, a Phoenix, AZ, based company. The company is the largest provider of free WiFi service in the country.
In 2008, Panera expanded operations into Canada.
In 2009 and again in 2011, Panera was sued in California for failure to pay overtime and give employees mandated breaks and lunches. The company paid $5 million to settle claims without admitting any wrongdoing.
In 2010, the company moved its headquarters to the Sunset Hills area of St. Louis.
In 2011, the company had $2.7 billion in revenue and almost 50,000 employees.
In 2015, the company announced plans to use 100% cage-free eggs by 2020.
In March 2016, the company opened its 2000th location in Elyria, Ohio. The company has stated that it intends to remove all artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives from its “At Home” line of grocery products by the end of 2016.
The company states that in 2016, they had annual revenue of $2.6 billion. That same year, the company was sued when an employee deliberately put peanut butter on a sandwich, even after being told that the customer was allergic to peanuts.
In 2017, subsidiaries that were named Paradise Bakery and Cafe were rebranded to the Panera Bread name.
The company was forced to recall the cream cheese they sell at all locations due to fear of listeria contamination in January 2018.
Panera ramped up its advertising for the new dinner menu in June 2019, in hopes of luring more customers who usually think of the chain only for breakfast or lunch.
After a public outcry, the company announced that they were returning French onion soup to the menu in early January 2020.
Panera Bread was listed in February 2023 as one of the most expensive food chains in the US.
In October 2023, parents sued Panera after their 21-year-old daughter died within hours of drinking the company’s caffeine-filled drink called Charged Lemonade.
Panera currently has over 2100 locations in 41 US states and Canada. The Panera Bread corporate office is still located in St. Louis, Missouri, and locations that are in St Louis still operate under the name St. Louis Bread Company.
For all those that have cash in banks and at home cash on hand is way better then cards that are tracked like dogs cash was way before credit cards or debit cards systems all that eat at Panera bread or any other such place they won’t take cash only cards in turkey creek Knoxville Tn nothing more then mark of the beast system .. I would boycott them until they start taking cash again or you will be under control one day and your family ..drove all the way there the manager didn’t have enough generosity to say your meals are free don’t have cards …
I had kept gift cards associated with my Panera Bread account. I don’t go there that frequently, but between my children and I, we had accumulated almost $200 on various cards.
I went to Panera in Walpole on 10/29 and when I looked at the activity on my account, I noticed that I had no gift card money and there were three orders totaling $192 going to the same address in Olney, MD.
I contacted customer service, who offered me “possibly $75” based on it getting approved by a supervisor and that they would get back to me within a 3 – 5 business days.
A week passed and I got no contact whatsoever. I called again, and I was told it was to be going to have to be forwarded to the district office and they would get back to me.
Finally Jason Smith from the district office (Lemek LLC DBA/Panera Bread) did get back to me a month later and needed a copy of the gift cards as well copies of the orders, which I provided to him.
After another month, he finally got back to me and told me that I was out of luck because of all the time that had passed, but did copy another person (Evan) on the email so I could get the $6 remaining that is now on a frozen gift card. He said that if I called customer service that they “may give you the original $75 that they offered you”. I have tried calling Evan, with no response.
No one at customer service cares. I just wish that someone cared enough to help me get my money on my gift cards back.
I am so disappointed with my local Panera (Keystone-Indianapolis), with terrible service and even worse food quality. Panera was always one of my favorite places to eat, so this makes me quite sad. My last 3 experiences (I did not base this complaint on just one) led me to seek out local help, which I got flip remarks. My last visit made me wait nearly 30 minutes for a bowl of soup and a grilled cheese, only to have my grill cheese cold with not even the slightest bit of toasting, and SMALLER THAN THE PALM OF MY HAND! There were only 3 people ahead of me when I stepped up to the kiosk, so what was the issue? The manager, when asked nicely by two other customers replied “we only have 5 people here…” and “we have all of the mobile delivery services to get to…” (of which there were 3 delivery bags sitting on the counter the entire time I was there, so how good was that food going to be upon delivery and will you get those customers to return an order?). I have been a catering manager and business owner for many years and the inefficiencies that I saw were many, but nothing that can’t be fixed with training and proper use of tech (only 4 orders were popping up at a time on their boards, with delivery orders knocking out in-store, for example). I put in a complaint and a manager called me back my office number several hours later and asked to call her back “Thursday morning” which I have, a few times, only to get no pick up, but my guess is that she is not the person to which to speak as she was part of the untrained 5 that were(n’t) serving us that day. And drive thru/curbside at that location has been closed for a few months, but no signs so people regularly sit there waiting for service only to pull away disappointed. YOU ARE LOSING CUSTOMERS!
I work for the Missoula Montana location. I received a verbal warning for “speaking negatively about a customer” when i was just concerned. I said in the drive through with the window closed. “This woman is very shaky, I don’t know if she should be driving. What if she just had a stroke?” I tried to document her license plate number so that I could potentially call the police for a welfare check on this woman. I did not successfully document anything and I was then told about policy. I understand we shouldn’t invade anyone’s privacy as a Panera employee. However; I do not understand, as a Good Samaritan, how making a concerned observation is in any way negative. The manager who gave me the verbal warning is ary I am employee 227 and my name is Jocelyn farrell. Please, if you can find the time, inform our store on what to do in potential emergency situations, and please inform the employees that tattling for the sake of tattling is a form of bullying in the work place and makes me feel unsafe to voice any future concerns about the well being of others. I refuse to let a manager allow me to be bullied by a coworker, thank you for your time. I hope we hear from your corporate office as soon as you get the chance.
Absolutely horrible customer service from the McHenry, Illinois location. I ordered a delivery & they use door dash to run the deliveries out. I did not order through door dash app I ordered on the Panera website. The driver decided to take my order to a different address & gave my food to someone else. I first called the driver & he argued with me about the address. So I called the McHenry Panera & talked to the manager. She was extremely rude & told me “we have no control what happens to your food after it leaves our building.” I wanted a refund because I didn’t receive my food. She told me to talk to door dash for a refund even though I paid Panera not door dash. If you chose to use a delivery service that isn’t your own, it is still your responsibility to have that order go to the correct place. After having to argue with the manager I did receive a refund then a half hour later the door dash driver showed up with cold food & couldn’t understand how the mistake happened. The address I entered was correct on my email confirmation & im confused how it ended up at a Steffens Jewelers. I’m appalled at the way the manager handled the situation & the way the food was prepared was horrible, very cold & just thrown into the container. I’ve ordered many times with you guys & never had a problem before. The McHenry, Illinois manager needs a serious attitude adjustment& needs to learn how to better serve people. Never going back to that location.
Hi, there – Hope you’re keeping well today and enjoying the day. I purchased a bagel pack today, and included in my order were cinnamon swirl bagels (6#). Unfortunately, I received cinnamon crunch bagels instead (which I didn’t discover till I got home), although I specifically asked for the non-sweet bagels, which the salesperson said they were (wrong!). Can’t eat the cinnamon crunch bagels, they’re far too sweet, and these bagels are eaten by a family member who has diabetes. I drove a distance to pick them up, all the Panera locations near me are closed due to Covid-19. Is there anything that can be done about this? I’m a regular customer, and enjoy your products a great deal.
I asked the Auburn, Maine Panera Bread if the individuals preparing the food were wearing masks, and they replied they were NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my God!!!!!!!!!! Why the hell not? If the chef is preparing food and talking to a food server or someone else, or sneezes, WHAT THE HELL??????????????? To not wear a mask while preparing customers’ food is just plain disgusting, careless, ignorant and lazy, and a definite deal breaker – at least it should be. It definitely is for me, but then I’M clean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Which location?
I placed a Rapid Pickup order yesterday and put the wrong pick up time. I immediately tried calling the Canton, GA restaurant and tried to reach them for 20 minutes. No one answered the phone. I then called customer care and they told me to cancel that order and create a new one which I didn’t know I could just click reorder instead of resubmitting all 10 items again. When I got to the restaurant I told the women at the Rapid Pick Up counter that I was there to pick up my order. She said they were working on it so I went and sat down near the counter. Mind you this was not a busy time at the restaurant. The manager came out 15 minutes later and asked if I was being helped to which I replied I was waiting for my order. When I told him my name he said he already had packed it up and it was in the back. I was livid for the counter lady knew I was there. I took the large bag and left very angry. To add insult to injury, when I got back to my office one of the salads was left out. This lunch was for the officers of my company and it made me look incompetent. Of course I called right away and again no one answered the phone. How can a restaurant like Panera Bread not answer phones! I had to drive 10 minutes back to the restaurant in the pouring rain to pick up the salad. Requested to speak to the manager who said he was sorry for my inconvenience and offered me a few cookies. Totally unacceptable. A good restaurant will offer to comp the check or at the very least give you a gift card. If this was during the lunch hour and the restaurant was very busy I would have understood the mistake but they were not and should have checked and double checked the order was correct.
I don’t know why restaurants, even good ones like Panera, continue to use cold meats in their food that contain carcinogens. They contain sodium nitrates and sodium nitrites, that cause cancer. Not good. Otherwise I like their food. They are expensive, though.
I recently inquired about personally purchasing a 1/2 gallon of tea after having tried some at a work function via their catering services obviously. I called a local store and was told by a manager that I could purchase a 1/2 gallon. I went in on Saturday late afternoon and ordered a to go meal. 2 sandwiches, 2 bowls of soup and 2 – 1/2 gallon teas. I know Panera can be a bit pricey, but I was floored at being charged $42 for what I ordered. While I stepped out of the way waiting for my order to be prepared, I looked at the receipt and noticed being charged $9.99 for the tea. That’s $10 essentially for a gallon of tea. Unacceptable. It’s good but not that good. I’m sure I was charged a catering charge for the tea, but that should have been explained before I handed my credit card over. I would have never purchased the tea at that price. I didn’t want to make a scene, but that was a very shady move on the part of the manager. That was like a crooked car salesman move. I will not go back just for that deceptive practice.
Bring the French onion soup back. The only other good soup is the broccoli cheddar that was a terrible mistake getting rid of the French onion soup. The chili is gross with Lina beans- so is the ten veggie they have a nasty garlic after taste that is so strong. Bring the French onion soup back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like whyyy I refuse to go until it’s back
I placed my order directly with the cashier while I could only get a limited view of the product. When signaled that my order was ready, I was stunned to see it bore absolutely no resemblance to a bagel – having come from Brooklyn, I KNOW what a bagel is! I took it anyway, but later went back to the so-called manager(s) to complain. I don’t want to hear “I’m sorry” from people who have no authority to change anything. My complaint will go much further than here!
Ess-a-bagel is my favorite NYC bagel. Now THAT is a real bagel. Too bad we don’t get there enough.
I was a baker at Panera. I’m sorry about all of those non-bagel bagels I baked.
They really need to centralize their bread baking. The bake would be consistent. I have seen some nightmare baked goods at various locations. We NEVER had a bake like that.
In the quest for higher turnaround the product suffers.
Nobody really cares that bread is (only) baked in house. They don’t care that the rest of the stuff comes out of the freezer.
My rant is through for now.
Next time, how when I worked for Au Bon Pain we never had time cards or any ability to keep track of our hours. The manager said he would take care of all the overtime, but never did.
I’ve been in Panera Bread in numerous locations, but it’s time to check out the Brookfield Panera Bread on West Greenfield Avenue, 1 block east of Moorland Drive, Brookfield, WI. The whole place is severely losing the panache it once had, meaning it’s filthy! Check out the women’s restroom – from floor to ceiling it needs regular attention, not the monthly attention it is currently getting. It also smells bad. The carpets are filthy. Walkways are run down. There has been no effort made for disabled, easy entrance. Entrances show some juxtaposition. This is not an easy entrance for any disabled person. The declining areas out-of-doors are not level so a disabled person has to up them in a backwards fashion. Are you kidding me??? Are you telling me you don’t care? You don’t want the business of a disabled person (me) ??? I don’t believe that’s allowable according to the laws of our state.
The last few times I went to Panera’s they got the order wrong or leave items off food. On 9/9/19 I went to location on Warren Rd in Westland, MI. I ordered Pick 2 – broccoli soup and chicken Tuscan sandwich to go when I got home no arugula or basil mayo on sandwich just a dry sandwich with no greens. Also I wasn’t given a receipt for my order so I went back to cashier and had to wait after she completed her customer to get a receipt and another worker said you can get your order without a receipt I said I want to keep up with my rewards and I want my receipt. On 9/11/19, 2 days later at work we ordered Panera’s for a co-worker’s birthday lunch on Telegraph in Southfield, MI and I placed the order online and I picked up the order spending $65.60. I come back to the office and 1 of the items was not in the bag (a small BBQ chicken mac n cheese). I called the location and they said they can’t deliver the missing item because they are too busy, if they do drop off they don’t know how long it will take. Keep in mind we are having lunch for a birthday in the office we would like to eat at the same time. I returned back to the location literally around the corner from my job location and spoke with the manager Tim Babcock. I was given a mac n cheese but I didn’t check it thinking it was correct and I was offered some cookies and a free meal on my next visit written on the back of Tim’s business card. When I got back to the office realizing they gave me a plain mac n cheese – no toppings, BBQ sauce, no chicken, no frizzle onions. I’m so disappointed in Panera’s you have good food but if the orders are going to be wrong that takes the enjoyment out of the food I didn’t even bother to call again because I wasn’t going back a 3rd time.
I always get my Panera’s to go so I will have to dig through my bag and check toppings on sandwich’s and mac n cheese? That’s ridiculous. Where are the standards to get an order correct? Am I asking too much? I would like to be contacted if this even read. If I don’t hear anything then I will know how you feel about your customers concerns.
Good evening,
Hi i’m Alexa Chavis, a former employee at the Panera Bread located in Bel Air, Maryland. I just resigned from my position as cashier due to multiple reasons. I have been an employee at Panera Bread for 3 years. While working there I was one of the longest, most hard working, and reliable employee that they had. Whenever they needed me I would stay later, come in earlier, and pick up shifts when others would not show up. There have been other situations that I’ve been through that I shouldn’t have had to deal with. I’ve been thrown on a position that I haven’t been trained on while having to deal with customers complaining and yelling. This was all because the person didn’t want to leave at any later time even though it was their job to figure out who was covering the shift. I also had to close both bakery and both positions on cashier. When working for the three years that I have been working there I would continue to ask for a raise because I did not receive one raise while working there. Multiple times I have been told that I would be given a big raise on my next check or I was at the top of their list to receive one. I feel that I have been taken advantage of while working there. Also, I did inform the managers of my new availability for the upcoming school year and they scheduled me to work on the days that I’m not available. I tried to find coverage for my shifts but nobody was able to cover it. For these reasons and other reasons I had to resign from the position of cashier without a 2 weeks notice. I am not that type of person who doesn’t give a 2 weeks but I have been disrespected and lied to so I had to leave immediately for those reasons. I could not continue working in an environment when new employees who have proven that they were not worthy of having the job get payed way more than me. I feel like I have been disrespected. Also I’ve been loyal to Panera for years and I feel that it has not been reciprocated.
I used to be a long time customer of Panera Bread but not anymore. I don’t know what happened to this business but they don’t seem to have any integrity anymore much less any respect for their employees or customers. I used to spend probably a $100 a month at Panera because I’d rather eat clean than to eat processed foods but they will not get my hard-earned money anymore, they are not the only business that serves clean food. Apparently they treat their employees the same way they treat their customers. I see now why Panera Bread even on their corporate website only has 2.2 stars out of 5, there’s a reason for that Panera. If you keep treating your employees and customers like they are dirt under your feet I hope you lose your business really quick. I really supported this company during the COVID19 crises but not anymore.
I ate at a Panera Bread once…. it was so delicious! I was hooked.
One year later, I’m ecstatic about one opening in Billings Montana!
Can’t wait. I’ll be one of the biggest fans!
I was at Panera Bread Cafe Store 3776 Baltimore MD.21201 (410) 637-3604 Staff name Larry did NOT wash his hand and started to fix a order, I ask LARRY to PLEASE wash his hands, at that time Larry was up set that I ask him to wash his hands. His supervisor asked him to stop yelling at me, I never want to go to this store again. I will call the store owner Mr.Helf O’Lenhlen about this MATTER.
Just wondering how you could go in at 4:15 for a early dinner @ have a hard time finding a clean TABLE & now 5:02 & no one yet has attempted to clean.
I did not get my complete order…called and manager told me she would send coupon…that was May 16th…Creve Coeur…0607. No coupon and I’ve tried calling twice. Phone rings and rings and then disconnect. Please send something…valuable customer. D. Miller
I have an invoice from December 2018 for service work done at
1075 West Baltimore Pike , Media, PA19063
Service call was placed by Alan Dunn for service on a Hatco rethermalizer in the
kitchen was not working. We sent a technician to location to check out, he found the unit operational, all functions working normally, electric okay. He did advise it was a possible product buildup in the heater cavity. We invoice the location for
an extremely resonible $212.00 for our service. Payment of thid invoice has gone unanswered. As a small business prompt payment for service rendered is extremely important and I would like someone to email me in regards to this
Thank you for your time
I went to your emeryville store st 8:30, and they were out of souffles…this is the best selling item in the morning and they were out and they indicateed that they were not preparing any more. Its 8.30, why…very disappointing…..I’ve never seen so many bad reviews…your CEO needs to go to the show…” UNDERCOVER BOSS”…to pinpoint the problems before it’s to late…or do what we were doing at wells fargo… tied bonuses to customers ratings…that method can be used for individual employees, franchises, and of course your corporate stores…make it happen…if not social media maybe be your downfall…blessings
I would like to know Panera’s corporate position on its exorbitant use of plastics when there are viable, affordable options such as PLANT-BASED PLASTICS. It’s about time corporations begin to exercise their corporate consciousness and the impact of plastics in the environment. I, and many of my friends who are socially active and on social media, will not continue to subsidize the destruction of our planet for the corporate bottom line. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ON A CORPORATE-WIDE SCALE TO BECOME THE SOLUTION. It’s long time past the age of raking in the dollars at everyone else’s expense. WAKE UP AND ACT RIGHT.
I ordered food to be delivered to my job from the Suffolk Va College Dr Panera a few days later I noticed that the amount was 5$ more than what it was supposed to be. I called and spoke to the manager because I knew at that point the delivery driver wrote In his own tip even though I handed him cash. She looked at the receipt and agreed that it looked funny and told me the general
Manager would be contacting me. He called me the next day and basically told me the driver was Adamant that he did not do it he had only wrote in the cash tip I Gave him, even though the cash wasn’t 5$ so I know he was lying. It sounded to me the general manager didn’t believe me and I’m pretty sure this kid still has his job. No telling how many people he’s done this to but if this is how you conduct business you will never get mine anymore.
I did a review on Yelp on this last year and did NOT receive a response. I even called the restaurant location in Seal Beach, California and spoke with the manager. He was rude and of no assistance. I received a gift card for Panera and we went for lunch one day after shopping. It was disturbingly messy inside, trashy littered on the floor and dirty tables, with a few of the employees just lingering around!! The sandwiches were thrown together with half the ingredients they should’ve had. I was embarrassed and disappointed. The quality would’ve been better at Subway! And, I wasted my gift card on a very mediocre/expensive lunch that I was trying to treat my boyfriend to.
Good Morning,
I received coupons from Panera Bread with $2.00 off breakfast of $5.00 or more. I thought to myself this would be a good day to have breakfast once again at Panera Bread at Emory Village location in Atlanta, GA 30307.
I called Panera at 6:00 a.m. and this lady answered and I asked did she sell bacon by itself or would I need to order a bacon sandwich and she said yes. I started to give my order and 30 other orders for my company and she said which I had not told her yet how many orders and she said wait, I will be back and the person who did come to the phone after waiting about 10 minutes hung up in my face and never said anything. I called back 5-7 times to get someone to answer, so I could try and place another order and this same lady answers the phone and tries to explain to me that she was busy and that is why she told the manager to get the phone and she was the one who hung up the phone in my face. Then she puts me on hold again and gets the same lady who hung and I ask whom am I speaking to and all she would say is, I am one of the managers and the reason we didn’t come and take your order is because we were busy!!!! I said but you didn’t provide great customer service by hanging up in my face when it would of only taking a few minutes to take my order or just say when time permits, I will call you back and be glad to take your order. The employee and manager just kept making excuses why they were busy and didn’t take my order and never explained for hanging the phone up in my face instead of politely saying we can’t take the order at this time or call back in a few minutes. The employee or the manager never even apologized. I said that is sad when my company orders lots of food from you everyday and the manager still didn’t say I am sorry or even ask to take my order now!
The manager was only concerned with the customers in the store, but not the customers on the phone who had a large order that morning. Now I am so disgusted at the service that was not provided to me as a loyal customer, that now I am on the fence about not ordering ever from your company again and I have been buying from Panera many years in the Emory Village location.
I DON’T THINK THIS IS THE PANERA CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS LIKE THE WAY I WAS TREATED 5/17/2019 FROM THE EMORY VILLAGE LOCATION IN ATLANTA, GA. 404-343-4240
Please make this wrong right that your employees in Emory Village caused a happy customer to turn VERY unhappy because of their lack of concern or empathy when all they had to do was take our orders for our company.
Please respond unlike your employees at Panera in Atlanta, Georgia.
Denise
404-542-XXXX cell phone
Panera Bread
Emory Village
1545 N Decatur Road
Atlanta GA 30307
404-373-4240
I do not like yur new hours opening at 6:30am instead of 6 am. We had a whole group going at 6 and now we are firced to go to starbucks. Every day I meet someone who I saw at 6 am now I see them at starbucks. YOu would nt believe how many folks get up early or have to go to work early and now we cannot get our morning coffee and breakfast at Panera in Santa Fe nm. Please reconsider and open at 6 am again. Please email me answer
Thx
I LOVE PANERA AND HAVE BEEN BOING THERE MANY TIMES..
IT IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM ME IN RIVERHEAD NY 11901
MY ONLY QUESTION IS WHY DID THEY STOP SERVING THEIR BREAKFAST
SANDWICHES ON ” RYE” BREAD.ALL OF US SENIOR CITIZENS LOVE RYE BREAD THANK YOU…PLEASE TELL THEM TO MAKE RYE AGAIN OK..
I already did, maybe it did not go thru. AGAIN, NO ONE WILL ASSIST me in having an order delivered. I am almost 100%blind, and neither store (2) of which are within a 2 to 3 mile radius of me (I’m in between both) will HELP via a delivery. Would VERY MUCH like to know why? I NOW after dealing with this issue over 5 hours, if not more, feel VERY DISCRIMINATED AGAINST of which there ARE LAWS IN PLACE TO PROTECT THOSE DISABLED. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for the treatment I’ve received via Panera’s stores in Jax., FL, neither is there ANY cause or reason WHY a delivery WILL NOT be made to MY House address. I’ve had it and I don’t just mean via the food.
Due to my living situation, because I am disabled, having les than one percent total vision, I am utilizing my mother’s computer. I worked 30 years with vision in only one eye at the time, as I lost sight in my left eye at age 9. MY issue with Panera’s is this: I am desperately and visually struggling to get just ONE Panera’s to deliver to me since I am not able to drive and my mother and her spouse are in their 80’s, him with cancer at this time. EVERYTIME I call the two Panera’s in MY zip code, one being LESS than 3 miles from me and the other only 2; they BOTH keep telling me they do not deliver in MY area, to call the other store, etc., and this has gone on today for about FOUR HOURS now. Also, the second store, the one within 2miles, literally HUNG UP ON ME as she would not explain to me WHY, being in my same zip code as the store she worked, I needed to call the other store AGAIN, which had just told me they were NOT the store that delivered based on the map Panera’s utilizes for delivery, of which everyone knows it’s name. Now, I live on a fixed income, our home is in between both these stores, I actually could WALK to them if I were able to, but I’m not only visually impaired, but have a myriad of other health issues, and it’s not safe any longer to walk due to the traffic NOW in my once wonderful, peaceful city, Jacksonville, FL. I have no transportation at my disposal when I am in need of food to eat, I have to wait on my mother to be available, of which isn’t very often at this time, and I’ve just literally HAD it with your stores and the treatment by your employees. I am truly and sincerely feeling extremely very discriminated against for numerous issues and I’m very much considering looking into legal actions against these stores and Panera’s in general based on the verbal and lack of assistance to/for a disabled person. This is beyond ridiculous, it is cruel, and very intentional at that.
I picked up 2 full salads on Easter Day to take to my families luncheon. I should have looked in the bag before I left the restaurant but I trusted the “CLEAN FOOD” you advertise on your commercials. The workers in the back had THROWN 2 four inch pieces of hard dry bread in the bottom of the bag. They were not wrapped in plastic or any other type of covering. I work in the medical field and this was unacceptable. I was not able to see how the food was handled so I can only guess the workers were not wearing gloves. In todays environment, with all the diseases, I can’t believe Panera Bread trains their employees that way. I went to the restaurant where I bought the salads and talked to the assistant manager. She was a shy timid young lady that didn’t have much to say. She DID reimburse my money back on my card. This is the second bad experience I have had with Panera Bread. I didn’t complain the first time. I thought it might have been a one time experience. But, after this last experience, I or my family will not be eating at Panera Bread again.
I applied for a job with Panera in Allen, Texas and got an email in response from the area manager saying I do not culturally fit in with their needs. What does this mean? It’s making me anxious and I just feel awful. I can’t begin to imagine what that could actually mean. I asked her what it meant and have been met with silence. Did this actually just happen?
You are lucky not to get hired. Panera and its newly acquired child, Au Bon Pain take “Janitor” or “Dead Peasant” insurance policies on servers, bakers cooks, bus boys or girls—-anyone not at executive level. Michael Moore, a film producer, produced a movie called Capitalism: A Love Story, which featured a company that exposed one such company. This is an Insurance policy that, should the employee die on tbe job, the benefits go to the CEO and not you. Go to Democratic Underground to see an alphabetical list of companies that do this practice.
I want to contact Panera Bread about an exceptional manager at the Panera Bread at Clermont, Florida. Jordan Oatsvall was the manager when I picked up my order at Panera Bread. He helped me to fill my order after listening to my request. (The reason I went to Panera Bread.) Another time I stopped by the restaurant he was there helping and teaching an employee by talking and showing that employee what was needed. What a great manager! A great teacher by example and making sure the customer gets great service! Thank you Jordan! And thank you Panera Bread in Clermont for a great manager!
I just tasted your Broccoli Cheddar soup for the first time and I was stunned by how salty it tasted. I suspect that I learned to eat less salty food during my years in California, because now that I’m back in Missouri everything tastes too salty, but your soup is especially so. I can tell your soup is otherwise delicious, but wouldn’t it be better to let customers add MORE salt, since people like me can’t take salt out? Thanks for considering my suggestion.
Note that Panera doesn’t make their soups onsite. Panera’s soups are made by an outside purveyor, i.e. Kettle Cuisine.
Over charged, rung my order twice, used up my gift card, now useless. Charged me twice for one loaf of bread on the second time he rung my order out . Rude Manager, dirty tables and floors. Never will go back to Panera bread. Also thank you for getting rid of the Italian sandwich.
For the past year or so, we have been trying to give our business on Sunday morning to two of your Texas Panera stores, one in Watauga and the other in Fort Worth. We tried having breakfast in your Watagua store until it became so bad (half-and-half carafe nearly or completely empty, always have to ask and wait to have it refilled, warm coffee, sticky floors and dirty coffee bar, So, we then decided to try your Heritage Trace Pkwy store. At first it seemed a little better but over time it began suffering the same issues as the Watagua store so we stopped patronizing it. We decided to give the Watagua store another chance thinking things may have changed. It appeared things had changed and that store seemed to have improved. It was that way for a while and then once again started to deteriorate. Same issue with the half-and-half, always empty carafe, last week we were told they were out of it completely (really? at 10:00 in the morning?), whatever was used to clean floors was not rinsed and floors were very sticky, plus they were out of the bread they normally serve with egg and ham sandwich. Today, one more chance for the Heritage Trace Store. We walked in this morning and right away noticed only one carafe on the coffee bar, a half-and-half carafe that was nearly empty and a dirty coffee bar counter. We didn’t even bother ordering, we left. I think we have given Panera Bread enough chances and have decided we will go elsewhere for Sunday breakfast from now on. Amazing that someone can’t check the coffee bar at least once an hour to see that it’s wiped off and that is fully stocked. FYI, neither store was very busy at that time in the morning so that can’t be used as an excuse, just poor management?
My wife and I visited your Panera Bread Cafe 0780, in Woodbridge, VA. We both ordered pick 2 meals, the sandwiches were the same but the soups were different. The sandwiches were suppose to be the roasted turkey and avocado BLT, which we order all the time. When we received our order, I took 2 bites of the sandwich before realizing there was no bacon or tomatoes, and it had one tiny piece of avocado. My wife’s sandwich was something totally different, it had melted cheese, apple, etc on it. She had not taken a bite of her sandwich. I went to speak with the shift manager (I won’t mention his name here) and he told me that he was sorry and could not help me because I ate half the sandwich. I explained to him that I did not expect to receive an incorrect sandwich and my wife and I were having a conversation, before realizing on the second bite the sandwich was missing things. The pick 2 sandwich is not that big, I can eat it in about 4 bites. I really didn’t have to have another sandwich, but the shift manager would not even consider replacing my wife’s sandwich. Panera receipts state that if something is incorrect they would fix it. The shift manager was very rude and inconsiderate. I often go to that Panera in Woodbridge, and this is the first time I had a problem. Your shift manager needs a little more training when it comes to taking care of customers.
My mom and I visited your Green Bay WI location on March 26, 2019. We stood in line and ordered our food. When we tried to pay we were told that we could not use our Panera gift card. The clerk told us that they have not been accepting gift cards for 2 weeks. This seems like fraud to me. We did not eat there, we left and went somewhere else. I will be contacting the BBB to inform them of your fraud. I see you are still selling gift cards on your site. I would appreciate a reply from you.
I was in the South Euclid, Ohio Panera when a uniformed officer came in and ordered food. Once they realized it was a cop all of the employees’ whole attitudes changed. Suddenly every employee had to go touch his sandwich (I could see them in the back), his order took way longer than the orders before him, the bag was greasy and disgusting, and they were just rude to him. Panera’s expectations of employees should include fair treatment regardless of the job you have. He was a paying customer and the employees treated him terribly. Panera should do sensitivity training so their employees treat people fairly. I hope the Police Department contacts the news.
I have been ordering I bagel 1 croissant and 1 bag of brioche buns for a couple years from the Huebner Oaks store the order is rarely ready or available. This past month of February 2019 my “regular weekly Thursday order” was available for me only ONCE, out of 4 weeks, on the 14th. The February 7th order was not available. The February 14 order WAS ready. There was NO order for February 21 or 28.This is 25% success with the bakery orders. I was warned by the staff in 2018 to order early to ensure availability and that, “I could have as much of this as I want If I order at least 3 days in advance.'” I have always ordered 4-7 days in advance since that time. When I walked into Panera this past Sunday Joe Grant the Manager was there. I walked right up on him to tell him that I’m STILL not getting my bakery orders. Rather than show contrition about the fact that he and his crew only had 1 of my 4 advance orders for February Joe reported to his District Manager that I walked up on him on Sunday morning complaining. Tuesday night, Braden Willis the District Manager called me to “get my side of the story.” I laid out more facts and documentation than Braden even wanted to see or listen to about Panera getting out a weekly bakery order. I order the weekly order by producing a list on a Microsoft Word document and personally take it to Panera Huebner Oaks. I hand the order to the counterperson who, then, produces a yellow bakery order sheet. Then 4 days later, I arrive at the same time every Thursday around 8:45 to pick up my order. When I came for the order on February 28 there was not an order for me. There were no bagels in the store .The bagels had all been sent out for catering. I have pictures of this moment. I shared all of these empty basket pictures with the district manager Braden Willis. It was when I started to share pictures of the empty bakery baskets and the employees, who were deciding which one was going to tell me ,again, that there is no order for me that the District Manager decided to call me and inform me that he feels I am not going to be satisfied and I am banned from coming into the Panera Bakery. I feel that Braden is running from the facts that show he and his staff in a poor light. Braden Willis is banning me rather than fixing the policy and procedures that will allow his staff to understand the importance of getting out regular weekly bakery orders. The District Manager Braden refuses to share his manager’s name and number with me. I did show Braden my phone records that show my first documented call to Panera about missing orders was 8 months ago on Friday August 17, 2018. I called 855-372-6372 at 7 am and I spoke to the representative for 9 minutes about the Huebner Oaks Panera failing to get my weekly bakery order saved for me. When I did go into the store this past March 10, 2019 Sunday the counter person recognized me as a weekly customer and expressed fear that I was there for my Thursday order. She was clearly unsure and called me Brioche guy. Calling me by a name different than my own was concerning. There is such a problem everyday for the Huebner Oaks crew to get out pre- placed bakery orders that they even have a nick name for me rather than my own. I have hung in there thinking that they would get into a groove that would allow them to become a great work crew. This is not happening. Manager Joe Grant has not found a way to motivate his crew to pay attention to bakery orders. District Manager Braden Willis is banning me from Panera rather than fixing the troubles that I have experienced the past years. When I placed my first call to Panera in August 2018 I expected to hear from someone about my experience. I did finally hear this week from Braden Willis but not because I called them. He called me because his Manager Joe is complaining to him about my actions and desire for a weekly bread order. An interesting point that I will make is that Panera sends me more questionnaires and surveys than most companies. I was even offered a “Secret” survey yesterday. Oddly, when I really go in deep with feedback facts and pictures to District Manager Braden Willis he refuses to accept the information and runs from the feedback rather than toward the feedback. He banned me from his Panera rather than fix the bakery order process at his Panera. Braden Willis should have been more thoughtful and careful and fixed the policies and procedures rather than call me to ban me. I’m just a man trying to get a bagel and a bun. There were 4 weeks in February this year. Huebner Oaks Panera had one Thursday order for me.. So, District Manager Braden Willis You are probably correct and I agree with you Braden, a 25% success rate for my bakery orders from your store will probably not satisfy me. The situation has been made worse by the fact that the employees at the Huebner Oaks location do not have nametags with their proper names and position visible. Clear nametags with Proper names and position can make a customer’s experience more understanding. The crew at Huebner Oaks has Tags with nicknames and no positions listed. The manager calls them different names than their tags identify them.This caused much confusion through these past years. I do deserve to understand to whom I speaking. Signed,
Disappointed and Banned
Loved your Napa Almond Chicken salad sandwich on your Sesame seed bread. Then you stopped making such a good delicious bread. So I ordered a Napa almond chicken sandwich at Woodscrosding at the Georgia mall. Sandwich was throw in a box. I took it back asked for the manager who was Not At All pleased to talk to me. Very busy, so I show him the chicken salad toss in the r box and he says yep that’s what happens when you get it cut in quarters. Well you could at least include s fork. You wanna a fork he asked? I said no I want a sandwich. So back it comes agin in the box , thrown on two pieces of bread, there ya go madam. So, there you go Panera. Last time I drive by your place.
We loved Panera’s……notice the past tense. Different is not always better! I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed we are that you have destroyed a wonderful pastry such as the Orange Scone with a skimpy biscuit that is now dry and tasteless. Money over quality??! Not only that but what the heck happened to the Pecan Rolls?? Your so called Braid is NOT a replacement for the PECAN ROLL! To say we are unhappy with your changes is to tell you that you have lost two very good customers. I think you will loose more than you will gain with these poor business changes. V. Nellas
My mom and I went to Panera Bread restaurant on E El Camino Real and Sunnyvale Saratoga Sunnyvale California at 11:00am today, ordered our food. Shift duty manager very large plus size in a pink peach top came out and talked to us in a nasty tone, saying we are not welcomed there for no reason and they are not to serve us for no reason. She made slander, negitive and defaming remarks about my mom and I in both in english and in spanish that was very denigrating. Shift duty manager very large plus size in a pink peach top question my mom and I of our citizenship status, she made accusations that my mom and I are not mother and daughter and spoke to my mom in an ugly tone, we told her it was none of her business and we don’t appreciate her behavior nor the way she was speaking to us. We will never go to Panera Bread restaurant on E El Camino Real and Sunnyvale Saratoga Sunnyvale California ever again. We’ll go to another Panera Bread store that will treat us and any customers with dignity of respect.
This is in response to Pamela Lacy’s story. I’m so sorry that you had to experience such an ignorant person in today’s world. Some people are just that dum and no matter how much more knowledgeable the human race is today their brain is too tiny to handle common sense facts and basic human curiosity. Hopefully this manager was fired. She should worry more about what she shoves in her mouth and her health and leave other humans to live their lives, as no one cares what she thinks. If Panera didn’t fire her, you can sue both her and Panera for discriminating against your race or origin. I’m sick of people like this in the world. You’d think all these small minded ancient thinkers would of died off already. Definitely would make this world a better place. Good Luck Pamela!
Pamela, I doubt you’ll be treated any better at a different Panera. Are you reading the comments on this site? I’m surprised they are still in business.
At the bakery cafe on Lion Road in Ewing Township New Jersey this morning, I ordered Steel Cut Oatmeal with Apple Chips & Pecans with No Cinnamon Crunch Topping. My friends received their orders (though one wasn’t right, was sent back and the replacement was also wrong). Several minutes later, after everyone else was halfway into their breakfasts, I still hadn’t received my order, I went back to the service area to ask if mine (pager 56 – which the server had taken away along with the other pagers) was ready yet. A staff member asked what I had ordered, so I told him “oatmeal with pecans and apple chips”. The same staff said he was working on it and it was coming. Several minutes later I was given oatmeal with pecans, strawberries and cinnamon crunch topping – no apple chips. Rather than wait longer and risk getting yet another wrong order, I said nothing and ate my breakfast. Although I’m describing my experience today, this particular location is no worse than others I’ve frequented in New Jersey. I’ve been a Panera member for several years, and although the food is pretty good, we rarely have a visit with no issues. Panera used to offer a bakery item for botched orders, but doesn’t even do that anymore. All too often, Panera’s service is a disappointment.
I stopped buying sandwiches when you started using pre-packaged meat. I will no longer be making purchases at your establishment due to the reduction of your scones. Like many good businesses, when the bean counters come in they try to get you to pay more for less product which almost always leads to the eventual downfall of the business. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. GOODBYE PANERA!!!!!
Dear Panera: It’s been about a year since I’ve started complaining about a simple thing at your location at: 301 King Street, San Francisco, CA. The door in the Ladies restroom does not lock. The handicapped one is fine, but the regular one has not locked in almost a year. I have to put the seat cover paper between the lock and the door so the door will stay closed. This location is a great one because it’s about two blocks from AT & T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants Baseball team. Many Giants fans come into Panera when there is a game. I am a Panera member and my husband and love eating there when we work as ushers for a ballgame. I have emailed and corresponded with someone at Panera, From the Manager plus someone on line to no avail. Both said they would take care of the problem. How would you like if you were a woman and every time you used the first bathroom stall at Panera, the door kept opening while you were in there? One lady customer who comes in regularly tells me the same dilemma about the door. She has also complained many times and no one does anything to fix it.
Please do something soon. Sincerely Panera member:
Joyce Granville
Up front, I want you to know that Panera is my ”go to” place… I love the quality and the recipes that you offer…. Having said that, I was very disappointed this morning when I went to my local Panera store to purchase two orange scones which I often do. I was surprised to see that you have changed my three cornered, fair sized scones now half the size of a small biscuit and at a higher price…$2.99 from $2.65…When I talked to he store manager, Darrel Moser, he said take it up with the corporate office…I don’t mind spending $3.00 for a pastry if i feel that it’s worth it… unfortunately, I do not… These small biscuits/scones are not even half the size they were…and you upped the price. Please go back to the original size.. I will pay the $2.99… Sincerely, Kathleen Runyan
I really like all the food at Panera. Tonight I had the strangest thing happen at our local Panera. I ordered a to go order. Consisted of some salads, soups and one panini. I leave with my food to take home to my family . I stop halfway at a light and think, I should have really checked the bag before I left. I realized the panini was not in the bag… so I turn around and go back. I go back in and tell them they left out a sandwich in my order. The girl says, “oh yea, we were out of the bread for that sandwich”. Ummmmm, o Kay. So you just sent the order out without addressing that you didn’t make the sandwich? It was so odd. So because you were out of bread, you just didn’t make the sandwich you charged me for and sent me on my way? They gave me a stale scone to compensate. Very infuriating and really maked no sense at all.
My Daughter and I stopped at the San Luis Obispo café on Madonna Road and were stunned at the unsanitary condition of the entire facility. The floors were in absolute dirty condition with spillage and dirt all over the eating areas. The staff was what appeared to be at a minimum and lines, and waits for serving was very long.
Both of us have said we will not visit a Panera eating facility again, any time soon.
I’ve had several instances with the store on S Queen St in York, PA . Missing utensils, Chicken Caesar salad with no chicken, salads with no dressing, requested sliced bagels not sliced, etc. Every time I’ve commented on the issues, the personnel have been very courteous and have made corrections where possible. Still, there seems to be too many mistakes. Today was the icing on the cake. Your manager ( 11/20, 10:45 am) hung up on me. I had just picked up a Thai salad, got home and saw the news report about the CDC recalling all romaine in the US because of a very virulent e-coli problem. Canada also complying. I knew my salad contained romaine but I called the store to make them aware because it sounded so serious and the notice had only been out for an hour. He was unaware, and seemed totally unconcerned. I was told your romaine was safe. I asked how he knew. He muttered something and hung up on me. I knew I was going to be out about $10 for the salad but did not expect to be treated like that by a pompous ass of a manager. This store need some improvements.
On Nov14 2018, I placed a rapid pick-up order at 10:00 A.M. for pick at 2:30 P.M. with the Ballwin location on Manchester r d. when I arrived that afternoon on time nothing was ready and 50% of the items that I had paid for were no longer available as they hadnt even started filling the order until I arrived and most of the items were no longer available. I asked the young man who waited on me why this happened as I requested and paid for the order early that morning but they had failed to fill until I arrived He replied he would substitute all the items including all the bread and everyone of the bagels I had requested I reluctant agreed with. I will never choose this location in the future for any pick up or deliveries . This is sign of negligence and poor management. Jim Wynn
My husband and I went to the location in Olive Branch, Ms. We wanted to pay for our meal with a gift card but I left the card in my car. When I return with the gift card my husband had already paid for the food. I then ask the cashier to reverse the charge because I found my gift card. I was told by the cashier that I cannot use the gift card because “ people at the company are getting fired for using gift card and we are trying to scam the company.
At this point I’m furious!!! The manager that this location was very rude!! Didn’t come from the back at all to help!! Cashier was fixing food, waiting on others customers and trying to help us!! At this point the manager just walked to the back of the store and never returned. This location plus lost money because people were coming and leaving because they were not being help. To sum this story up. My husband and I had to call customer service while still waiting in the lobby for an hour to find out they wanted to help but the couldn’t because this was a franchise location. I will never eat there again!!! That was my first and last experience!!! Store number 4609, Olive Branch… I will warn everybody I know about this rude manager!!! I will never never eat at this location again!!! I will drive to Memphis if I have to!!!!!!!!
First off let me start by saying I’ve always loved Panera but after today I’m not sure I’ll ever return. This is in reference to Panera in Jefferson City, Missouri. I pre-ordered a 13-pack of bagels with two tubs of cream cheese for my co-workers birthday. I placed the order a day in advance and scheduled it for “rapid pick-up” at 8:15 am the following morning (today) so I wouldn’t have to wait in line and be late for work. Things did not go as expected. I walked in and saw my name on the display under “Preparing” and when I told the woman why I was there she said something to her co-worker who told her she’d have to talk to someone else (didn’t hear the name). She came out from behind the counter shortly after and told me they don’t have two of the three kinds of bagels I ordered but that they could get me the one kind. I asked what the point in pre-ordering is if they aren’t going to make sure to have the items I ordered and she said, “I don’t know I can get my manager if you want to talk to her”. I told her it wasn’t necessary and that I just wanted a refund. I did not hide my irritation or disappointment and was waiting for the manager or someone to approach me about processing the refund. I walked over toward the entry doors and made a phone call and when no one had still come over I went back and asked the girl about having the refund issued. She said her manager refunded it back to my card. I replied, “Oh so I can leave? That’s good to know. Thanks for telling me.” I was PISSED!! Not once did I hear the words, “I’m sorry” nor did the manager ever approach me. I can’t believe the lack of customer service. I get that people make mistakes but to not apologize and acknowledge your mistake and try to make it right is unacceptable. I don’t know if you’re having trouble managing the new changes with offering delivery and rapid pick-up, or if there’s been a change in management or ownership but I’m severely disappointed. You need to get it together quick Panera.
Woodstock Georgia Panera Bread is a total joke-dumbest poor people-worst food lately-website does not work most of the time-if these folks want a job it should matter-this insults all customers-YOU HAVE A GREAT IDEA IN CONCEPT-IT JUST SUCKS IN THE ACTUALITY-FIX IT OR GO ON-I WILL ALLOW WOODSTOCK PERIOD AS A TOWN HAS THE WORST PLACES TO EAT ON EARTH BECAUSE THE LITTLE CHILDREN SUFFERING AFFLUENCEA WANT JOBS BUT NOT TO DO THE WORK CORRECTLY-THIS GOES FURTHER UP THAN THEM BUT SOMETHING SURE NEEDS FIXING WITH PANERA!!!
it is a shame when a company offers an item(clamchower)only one day a week and the management ca not make or order enough, have always found that knowledge of amount used can adjust amount produced or shipped. the management at the store in reynoldsburg oh. appears not able to grasp that concept as simple as it may be. posable that more training or better management need as well as bakers, store is in need of help, they also lost a customer unless changer can be made.
My husband and I ordered bagels and cream cheese via Rapid Pick-Up (prepaid). It took us 20 minutes to get to the store and the order was waiting for us when we arrived. My husband luckily checked the order, no cream cheese. When we went to the counter they said,” Pickup? We are out of the cream cheese.” We had not received a call, email or anything we arrived not able to get what we ordered. I asked them to refund the order and they did so. When I checked the refund on our bank-site the next day, they had refunded less than what I had paid. I called and asked for a manager and he was irritated and stated it was lunchtime. I didn’t care, I was a customer too. He pulled the order and asked me how it was refunded and said, well that was done wrong in the first place. Then he said the problem was that the cream cheese is more expensive online than it is in the restaurant. (Why?) So they refunded the restaurant price instead of the online price. He said I would once again have to go drive for 20 minutes one way to get the refund that they had botched in the first place. I asked if he could not just correct it and he said, “No, that is all I can do for you”. What has happened to the customer service at Panera Bread? It is a complete fail from the bottom all the way to the manager. I won’t be returning.
I visited your store at Boca Park in Las Vegas. NV on Friday September 28, 2018 to get some items to take home in Utah. The girl who was supposedly helping me never came
to where I was, rather stood at the cash register and yelled to ask me what I wanted.
I ordered 6 bagels one cinnamon roll and one pecan roll. She finally came over where I was to put these items in a bag. When I got to Utah there was one cinnamon roll, one pecan roll and 6 cinnamon scones. Had I ordered them it would have been okay.
But I did not. It cost me $24 to have a very inconsiderate person to “help” me and be rude at the same time.
I don’t believe I will go back when we go to Las Vegas, which we do every two weeks.
9/23/18 Orderes 2 fullsize applae pecan chicken salad ,got home and realized it was like half salads barely any chicken in salad,also I had order extra dressing but no I did not get but 1 each .Very disappointed it was on store café 3972 Gainesville ga check #247926
cashier Keith ,I also paid cash .
I am a regular customer at the Parlin Panera. The last few times I was in the café there was a new employee that I not seen before. She looked very disheveled and not very clean looking. I am not sure why someone would come to work looking like that but apparently she doesn’t think she looks terrible. As I was checking out I asked the cashier who she was and was told that she was a manager in training. I will not be using your café until I don’t see her. I will also be letting anyone else I know that uses that café to be aware of her.
Hello, I was in the Chicago location @ 2 N. Michigan Ave on 9/5/18. I purchased a Salad for lunch and returned to my office. I did not receive the dressing and was not able to leave my office again. I called the manager Derrick and explained the situation, he offered to send a gift card but I have yet to receive it. I’ve called twice and each time I’m on hold then the call magically disconnects.
We are a seafood company that processes Arctic Surf Clams (chopped clams) and would like to talk to the person in charge of purchasing the ingredients for your clam chowder . If you don’t make your own chowder could you give me the name of the company/s that do so I could offer my product to them.
Thanks very much
Marty, from Arctic Fresh Seafood phone 774-202 3646
Have never given a complaint on anything but because I do like Panera & go there a lot but will never go to this certain one. Have gone to many different ones – thought I would give this one another chance because it’s close to work – have received wrong orders – waited for service not just once! Today ordered pick 2 – no croutons w/tomato soup – no lettuce on sandwich! I know you are better because I have gone to other locations but thought you would want to know! How can this one be so bad!!!! Cafe 4801 – 6108 Parkcenter Cir Dublin, Ohio 43017
A Truly horrible experience. As you can see from order no: 241840121, all I really wanted a simple order; fried egg and sausage on a plain bagel. But your web site is so difficult that to get that you have to order something else, and then special order to get what you really want. See the above order to see what I mean. You really should focus on making things simpler. BUT, that was not the real problem. What I got was the basic order, a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich on toast – not what I ordered or wanted. I asked for the manager said she would remake it – and promptly started to make the ham, egg, and cheese all over again. I told her, and showed her the receipt, and she lost control. In tears, yelling that she was tired of being told she was wrong, she tried to make the same over again – this time throwing the first try on the floor. I had had enough, and left – without any breakfast. So two things:
1) I want the charge on my Ames card reversed.
and,
2) You might want to revisit your web site so that ordering a simple sandwich like a fried egg, sausage, on a bagel would be just that simple. Instead of having to order something I don’t want and customize it – in really tiny print that the cooks obviously missed.
The sausage, egg on a biscuit that we got from MacDonald’s down the road was great.
I took both my children for a late lunch on Monday, Labor Day at around 3:30pmET. After we returned home all of us were not feeling well. My younger child said his stomach was hurting and my older child was vomiting and I had diarrhea multiple times. Yesterday I called to complain and make the management aware of the situation. First a manager asked me what happened and asked what we ate, and put me on HOLD and then another manager came one the phone asked me to explain again which I already did and said I would need to call corporate. I told them I didn’t want to escalate the situation and I wanted them to be aware so no one else would get sick. But again said I would need to contact corporate, so please do whatever you can to do something about this. Store location is Alpharetta, GA on Windward Pkwy.
On Saturday 8/18/18 My husband walked into Store in Murietta Ca and ordered a Whole salad and Sandwich with drink to go. We had not ordered from store in months because they can never get the orders right. I have talked to 3-4 Managers from Mary #1 Mary #2 Vincent and so on . As much as I enjoy the Green Godess Cobb chicken salad I never get what items are suppose to be in salad. Sounds simple but yet the store has an issue with throwing out Bad Lettuce and serving fresh Avocado. When store first opened the salads were fab! Now no one cares at all it’s so sad. One salad had such welted lettuce could not eat called Manager advised situation they said next visit comp salad ok fine. Next salad there was no Avocado at all and no dressing on the side. Called Manager they comp for next visit ok fine. Manager says when ordering tell them Manager said “Fresh Salad Fresh Avocado .I suggest to her a training session with workers maybe have a picture of Salad which Iv’e seen online in front of them when they prepare. I get so tired of talking with Managers this is not normal. It had been months since we ordered. I completed a sheet of paper for my husband to take when he picked up order. Per Manager Fresh Lettuce fresh Avocado whole salad etc…..When he picked up order and brought it home it was a whole salad with teaspoon Avocado suppose to be half avocado in slices it had less then half hard boiled Egg suppose to be whole Egg and bareley any chicken the amount that would be in half salad. I pay $ 10.18 and get quanity of half salad. The Manager ask me “How can we make it right for you? Just train your staff so clients dont have to be inconvienced have a Quality check make sure there doing what they should be. Im thinking to myself maybe someone needs to manage the Managers. Vincent says well next time your in we will make things good I say It is not worth our time or gas anymore Im just plan tired of trying to get a decent salad its exhausting. We will not be back and we cannot reccomend your food or service to anyone again. Maybe Corporate can get involved. Its not rocket science its just a SALAD!! My husband said on his way out the door 2 other customers were complaining one was another salad other was bread its a shame to have a stores reputation go down the hill. One customer yelled to the staff saying maybe if there was less talking and laughing you might get order right. Someone needs to step up.
Today I ordered $230 in food for a very important meeting and was called by the Panera branch located in New Albany that they cancelled my order due to a high volume of overwhelming orders. I was instructed to call another branch that could help me. I called the Hamilton Rd branch only to be told that they will try to work me in. This is the second bad experience I have with the New Albany branch. First time I ordered with that particular branch I was not given my full order. When I called, I was told that the missing food would be made and sent right away. After waiting another half hour, I called again and this time was met with a cavalier attitude and was told “I’m not calling you a liar or anything but that it impossible that we could have left that amount of food, besides I watched the driver pack all the food on tape.” I had spoken to three different associates by that time. When I questioned (and showed) the “manager” the ORANGE and WHITE green goddess dressing I was told that since they used mayo and yogurt it just wasn’t “blended” properly. Green Goddess dressing is not ORANGE. Needless to say that today is my last time ever buying Panera for my companies lunches. The attitude and horrible service that was exhibited towards me has indeed left a bad taste in my mouth. If you ever want to see the volume of orders I have made with this company, please refer to the Panera on 256 and Taylor Rds. in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and ask to speak with Devin their catering manager, as she is the epitome of Excellent Customer Service.
I Was at the Toms River, NJ store this morning around 9:00 a.m. I ordered two Tuesday baker’s dozen bagels, one for me and one for my friend. When the cashier rang up the orders I was charged for for the Baker’s dozen bagels. When I questioned the cashier about it, she said that the “Tuesday Baker’ dozen bagels” were only available at corporate stores.
On the website it states that the Bakers Dozen bagels “not served today” I was charged $9.99+tax for each order. WHY????
Terrible experience at brand new location in Glen Ellyn, IL. The food runner spilled hot chicken noodle soup all over me and when we notified the Manager, Jacob, he was less than empathetic or apologetic for the incident. He was arrogant and could careless when notified of the situation.
Our Panera Bread in Vero Beach Florida leaves a lot to be desired. Half the time some of your orders are incomplete. A lot of times they run out of things you want. There seems to be no pride in the work that’s done.
I want to see pretzels offered as a side…while not iconic as the sandwich-pickle-chips…it would work, and probably increase sales…pretzels are fat free and go magnificently with sandwiches and salads…
Why are there no Panera shops in Pueblo Colorado? Our city could easily support at least two Panera restaurants here.
You opened a new Panera in Dent, Ohio. My daughter applied and was offered a job. The first day she showed up for work they told her they forgot they hired her and to come back the next day
So she returned the next day. She worked 3 hours with a half hour break. Then they told her to come back a week later. Same thing happened the next 2 days. Meanwhile they are still hiring more people and forgetting they hired them. I’ve been told by 2 other people same thing happened to them. Very poor management. She couldn’t clock in because they entered her wrong ss # They still have not fixed it or paid her. This week they told her they forgot to put her on the schedule. Manager that hired her no longer works there???
Please review your employment policies
Train your managers better!!!
Pay my daughter for her time she put in!!!
Purchased broccoli soup in package at BJ’s last week. Expiration date June 19, 2018. The sealed cover is taut and bubbles up. Is this product safe to eat?
On May 10th, I ordered a dozen bagels. I ordered early (before 9 a.m.) on line in order to get the bagels I wanted. And I said I would pick them up around 3 p.m. Thursday. When I went to pick them up I did not have the six everything bagels I had ordered because they filled the order 15 minutes before I was to pick them up and the everything bagels were all gone. They did, of course, offer me 6 other ones. But needless to say I was disappointed because I was getting them for company.
Thanks for reading this.
The general manager at Panera Bread at 4125 S. Carrier Pkwy Grand Prairie, Texas 75052.is rude and unprofessional. I practically order from Panera everyday for a lunch delivery. One day I mistakenly ordered take out instead of delivery. After realizing my error, I contacted Panera to advise them of my mistake the GM said that she would cancel the order on her end. I later received a voice mail from Julian, who said that I still had a take-out order that was never picked up. By calling Panera again, I found out that the GM never advised others that the order was canceled and she never cancelled the order. I was concerned about being charged for the order I requested to be cancelled, but I was assured that it was cancelled and I would be refunded. So, fast forward a week later. the $19.10 charge has yet to be refunded to my bank account. I called to make my daily lunch delivery order, and I spoke with Danielle Murphy again and she had a very condescending and rude tone with me. I advised her that I practically order lunch from Panera everyday, and I wanted to place another order, but I have yet to be refunded for my order from last week. There was frustration in her voice when she state “So, you want to be refunded twice”? I said no I was never refunded the first time. Actually, if you could just delivery lunch to me, then I would be satisfied. She said, well you need to bring your bank statement up here. I went to the store after work, and Danielle was not there. I have decided not to order from Panera again, but now I want my refund.
Don’t expect your high school child to get off work till 11 pm often. They only release employees after the last one is finished. Likely why they have a high turnover of employees.
This is highly illegal. 10:00 is the drop-dead cut off. Most stores make sure their students clock out by 9:55 pm.
If you have a high school child, expect them to work late into the night. They only release employees once everyone is done. Getting them out after 11 pm isn’t unusual on a school night. This is likely why they have a high turnover of employees.
Corporate are you aware that your Ithaca New York store is breaking labor laws I cant count how many times I worked over 6 hours usually 8 9 or 10 and did not get a 30 min lunch break or any break at all because “to many people called in” Management did not care when telling them they had to change there ways or I would have to leave 2 weeks notice the M be anager told me don’t bother coming in anymore. Be advised this is against labor laws and if I so choose can sue. please get your act together.
I am a true Panera customer, but the new Martinsburg, WV store has turned me off to going there. Every time I am in that store they never have menu times you want to purchase. It is a waste of time to even go there. Someone needs to step up and do something about the management of this store before they ruin the brand!
Had a very bad experience with the Rego Park Center,NY store. It seriously looked like it was going out of business. So few items on display. I ordered and was told they had no tuna. Really-at 1230 in the afternoon? I ordered french onion soup which looked like broth with tiny pieces of something unidentifiable floating around. Jessica the manager was probably the rudest manager I have ever met. She was pissed that she had to open up another register to handle the lunch crowd. She was impatient and rude to my friend and myself. We are teachers in the neighborhood on our lunch break. We will never go back there and will advise other staff as well as parents.
Just made my last visit to Panera once again take out order was wrong this was after we ask the server was she certain we had the correct order.
The location on San Jose blvd in Jacksonville Fl is poorly managed 0 for 2 there will not be a third time.
13815 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise FL at 6pm, dinner hour….Out of Soba Noodle w/ Chicken, only Edemame available…but $1 more, I can add chicken.
2nd guest order Lentil Quinoa w/ Chicken. Server arrives w/ 1st order & announces 2nd order is out. Opt for a different broth bowl. Wait, Wait, first guest must eat or cold food. Ask for Mgr…. Crickets, wait, wait. Have to ask where the second meal is, Mgr never arrives at the table. Noted on Yelp, Google reviews, Trip Advisor. No interest in returning.
dbbor@ sbcglobal.net
PLEASE DO NOT CLOSE THE CHERRY CREEK PANERA, HOMEWOOD, il
Homewood is a town of almost 20,000 residents. We have 3 Starbucks, 2 Dunkin’ Donuts, 2 Subways, 2 Walgreens, 2 Jewel-Oscos and multiple other stores & restaurants.
While as a resident of over 50 years, I am very happy that you are part of the development at 175th & Halsted, but I do not think you understand the culture of our town. I understand that you are planning on closing the Panera at Cherry Creek Shopping Center and that is why I am writing. I am very confident that the Panera on Halsted will be busy, but it will not be busy with the people who presently are your clientele on the west side of town.
Has anyone at a corporate level actually looked over our town in person and seen the difference in the two locations? Cherry Creek is basically in the midst of homes in Homewood-Flossmoor, Hazel Crest and Country Club Hills, and walking distance from the high school. The Halsted Street corridor is basically a commercial corridor and not surrounded by homes.
Where are many places people can go to if you do not leave the Cherry Creek store open, but it will not be Panera Really!
Please reconsider this decision, look at the demographics of the area… if the stores I mentioned in my first line are sucessful with multiple locations, Panera surely will be also.
Best Regards, Debra Borodkin
Shift Supervisor, Ken Morris at the Chelmsford, MA / Drum Hill Panera Bread location is the rudest and most unprofessional individual one can encounter. I went to buy a coffee, stood at the register for about 10 minutes, with absolutely nobody in line just me. There was a female chatting and flirting with the cook in the back who saw me waiting there and completely ignored me, and with an attitude yelled: “we are closing shortly, after rolling her eyes”; I mentioned, “I am just getting a coffee to go”.
Shift Supervisor, Ken Morris clearly saw me waiting for a long period of time ignoring as he was joking around with coworkers and wondering around the store; when I asked if I can finally order my coffee to go, after unnecessarily waiting for so long, the unpleasant and arrogant shift manager gave me the nastiest attitude; acting as a “though guy”, as if he was going to fist fight me, mind you I’m a female; that even demanded yelling at me in front of other customers that, “if I didn’t like his attitude, to get the hell out of HIS store”. I felt threatened as a customer by what is *supposed* to be a *professional*, I thought this “though guy” was going to drag me out of the store!!!. What kind of supervisor says and act like that with a customer!!!
Be careful as a customer going to this store. You may get threatened and jumped by “tough guy” Mr. Morris, especially if you are a female.
The downtown Brooklyn location of PB is absolutely the worse Panera Bread I’ve been to, and I’ve been to many around the country. It was so bad today, that I left after waiting in line for 10 minutes, and went next door to a competitor business. Sadly, such a long wait is routine at this Panera Bread location!
I was just at the Adams Street Panera Bread in downtown Brooklyn. I work nearby and have been to this location several times before. I’ve always experienced very long wait times, even when the number of customers lined up to give their orders is short. This Panera Bread ALWAYS only has ONE order taker, who also serves as the cashier, even at the busiest times of the day, between 11:00 a..m and 6:00 p.m. The staff, whether the cashiers or the sole manager on duty (who is ever present behind the scenes in the food preparation area), show absolutely no interest in exercising any manner of customer service or concern about long waiting times that customers must endure.
The Panera Bread District Manager for this region, as well as the Panera Bread corporate office should be aware of this, as this terrible customer service is ruining the Panera Bread brand and customer experience in downtown Brooklyn.
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I ordered rapid pick up on line for lunch today 2/9/18 at Panera at the café in Succasunna NJ, I picked up my lunch today and noticed I was missing a sandwich when I called and spoke to Ana she was like I DO NOT SEE ANY SANDWICH HERE that was not packed, can you believe she was actually accusing me of probably lying about the sandwich.
I paid and would have like to have something to eat for lunch.
I hope Panera gets better customer service management and staff.
On their receipt they actually have it listed, “your order should be correct all the time,if it is not they will fix it” not accuse you.
I wanted to make a comment regarding Panera delivery. I live right in the middle of two different Penera restaurants. Each is approximately 2 miles from my home, and neither one delivers to my location. I have spoken to managers at both restaurants and they said they would look into it. However each time I visit the restaurant and ask the manager they continually say they will check into it. Still no delivery options. Can you please advise how delivery can be made available to me?
Thanks, L
The staff at the San Antonio store on 151 needs to do a little staff training. The young woman told me that not only do they not have gluten free bread, NOTHING on their menu is gluten free. That’s strange: in the past, the manager has noted several items the were gluten free. Then she said sometimes they have gluten free cookies but they were all sold out. That was odd: there was a display of macaroons, which I’ve always been assured were gluten free. What is the true story?
Devin at the Inverness, FL location is not professional. She is very rude. I always have to repeat what I say. This morning I had to scream it. My throat now hurts. I have brought this issue to the manager, Isaiah several times.
I visited the Monroeville, PA Panera yesterday at about noon. Bad experience. I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and was told that they were out of cream cheese. I expressed surprise because this is such a common item. Counter person just said they unexpectedly ran out. Now I hear on the news that there is a recall of your cream cheese.I would encourage you to train your employees not to LIE to customers. It is MY decision what to do next in this instance, not Panera’s. In the past I have had a bunch of poor experiences (one in which there was a big piece of the plastic bag IN my salad, demonstrating that Panera doesn’t even rinse the salad greens, much less sort through them to discard any unsavory bits; and one when I had an actual live bug in my salad). As a side note, I also ordered coffee yesterday; the decaf was 2.5 hours old and not even remotely warm. I am dismayed.
Please return to making the plain short bread pastry! I love those and they are wonderful.
This week, I went in to get my birthday pastry (short bread, of course) and was told by an employee that Panera no longer makes the plain short breads. He suggested a heart-shaped pastry (short bread, he said) covered with icing. Well, that was the most disgusting thing I have ever taken a bit of. Ugh! The icing was sickenly sweet and completely washed out any other flavor in the pastry. I threw it away.
I am writing to ask you to please return to making the plain short bread pastries!
Thank you.
Hi, I would like to let you know about the Dublin Panera Bread off of Perimeter Loop. I went there yesterday 1/23/18 at 1:30 to get a bagel sandwich and come to find out they are out of Plain and Sesame bagels. I was pretty shocked considering it was only 1:30pm and they were already out of those 2 bagels. The employee suggested other kinds but I am kind of a picky eater and just like the plain simple kinds. She never told me if more was going to be made, apologized or anything. I know this may be something very small to complain about but I just wanted cooperate to be aware of.
I am writing about how unfairly this company treats their managers. My husband is the general manager at the Atlanta Ga location; as of right now it is 1:24am and he is still not home due to be force to start inventory at 8pm last night. As a company you cannot treat your employees like that whatsoever. Something needs to be done when it does come to inventory being force to do it at a certain time where they get home in the we hours of the morning. I used to work for this company back in FL but I’m so glad I don’t just because how they treat their employees.
I am simply contacting you to inform you about the horrible experience I had working for pay their bread. I was working at the Roosevelt store in Jacksonville Florida. I went to my manager Della and told her my son was sick and I had made him an appointment for that following day on Monday. A full 24 hours notice. We’re in the middle of the worst flu season in many years in Florida. My manager told me , I could stick my child in an Uber but I needed to show up for work. Even though she had 6 drivers the following day. I simply lelf. It was the most ridiculous thing I had ever been told by a manager. And then she informed me that at 15 she was taking herself to the doctors and she did not understand why it was necessary for me to take my child. I don’t know what kind of cave. She grew up in, but I wouldn’t work for her again for all the money in the world. It is simply not worth it. . I know of 3 other employees who have quit because of her. i. Just thought you should be made aware Raven
My daughter had an interview scheduled for Saturday, January 20 at Panera Bread on University Drive in Davie, Florida. She waited more than two hours and was never interviewed. The manager never even came out to acknowledge her. Staff did the back and forth communicating. After two hours, they said the manger did not have time to interview her and would call later that day to reschedule. It never happened. This is unacceptable and disrespectful. This was my daughter’s first interview for her first job. I just want to make you aware of this situation.
I was an employee at your store in Tomball, Tx located at 28403 State Highway 249. I began work there on the 7th of December and I believe my last shift worked was December 28 approximately. In the three weeks I was there and still to this day I have never received a paycheck. This needs to be rectified.
Contact your state Dept. Of labor.
I visited the Riverhead Panera today and met Justine for a second time. She works in the dining room and make sure it is clean and the tables are ready for the next guest. Today I watched a lady with her hands full and Justine rushed and said “can I get the door for you”?
She quickly opened the door and helped the lady , this with the temperature at 14degrees.
She is a special employee that should be recognized for her work and her happy personality.
You’re lucky to have her.
I ordered from the Panera here in Racine, WI and this is the second day in a row that the business has been crappy. I got it delivered to my job and the first day they had brought me someone else’s order and today they put tomato and onion on my sandwich and I am allergic to tomatoes. I called and the manager got snotty with me and said that a new sandwich will come out and then hung up on me. She was so disrespectful and shouldn’t have been rude to a customer that’s had a bad experience two days in a row. You need to learn better customer service.
I just visited the Panera on Jericho turnpike in Mineola, my right on the corner of herricks road. The staff was rude and annoyed that I wanted my bagels sliced, I spent enough money there and was disgusting and disappointed that I ordered cream cheese and wanted butter for the bagels and was rudely told they were out of butter! Seriously???? A bagel spot with no butter? ! I will never be going back there, I’d rather go to a mom and pops bagel shop where they are not franchised and appreciate me as a customer and where they have butter available for my bagels! Panera you really suck!!!!! Revamp your ethics and put it in the right place because sooner or later you will end up filing for bankruptcy when you have no customers!!!!!!!!
This morning I had a mini egg soufflé from the Panera in downtown Denver. After half way through it, I notice a strange consistency. In my mouth was a packet of unopened salt. They had baked the package of salt into the middle of the soufflé. Fortunately for Panera I did not swallow it. It makes one ponder what else is cooked into their dishes that should not be? The next person may not be so lucky………..
My husband and I eat often at Panera in CO. Today we had lunch at the Pier Park location in Panama City Beach, FL. I ordered the broccoli and cheddar soup in a bread bowl and my husband had the soup and sandwich combo. I have had the soup in the bread bowl many times, but this time there was hardly any soup in it. I had a huge bread bowl with a side of baguette for lunch. I told an employee who, as someone below very accurate wrote, gave me a blase stare and said nothing. I thought your store was supposed to make it right and give you a dessert too. We also will not ever eat at a Panera again unless I receive an apology, a bowl of soup and a bear claw, my favorite sweet there. A shame, because this unfortunately reflects badly on the well run Paneras in other places.
Unlike many of the comments on this site, we have not given up on Panera. We are aware of situations similar to those being reported, so I know it is not unheard of. We are posting our comments here, because the email form on the Panera website only allows 500 characters, and with that I just get started!
This is to report what appear to be continuing problems with your Panera store in Apple Valley, Minnesota. We traveled from Milwaukee twice in recent weeks and patronized that store, with similar problems both times. The café number for that store is 1306.
The first visit was at the end of October, and we do not have a receipt from that visit.
Our second visit was on November 21, 2017. Our receipt shows we ordered at 8:15 PM, and we knew the closing time was 9 o’clock. The restaurant was not crowded or busy.
My wife and I ordered separately; order 246019, and 246020. Each of us ordered a cup of soup, along with a baguette and a beverage.
As we were eating our soup, we realized that we both had been sold bowls of soup, not cups of soup, and charged for bowls. The disturbing thing is, during the previous visit in October, the exact same mistake occurred—so it was “deja vu” when it happened again.
Of course, your receipt emphasizes “accuracy matters“. It offered to fix the problem if we reported it, but we decided since we were already in the middle of eating the meal, and it was getting late in the day, we would not demand that.
But there’s more! I had ordered the winter squash soup. When it was brought to the table, the associate commented “you didn’t want seeds on your soup, did you?” So far as I knew, they automatically came with the soup, so I hadn’t mentioned the seeds. But my soup had none! I said I could eat it without the seeds.
Also, as I mentioned, we were there within an hour of closing, and after I had agreed to eat soup without seeds, another associate came and apologized that they were out of baguettes. Understandable, so we asked if we could have a roll instead, and they said they were not available either, and ultimately she gave us a full-size bagel to share, in exchange for the missing baguettes.
Our concern is not that we did not get our order corrected (as we had not reported it), or even that there was a mistake, but rather that this could indicate a pattern! Because of the repeated problem with the size of our soup orders, plus the other miscues, it appears this particular cafe, or at least some of the staff members, are having a difficult time getting orders straight. In the process, mistakes like this bring in more revenue for Panera, if they are not corrected. But if it becomes a regular event, the revenue will drop as customers go elsewhere. In fact, the next time we’re in town, we expect to patronize your café in Burnsville!
Just a side note: this particular café is the very first Panera I ever visited, a number of years ago, when my son and his family who live in the area took us there to pick up bagels for breakfast. Since then we have visited many Panera’s from coast to coast, and even the St. Louis Bread Company. In Milwaukee, there are several Panera’s that we visit, depending on where we are when we get hungry! And we regularly buy Panera gift cards for family and friends.
Overall, our experience has been good, And we do especially like your seasonal soups, your larger variety of cold teas, and—in the bakery department—cobblestones! Of course we have been noticing the price increases, just as at most restaurants.
So this report is simply to let you know our experiences in Apple Valley, in the interest of improving your service in the future.
I work at a government agency with about 3,000 people. Recently our lunch was cut to 30 minutes making it impossible to go out for lunch. So we order from places that will deliver. We were so excited to be able to order from Panera. The first time we ordered, we put our building’s address in and it said delivery was not available. So I called because it said on the web site within 8 miles. However, it would take the address to the building next to us. I was told at that time to put our building address in the comments section. We ordered twice and everything was good and fast and no problems at all. Then today we ordered almost $65 worth of food and I first got a call from the store manager telling me that they are not supposed to deliver to us, even though the building across the street is in the delivery area. Then he said he was going to get the corporate office’s ok. I told him if he didn’t want to deliver it, we would call somewhere else. He said no they would deliver it this time but he had to talk to corporate. The delivery guy ended up delivering to the wrong place. Then we got the food and everyone was complaining. They left out 1 bag of chips for someone. The chicken salad sandwiches had hardly any chicken on them at all. One of the guys ordered the Fuji apple salad with chicken and ordered a full order and he got a small box that was not even half way filled. I called Panera after we ate lunch and let the manager know all of this. I also told him that the web site had said delivery within 8 miles and we googled and we are only 3.1 miles from Panera. He asked me what I wanted him to do about the food. I said I felt we should have a partial refund because only a couple of people were happy this time with their food and he said he could not do that. He said they could deliver more food, but we had already eaten. Then he told me that he had called corporate and they had said it was ok for them to deliver to us for now unless it caused problems. I told him that we had already decided we were not going to order from them again. That is too bad because we would have told a lot of people here about it, however, now we can only tell them what a bad experience we had with Panera.
My poor experience at Panera bread in Boynton Beach. Today, I with my 85 yr old mother ordered bagel and coffee and yogurt and berries, after asking twice no yogurt 15 min later. Young guy dumping garbage spilled liquid, splashed me, and never even apologized.I told them I am handicapped still nothing. I Googled a phone number and called store manger, told him predicament and that I was seated in the DR. Making elderly people with canes hold plates and coffee is ridiculous. Sooner or later, someone will fall or get burned and sue. I will avoid that store in the future.
Called the Commerce mi. Panera to place an order and they told me they did not take over the phone orders only online. I was unable to access their website. So much friend drove there, when she arrived there no one was even there being served at all..
Pretty sad. She left Without placing a rather large order. I tried to call corporate headquarters the next day they kept me on hold for over eight minutes I finally just hung up.I will not be going there ever again
On Monday October 23, 2017 was likely my last time eating at Panera Bread. My mom and I are avid Panera Bread patrons. On Monday, October 23, 2017 after I had been in the ER all day my mom and I decided we would order Panera Bread for delivery (like we’d done so many times in the past). We placed the order and received an email at 5:51 p.m. with our order number. At 6:07 p,m. we received an email indicating our order was out for delivery. When the order hadn’t arrived soon thereafter, I called the store. I spoke with the manager who advised that there was a slight delay but the order should be arriving in the next few minutes. I received a text message at 7:03 p.m. that said “Your Panera order has arrived”. We opened the door in eager anticipation. By this time I had called multiple times (in excess of 10 times) . At 7:17 p.m. I returned the text “Never received my order”. At 7:33 p.m. a female knocked and asked if I was Caroline. I asked her what happened? She said they were short handed. Our food was ice cold. Her blasé attitude was extremely frustrating. Panera’s prices are way too high to put up with sub-par customer service.
I recently placed an order online and realised that there was something wrong so I tried to have it refunded. The first person I spoke with told me that it couldn’t be refunded because they were already making my food. That didn’t make any sense. I have worked both in customer service and in the restaurant services so I knew that wasn’t true. The second person I spoke with told me she could and proceeded to process the return. So I was fine. Well jump days later and I hadn’t seen my return yet so I called to ask about it. The girl I spoke to told me that there was a problem with their refund system and that it was backed up. She then said that it would take 35 to 40 business days before I received my refund. What? Like that made no sense to me. I have never heard of anything like that before in my life. This made me never want to order from them again.
my sister works for the this corp. store in. she has worked there for 4 or 5 years
the managers of the store had her training people but where not paying her for it.
for over a year she did this but each time she asked about when i was doing to get payed for doing this they blew her off but still force her to train people. they have one person who works there that drinks and stuff why working will sneak off to drink in the bathroom managers now and have done nothing. she has has good reviews every year but this time around the person who did her review gave her bad marks in almost every thing but they still have the guy they know is drinking in the bathroom working for them. my sister is a hard working. at one point she had changed store for a time and got a rais and all kind of good reviews at the other store then she had to return to the old store she was working. when she returned to the old store everything was good till the gm of the store started sleeping with the manager of the store she is working at then they started taking there person lives out on the employs. when they would have a fight cause there sleeping with each other or what not and are having problems they would bring it to work with them taking it out on people there. they would scream at the people working in front of the customers that they where helping for no reason and what not but anyway reading the reviews on this page makes me thing the corp is shady and have no real care about how the gms and there upper management staff conduct them selves more then welcome to wright me back ill be happie to let you know what store and who they are but im sure ill never hear back on this. so let it be known you been called out with the way your upper staff works and treats the lower staff. you know the people who do the real work not the ones standing around looking stupid and ripping off the employs i told my sister she should seek legal action for the work she did training people and was never being payed for its call wage theft just so you know. but yeah more then welcome to email me back but like i said this is prob a waist of time just like that place it would seem dont worry she will be looking for a new job cause its just not worth dealing with it anymore. not like she can tell anyone about anything i mean when the manager and the general manager of a store are sleeping with each other witch is frowned on. at least thats what there work employ hand book says.
I would like to your policy for bus drivers stopping at anyone of your locations with a charter group that’s hungry. I visited your location at 6707 Eastman rd Midland,Michigan 10-28-17 2:00pm I brought 26 boys/girls cross country team in after the meet. after they all ordered i introduced myself as the bus driver with group and asked if they comped the meal for the driver. the cashier turned to the manager and asked. the manager she said no. Now it’s been told to me that fast food establishments tend to comp the drivers meal because they chose there resturant out of all the ones on the strip and you stand to make a few hundred dollars. I asked a fellow drive when I got back if he’s been comped at a Panera Bread and he said he has. so what is it. you do or you don’t. if you do you may want to email all the locations to remind them of your policy. i will be taking the same group out this saturday and will see if they want to return to your establishment.
if you would like to contact me with a answer you can @
scrollsawdesigns@ gmail.com
kevin
1st of all I’m a Panera Bread Co. employee, I work at the Winchester, Mo. location, I was hired by Debbie Thies from the Wildwood location. To say I’m happy to be working for you would be an UNDERSTATEMENT, I haven’t enjoyed going to work this much since I completed 33 years with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. I’m a retired Dept. of Defense employee and a Vietnam Navy Veteran. I retired in 2007, and then I did part-time jobs until 2013 when my back started giving me problems. Went in hospital, and found out i have Degenerating Arthitis in Lower back and it effects my Back, Hip, Knee, and Ankle on right side, so I can’t lift anything over 20 lbs. Well back in April I was in getting lunch and one of your Food Prep employees, Mrs. Spencer said you were going to start doing deliveries, so I applied, and was hired, going on 6 months now, and all is well. The Gen. Mgr. Jo, and other Managers, especially Brian are great to work with.
I asked for 15-20 hrs per week, Day shift, and No weekend unless needed, and I’ve been given what I need. I get in early, set-up my car, check clip board, and start-up container and i’m ready to go. All your Managers, Keri, Chris, Brian, Craig are great leaders, I enjoy the visits from Andrew, The delivery Driver Coordinator, and several people from the main office have come down and talked to me, and I have given a few ride alongs with NO problems, I even came in on a Saturday when there was to be 3 Drivers and I was the only 1 who showed up, and I handled all it on my own. There may be 52 stores in the St. Louis area, and I think we are #4 in deliveries, and I do my part to insure my Deliveries are correct and on time. I enjoy engaging with the customers and the Veterans and I always talk, they have even give me a nickname-Roger Ramjet. I have told my Gen. Mgr. you will be my last employer until I retire for good, a few years down the road still. I just wanted to let Corporate know how I feel working for you and I’ve posted on Facebook how much I enjoy working for Panera, and urged al my friends looking for Part-time positions to apply. Well that’s all I have, just my opinions. Mr. Roger D. Roam
I worked for panera bread on layton Milwaukee wi, The Managers their are very disrespectful to their staff they be little them they call us stupid and act like children and 1 gets mad very easy and starts slamming is hands on counters hes kicked garbage cans over hes slammed a lot of doors if he was in charged that day and we need to get change for 100 or 50 he would snatch it out of our hands and say something under his breathe he CAN NOT HANDLE PRESSURE. the girl manager their is very DISRESPECTFUL she would cal people stupid and tell them that they are dumb and don’t know what their doing but yet she was the one that showed people how to do things in the first place i was told to scrub the walls behind the cooking area no problem there but their was no point a day later it was dirty again managers do want to fix whats wrong with the place because they say if someone comes in and sees all of the breakage that it’ll help them get a new place faster booths on the bottom are braking by the wall are braking i’ve never worked in a hostile disrespectful and dirty place in my life. they say that its a health code not to wear hats and have ur hair tied back but they don’t do that them selves YOU CAN NOT HAVE RULES FOR UR STAFF AND NOT FOLLOW THEM UR SELF we cant be on our phones but their always on their to look at the games or to text their families but we are not allowed to do the same. when we can’t come in they give us numbers and tell us to call them but i don’t this that is appropriate to do that that’s personal info YOU ARE SO CALLED “MANAGERS” U CALL UR ASSOCIATES AND SEE IF THEY COME IN. I HOPE ONE day they change their attitude because if they don’t and they speak like however they want to they will get hit their mouths will get them in trouble don’t think they are manager material at all I wish everyone the best of luck at what we like to call Planet hell I’m beyond happy i QUIT. P.S IF CORPORATE ACTUALLY LOOKED AT HOW MAN PEOPLE QUIT WERE I WORKED THEY WOULD NOTICE SOMETHING AIINT RIGHT I’VE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE COME IN AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY QUIT.
I WAS TALKING ABOUT JACKIE AND DENNIS VAN DA HEY
I was at the Panera Bread in Rosedale, MD on Friday October 6, 2017. I purchased a few items and this Panera Bread was out of Butter!! How can that be – out of Butter of any kind when it is needed with products you sell. Just thought this was not right. Might consider another Panera Bread in the future or by pass altogether as a place to visit for food if products are not there for use or purchase.
My wife and I have had your Southwest Chile Lime Ranch with Chicken and wonder why you even add the word chicken. On our first order we both searched the salad for the chicken, then my wife ordered it again, and still no sign of chicken. We like the salad, but feel there’s a false advertising issue here.
KUDOS TO PANERA’S GENEROSITY CANCER RESEARCH.
We own a real estate company in Palm City, Florida and on Breast Cancer Awareness day ( the 6th ) we bought 200 of your pink ribbon bagels and took them around and gave them out to clients.
We were doing this not for us but we made sure to make people aware of what you were doing and your wonderful generosity.
I am not sure if this was a cause or not, but the local store manager said that they were ” swamped ” with customers that day !!
You reap what you sow and you get back what you give. Thanks for setting such a GREAT EXAMPLE.
Dear Panera Execs.
Germantown Maryland Panera is very dirty
Floors in particular.
The staff making sandwiches etc… hair not tied back or covered. I mean long braided dread locks hanging.
And, no I’m not a racist in case you voted for Hillary .
My friend found a bug in soup
A bug with tiny moving legs, fighting for life. They told her it was NOT a bug on the floor in front of eating customers
That was in fact, the manager.
If you do not get someone over there pronto, I’ll call the health administrator. Here in DC
I’m sure you understand how important this is to maintain your reputation!!
Thank you
On September 24th I stopped at the 1101 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60607 location to purchase 7 breakfast sandwiches, 8 bagels and cream cheese. I brought the breakfast items to my son’s house and upon taking everything out of the bags I noticed that the bagels and cream cheese were not there. So, I trekked back to Panera ( a 20 minute drive) to retrieve my missing items. The manager on duty apologized and gave me a coupon for a free lunch. She also told me she would take the price of the bagels and cream cheese off my credit card. Three days later and my credit card was never credited. So, I called the store and spoke with another manager. He was again apologetic and stated he would credit my account, if I brought the receipt into the store. I live an hour away, so that was not going to happen. So instead of getting a credit, I will get a coupon for 8 bagels.
This situation should never have occurred. Panera should have a set procedure in place for checking purchases before handing them over. This is not only good practice, but will also bring customers back time and time again.
I wasted a lot of time and energy on this and I am disappointed in Panera.
I work at Nationwide Children’s here in Columbus Ohio. We have a Panera Bread inside of the Business Office I work in located at 611 East Livingston Ave. I have gone to Panera almost every day since you guys opened this location.
There was a Manager who got promoted to GM and changed stores, his name is Jake. Since he has left the store has went so downhill. Only maybe 2 people are friendly.
Several of my associates including myself have complaints about orders always being wrong and when you say something to the stuff they get upset like you were the one who made the mistake. Today for instance…… I placed 2 different orders using my phone num. My last order I placed I asked you a Bacon, over easy egg and cheese Asiago cheese bagel toasted not pressed w/ lettuce, tomato and red onions. My bagel was half sliced, egg not over easy, and no red onions. First let me start by saying when the associate when to tell the cook to make a fresh egg over easy the staff came to the front to see who it was and shook his head. I’m sure my order has been incorrect at least 10-15 times and I’ve NEVER asked for anything for free. Even though when your order isn’t right you get a free treat. I’ve never been offered one nor have I even asked. I don’t eat sweets, but I maybe could’ve taken it home to my child. I say all that to say this. A simple smile can go a long way as well as just looking at the special instructions listed on the receipt. I’m sure that’s what it’s there for so customers can modify their orders.
A lot of the food restaurants and chains in Nicholasville Ky give either free meals to our officers on duty and EMS Fire Fighters how come Panera breads is not doing that. These are men and women who work around the clock to keep our town and community safe. How come Panera breads can’t give something back to these men and women. They are under pay and I know while eating at panera breads I would love to see these men and women who work hard to keep our community safe have a free meal. Why can’t it be on Panera you all donate why not donate to these men and women as well.
Between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on August 31, 2017, a Panera Bread Employee (located at the Ballantyne Village Charlotte NC) provided me with a meal in which I did not order. I ordered the Caesar Salad without chicken, and was provided a Caesar Salad with chicken. At approximately 1:36 p.m. I called and spoke with a Female Assistant Manager who was abrupt, rude and unprofessional. Therefore I asked for the telephone number to the Corporate Office of Panera Bread. The Female Assistant Manager told me to dial one eight-hundred eat “sh-t.” and hung-up the phone on me.
I went to store 0717 in Des Peres, Missouri at 9:00 am. I frequent many of the St. Louis County Bread Co restaurants (as they are called in Missouri). I always get coffee to go, and recently one of your kind employees at the Frontenac store showed me that I could fill my Yeti container of coffee rather than buying multiple cups. So this morning I went to store 0717 – the worst store in St. Louis County – and ordered the travel coffee refill. The girl helping me asked the manager, ALEX, how to ring it up. He said it wasn’t a refill and wouldn’t allow me to fill it with coffee. I explained that I didn’t care what he charged me, and that I had filled that very Yeti before, but he was unkind and unyielding. It’s coffee. The people who dine in can fill their cups unlimited times, but I want mine to go. ALEX was rude and dismissive. His sarcastic “Have a nice day” proved that he should not be in any kind of service industry. Hilariously, as usual, the store was out of decaf. Never. Again. Ever. I am embarrassed for you, Bread Co.
I will make G.D. sure I never do any business with Panera Bread or any of it’s subsidiaries. After having a fraudulent charge on my CC, the company had no interest in working with me. I’m sure Ronald M. Shaich has never seen this page or has any interest in a response.
I WENT TO THE NORTH HAVEN CT STORE TO GET A TAKE OUT ORDER OF MAC AND CHEESE AND BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR SOUP. WHEN I PICKED IT UP I NOTICED IT WASNT IN A LARGE CONTAINERS THE EMPLOYEE SAID WE GAVE YOU EXTRA. SO WHEN I GOT HOME THERE WAS ON LIKE A TABLE SPOON EXTRA . I CALLED THE MANAGER AND HE SAID THEY SHOULD OF GAVE YOU TWO SMALL AND WAS APOLOGETIC JUST COME DOWN AND ILL GIVE YOU MORE AND SOME PASTRIES FOR THE INCONVENIENCE , SO I SENT MY DAUGHTER FOR ME WHEN SHE GOT THERE HIS ATTIUDE WAS DIFFERENT, HE SAID HE TALKED TO THE EMPLOYEE AND WE WERE GIVEN TH RIGHT AMOUNT SO THERE SAYING A LARGE ISNT MUCH DIFFERNT THE A SMALL ITS ONLY LIKE A COUPLE TABLE SPOONS MORE THEN LARGE ,AND GAVE HER CHOCOLATE COOKIES NO PASTRIES. WHAT A RIP OFF. YOU WONT SEE ME THERE ANYMORE
PS THEY SAID THERE WERE OUT OF LARGE CUPS
Dear CEO Schaich:
Approximately, two hours, ago, my Mother and I went out to lunch at:
Panera Bread
4014 Peach St.
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 864-2640
My Mother was visiting from NY. We both ordered the pick-two (soup & sandwich) items. At the bottom, of my Black Bean soup, was a large piece of plastic. My Mom commented that her Chicken soup was watery & luke warm. In fact, both our cups of soup, were luke warm. She commented , how much the quality & atmosphere has declined at Panera Bread. I agreed. I asked to speak with a Manager regarding the plastic in my soup. Her name was Brianna. She was rude & spoke in a very flat tone, and said “well our soup comes in plastic bags, so that is how the plastic, ended up in your soup”. I said, “as a customer, I don’t care if it comes in a bag, box, bottle or any other container, it does not belong in my soup”. She didn’t offer an apology, only excuses, & simply refunded the soup, nothing else. And, my Mom ordered the Chicken & Rice soup & is now ill. Both our cups of soup, were obviously, not proper consistent temperature to ensure food safety. I was shocked & unhappy, so I called your Panera Contact line,& spoke with Jeff, he seemed busier speaking with a friend, so I had to reiterate my experience twice. He told me to call back to the Panera Bread location, we visited & ask to file a Customer Incident Form over the phone. I asked to speak with a Manager, and was told the Manager was not available. So, I spoke with the Asst. Manager, Chrisandra. She proceeded to give details about soup temperatures, thermal containers, so their soup is always hot. More excuses about process & not Customer Service Factual experience. And, Chrisandra said, she did not know how to complete the incident report, so her boss, said my Mother and I would have to drive back to that location and fill out the report, in person, ourselves. Hmmmm….so we should drive back in from NY complete a form in person that I had plastic in my soup, my Mom most likely has food poisoning from her luke warm Chicken & Rice soup…does that sound reasonable? And, Panera Bread, has the gull to say they have cleaner foods. Clean food should contain Plastic? Clean soup should be served luke warm? Clean food, should make my Mother sick? Outrageous!
SANDRA (her post below) I went to Panera bread café Williamsburg, Virginia for. My check number 517926 @ 11:54:01AM on 8/10/2017. Mandy, American-European decent, 5 foot 6, female, a bit heavy but not fat, lots of make-up, is the lady not Heather. she was the manager, she mention it was her idea to put the locks on the doors in Hampton. she said people once before stuck needles in the bathroom, when she managed that location. I told her when i saw “GAry (current Hampton manager)” i said i am going to write about these locks; however, to GARY’s credit the next week the locks were off.
the Williamsburg location Mandy does talk over you and is quick to interrupt. i was annoyed; however, i kept smiling because my boss sent me to get food. i did not want it “messed with” i told mandy i come from a business and if you knew who we are can we pay with cash. she denied my offer. thing that has my manager upset, we ordered and paid with cash last week, now today we can not. nothing seems uniform from this location. I will go back after 6 months.
I cannot believe the audacity of Panera Bread. I tried to call to place an order on 8/10/17 at 11:45 a.m. for several people in my office and was told I could not place a phone order unless I used a credit card. I told Heather which was the person I was speaking with that I was not happy with the fact that I was being forced to use a credit card just to place a phone order. Heather began to talk over me and was speaking very loud at me. Then all of a sudden she stopped talking. I thought she had hung up on me. I said, oh so you are going to just hang up on me. She said no I’m here. Once again I expressed that I was not satisfied with being forced to use a credit card to place a phone order. I explained that I was ordering for the office and we only have a certain amount of time for lunch and wanted our food ready when the person got there and he was going to pay by cash when he got there. Heather then said the only way we can place a phone order was to pay by credit or debit card. I let her know that I was not pleased and she seemed not to really care. I told her I would tell everyone I know not to go to Panera Bread. She said I can do whatever because that was corporate policy. I’m never going to Panera Bread again……..One of my employees went to a Panera Bread in Hampton and there were combination locks on the restroom doors. How sick is that. A food establishment is required by law to have a restroom available for customers…….
Upset in Virginia
I applied for the End of Day Dough-nation program for Micah Mission in Hopkinsville, KY and was denied stating the Mission was not a 501 (c) (3), but in fact we are. I enclosed a copy of the IRS form showing our EIN and was wondering what else is required to comply with the program’s requirements. Thank you
I’m assuming it would be best to go on social media and discuss my horrible experience instead of here because simply nothing will be done. I went to Panera probably about a week ago in Boca Raton FL. I wrote an email to you guys about the unediable chicken in your Thai I received in my salad and had to throw it away. All you do is apologize and no attempt at actual fixing the problem. Why would I ever go here again!
I am a regular Panera Bread customer and I had a very disturbing experience at the Panera Bread in my city, Burlington, NC.
I was sitting and working on my laptop a little after lunch time, so it wasn’t very crowded at all. There was a table with a couple of managers/employees across from me. At some point I noticed another employee, a young man, come in and have a seat. Didn’t pay too much attention, until a few minutes later, I noticed the gentleman was crying. Not, sitting there silently, a single tear running down my face silently, I’m talking about, obviously distressed, shoulders moving up and down crying. I watched him for a few seconds, then I glanced over at the table of managers/employees. He was in full view of them. They said, did nothing. I waited a couple of more minutes, eyeing him, eyeing his bosses. They did not respond to the situation at all! I grabbed some napkins and headed over to his table. I attempted to comfort him the best way I knew how. He was severely distressed and it took me a bit to calm him down, but eventually he did and I got him talking a bit. (That was one of his issues he felt he had no one to talk to)
I would like to know how, why this happened in the middle of this restaurant with managers right there??? When one of there own is sitting there in some sort of crisis and no one does anything??? How heartless. Are there not any rules or procedures in place for this type of situation? Or how about this-common courtesy? A little show of concern or kindness??? Its kind of disgusting that the staff had no regard for this young man’s well being. I visit this Panera often, and everybody is always friendly, but I have to say, the lack of empathy shown and lack of action taken by the staff/managers here needs to be addressed by HR. Pronto. Let me know if and when that happens, then I might consider patronizing this particular Panera again.
Worst Meal Ever!!!!
My husband and I decided to go out to dinner this evening (around 5:00pm) and because we had a Panera gift card, we decided to go there and enjoy a leisurely and healthy dinner. (The Cincinnati Eastgate North, Ohio store – #204918). Bad bad choice!!!!
We had not been to Panera for quite some time and we were really looking forward to the meal. I ordered the “You Pick Two” selection. My two choices were “Vegetarian Summer Corn Chowder” and “Half Roasted Turkey, Apple and Cheddar Sandwich.”
My husband waited at the counter and picked up the meals and brought them to our table. I couldn’t wait to dig in! My first bite was of the Corn Chowder and boy was I disappointed! The soup had the unmistakable flavor of being burnt! It was terrible! It tasted as if it was in the pot and had gotten burned on the bottom. Terrible, terrible, terrible disappointment and taste! It was practically inedible!
Then I went on to the sandwich. At first bite it tasted a little off … the cheese tasted really strong. All of the sudden it dawned on me … there was no turkey meat on the sandwich. Now I ask you … how could you make a turkey sandwich and leave off the turkey? So I took it back up to the front registers and asked to see a manager. When he came out and I explained what the problem was, he actually asked me “Well … do you want us to make you another sandwich?” Duh … yes, I’d like to have the sandwich that I paid you for. He walked it over to the kid who was making the sandwiches and whispered something to him and the kid proceeded to remake the sandwich. No apology, no “can I make this right,” just a really bad attitude … like I was the problem and why was I complaining?
Then, I went for my dessert … the brownie. I thought how could they screw this up? Well … they managed to do just that! The brownie was a corner piece and was so dried out and hard, that I tryed to take a bite out of it and it was also pretty much inedible!
Lucky for me, I had a $25.00 Panera gift card that I used and wound up spending almost $23.00 off of it. I’m glad that I didn’t actually pay out my hard earned cash for this disgusting meal and service. Needless to say … I do not plan on going back to this Panera anytime in the near future!
Sylvia Hoffman
I just left the Panera Bread in the Mall of America. The people you have working there are so rude. There were 5 people standing around and not helping customers or even greeting customers, but socializing. After taking the order of the person in front of me, the cashier never once asked to take my order. She continued to talk to another associate about their schedules. I stood there for a few minutes just looking at her and finally she said something to me. I told her there’s a line of customers and they’re just standing and talking. She then snapped at me and I told her they were really rude and I left. Panera, if this is the kind of customer service your associates provide, I will gladly take my business elsewhere.
I placed an online order today for pickup at the cafe location:
345 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
Time and Date: July 27, 2017 at 9:20 am
When I opened the package, I discovered that the order wasn’t prepared as per my request. I seeked help from the lady at the counter but she said it is not her job to prepare the orders. I then asked for the manager. She was standing around the same area but instead of helping, she rolled her eyes, and extremely rudely remarked that they don’t cut and pack the full sandwich in half. I told her that I’ve been ordering the same sandwich for a month from the Walt Whitman Mall location and for the past few days at the Main Street location and the order was always one whole sandwich was cut into two and packed to go. She very rudely remarked that I was lying. She told me her name is Stephanie. She further told me that she does not care if I report this incident or leave a poor feedback. “I don’t give a s**t about it”, was her response. I am extremely disappointed at the service I received today. I have been a customer of Panera Bread for a very long and never ever have been treated badly. My family and I have dined at Panera in many states across the USA. Today’s experience was totally unexpected and I am extremely disappointed that Panera Bread has employees who are rude and abusive to customers. I hope you’ll take action to rectify this problem.
I ordered the Chipotle, Chicken, Avocado Melt $9.19 plus tax. This was the worst sandwich that I have ever ordered for the money. I honestly feel that this was their last opportunity. I live in Dallas and after all the advertising I thought I would try them. I order a lot of catering but first wanted to see what type of lunch I would get and was extremely disappointed. I called and they reimbursed my money but I have decided to take the sandwich back and show the manager what the chef is providing their customers. Zero -0- stars. I will not be going back EVER!!!
North Federal Hwy Store, Ft Lauderdale, Fl
We ordered a Tomato & Mozzarella flatbread to go.
It was 8:40pm, long day & hungry. We get home, open the sandwich, there was 1/2 of a tomato that was wilted & looked like it had been on the floor. The mozzerella was less than the size of a 1/2 dollar coin. We got in the car, drove back to show the manager. She took the sandwich back, didn’t offer our money back & did not even offer to get us something else! Then she said she would have the general manager call us in the morning….never happened. What a DISGRACE!!!! Very disappointing service.
Wow judging by all the comments here I never knew panera was so bad?! My complaint is with corporate office. I had a pick two with an expiry date of tomorrow it has already been revoked from my account and I have a snap shot of the reward so I can prove it. I spend WAY to much money to have this happen by your rep EBONY on principle. It’s just a sandwich for crying out loud, but after telling her she had zero customer service and zero cares for military she went into my account and took it out. When I called back I was told they’re not allowed to reinstate it. It’s a sandwich, bad customer service at the corporate level I will NEVER go back. Sad as I liked the local store so I will let the owner know why even if he gives me free lunch I can never go back due to the corporate service response I received unreal.
Hello,
Went into your Boca Raton store today for soup. I also ordered a desert and when asked which one I wanted I saw that the entire desert cabinet had ants inside. I then told the employee at the cash register he laughed. I then asked him if they knew about it he replied with a NO but had a half smile. I then said do you know and your pretending not to know? He he said yes they know. This needs to go to the board of health this is terrible. They are knowingly selling pastries with ants on them for customers to buy and eat. I would expect a response about this. I eat there often but won’t be anymore.
We had ants on our cherry pastry’s (2) as well, The store in Palm Bay, Fla. was building a drive thru and the dessert area was exposed to the outside by the temporary door with half plastic hanging over the open door. This place has changed so much in the last year, Not good at all
Good afternoon, my company is a frequent customer of Panera Bread. This is a formal complaint about the services of your establishment in Englewood, New Jersey 07631. We had a lunch for a business meeting today and order was placed by employee here in the Fort Lee office over the phone. the order was not received. and we were told that Panera Bread doesn’t take orders over the phone. Really then how did we place the order on yesterday. So now you are telling me this after the man took the order. okay now you are going to give us a free order. We Don’t care about the order, Please tell your people what your policies are so they will not continue to treat customers this way or you will not be in business for long. Not happy with Panera Bread.
i like your salads, but why is the half salad more than half price? its small and costs $7 compared to $10 full size. suggest you charge the $5 more equitable half price.
This place is TRASH! Store #213 is a filthy, disgusting, joke! The employees there should be fired for being unintelligent! I wouldn’t expect them to even have a GED from high school, which I’m sure they couldn’t even get anyways. The lady who took my order is garbage too, she was rude to me and never answered my questions. When I pulled up to the drive through I kept giving her dirty looks, because I couldn’t stand the sight of that Sasquatch
Looking beast. Then thisnother employee starts talking to me about where the meat comes from, I don’t give a damn about the meat you 85 IQ moron! Then they give me a meal thT was disgusting tonecen eat, the sandwich was a complete cow patty looking thing, the soup looked like vomit or actually it looked like diarrhea to be honest. I’m never going back to this place! I hope you all get shut down soon.
Good Morning,
I am extremely upset. I am a regular customer to a few of your Panera Bread locations located in Maryland. Recently, I was informed that your Inner Harbor location was closing on June 30th due to rent issues. This is extremely inconvenient and upsetting, not only to me but, to the staff at this location as well. I go there every morning to get my coffee and an asiago bagel. I am quite upset about this. I also, like to go after work to study and grab a light lunch. Businesses in the neighborhood, there are many, it’s downtown Baltimore for crying out loud, are unable to have lunch meetings etc. I highly suggest that you try to sort something out because I refuse to travel to Canton for my morning coffee and please do not force me to grab a coffee at Starbucks. I will be calling you all as well. Thank you.
Panera in Jenkintown, where my family and I have been regulars since it opened many years back, could use some lessons in corporate courtesyand customer service. When I asked Linda, the manager, if we could have a special treat because the restaurant got our order wrong — the sweet treat policy is stamped on every receipt — she told the food worker behind the counter that it’s OK “because we [Panera] screwed up his order.” As I was leaving, she then added, in front of my 8-year-old no less, “They do it every time.” I stopped in my tracks and came back to her: “Are you saying my family and I do this every time to get a free dessert?” Yes, she said, “you always have issues,” which is far from the truth. But even if it were, one assumes you don’t build a faithful clientele by insulting them. “Well,” I said, “if the order wasn’t right, I’m entitled to the ‘sweet treat.'” “Go ahead,” she said brusquely. “Are you in the habit of insulting your customers?” I asked, to which I did not get a reply. Most tellingly, she didn’t apologize. How rude and how insulting. Someone should train your managers better to at least have some courtesy. And if you don’t want to give desserts when the company “screws up,” don’t make it your policy. Is this the new Panera attitude?
I order i sandwich today from the Sterling Heights michigan store , store number 0671 and there was a wasp embedded in my turkey meet ! My co workers and I always order from Panera cause it’s one of the best fast food places in our area but after today we will never order from Panera Again! Although they offered me a refund that still doesn’t suffice because I actually bit the sand which a few times before I noticed it , please check your food if you decide to order there !
I am vision impaired currently pregnant and on crutches. We have gone in location to the Panera bread at 48359 Auburn hills location . I have traveled all over with my husband in major-league sports including out west and we eat very healthy knw quality with Panera.But this Panera has been beyond par. We keep giving it a chance because there’s not much available out this way including you’ve spent over $300 lately on delivery . Numerous numerous times the sandwiches of been slapped together like nobody cares including absolutely disgusting presentation of either one piece of meat or shred of veggie An slipped together! Another day the steak was very rare to rare ! Today I received over $50 order! And my sandwich was literally torn apart by somebody’s hands instead of cutting it shreds of cheese and three shreds of chicken and not right w no dressing. For such half fast these people should not be working in a restaurant and it’s making Panera look really bad on quality it needs to be overlooked by district manager Asap. Not want to cause customer deserves nor expects as well as for the price I pay and cannot drive back to make it right this is ridiculous. At times it is been OK with the soups so we keep ordering with the baked goods as well but as for behind the counter and preparation is disgusting with lack of carelessness that should not be served anybody .
I was treated extremely rude in store #782 on Green brier Parkway in Chesapeake Va by a manager named Matt Lehman. I will never go back to that store again. I cannot believe an employee of Panera Bread can be so rude to a customer and a manager at that. This creates poor business. I will take my business elsewhere.
I’ve recently starting eating in your restaurants specifically because of your natural food AND, I love your open restaurants with plenty of windows! (except for the Ghent Norfolk location. You need to install MORE windows there to brighten up that location! Knock out that wall!) I’ve tried many of your food selections and I don’t experience the undesirable side effects that I experience at other restaurants. I’m into natural, organic type foods so that is my attraction to your chain. I love all of the selections and options and your pastries are outstanding. I frequent salads though, and even the “extra” dressing is most often not enough for your large salads. But store clerks are very helpful and customer oriented and they provide additional dressing when requested.
I’ve tried many of your locations from Norfolk up through Arlington. Rarely, however, do I find hot Hazelnut coffee available unless it’s just after 3PM. I normally have to find a clerk to have it brewed. The pots are usually empty or cold about 70% of the time in the evening. This is consistent with most of your locations. The other day in Williamsburg, your store had a small line of coffee drinkers waiting for the pots to be refilled!
I love your flexible ordering system, vs. waiting in line, but there are challenges! The Kiosk system works fairly well, once you get used to it’s weird terminology. The problem is that most often the system doesn’t let me put in a tip, which I would prefer to do. Sometimes it does allow this, but most of the time it does not.
Also, I finally figured out that if I hit the ORDER button on the screen, than I can add a second or third ordering selection. Do your programmers understand the terminology CART or SAVE TO CART, used by all other online ordering services? I would suggest you employ similar on screen terminology universally by all other ordering companies. I shouldn’t have to “guess” what the word ORDER actually means in the context of your system. I notice that in most of your locations people are waiting in line instead of using the kiosk. It’s probably because the Kiosk ordering structure is not user friendly. Once you figure out how it works, it’s fine, but your programmers should make this a more “user friendly” experience.
My actual preference would be to sit at your table and place my order using my android phone, versus the kiosk. Cool concept! I use my phone for 90% of my consumable orders with just about every company on the planet. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to do this successfully with your app because as you make your selections, it either it times out too quickly, forcing you start over, or if you do manage to put in your selections quickly enough, there is no way to acXXXXulate your various selections in a “CART” for “FINAL CHECKOUT”.
For example, if you select a sandwich and all of it’s options, the only option button you have before going to another selection is the “SAVE” button. There is no “NEXT” button at all. Nor is there a “SAVE TO CART.” Just “SAVE” which appears to do nothing. So I click SAVE and then attempt to put in a second item. The problem is that it dumps the first selection and when you are done with your next selection there is NO WAY to complete your order and pay for it! There is no “VIEW CART”, or “FINAL CHECKOUT” buttons. Your app is not usable on either my phone or my spouses phone, both Samsung 8+ phones. Perhaps you need to update your app. I’m not having issues with other company ordering apps.
My background was software development (30 years, now retired) and I would recommend you do an independent review of your software development and also restructure your email suggestion page and Android app to make them the same positive experience as your food!
You have a great “leading edge” ordering method and vision, but I would suggest you follow the standard software ordering structure and terminology used by the majority of on-line retailers today to create a more positive ordering experience. Make it as good as the other companies, which are EXTREMELY user friendly and I think you’ll greatly increase your customer base.
My daughters work at the greensburg centre one and an incident occured which upset my oldest and she is afraid of being fired. She is a college student so doesn’t work much but she gets fired, i swear you will have no employees because i will let everyone know that the managers dont know how to do their job and favor certain coworkers. I am tired of my girls coming home stressed and crying.when a customer comes in 5 minutes before closing and the employees are cleaning up and putting stuff aw, the customer should be more considerate knowing the place closes soon. Unhappy parent and i dont care how old my children are, i will always defend them. Fire my daughter and you will have no employees, so maybe the mangers should learn to be nicer to their employees
I want to thank Panera Bread for prohibiting “emotional support” animals from its restaurants. That “emotional support” ruse should be challenged more by businesses. People simply make it up. I’ve heard people brag how “cleaver” they are when they claim their dog is needed for “emotional support” so they can keep it with them on an airplane and avoid the fee to put it in cargo where it would normally go.
I and my children are allergic to cats and dogs and a restaurant is no place for them. There is no authority to enforce that designation, True “service animals” are quite different. They are legitimate and help people who truly need help. The dogs are well-trained and certified by an organization created for that purpose.
Gentleman,
This evening at about 6:30 pm PST, I made the unfortunate decision to visit your Panera restaurant located in Mt View at the corner of El Monte and Ednamy Blvd. I have to say that I have and I am still considering filing a complaint with the State of California for discrimination against a person(s) with disability. Here is an outline of the events.
1. Arrive at the restaurant with my Wife and granddaughter who is 7 years. The choice of restaurant was based on my granddaughter stating she had never been to a “Panera”
2. Once at the counter were a female who I cannot identify (no employees in the store wears name tags, expect the Manager). I asked her how her day was going, I was ignored. The girl was looking down at her lap at what I can only assume, but do not know for a fact was a cell phone. The female then looked up and I again I asked how was if your day. Again no response, my wife then starts placing an order. One meal from the Childs menu and two from the adult menu. The female then for the first time, repeats back the order. This order had not one thing that my wife had asked for.
3. At the time that the female repeated back the order, a male employee comes out to help the next person in line. He not only gets the order correct, but smiles, thanks them and handles the order as a professional should. I instruct the female to cancel the order and explain that we will move on the male cashier to help us.
4. At this time a female from the back of the store comes charging out, screaming how rude I was. I immediately ask for the Manager and this female yells to the back for Molyka to come deal with this rude customer.
5. Molyka Choeurk, the store Manager, the only person to wearing a name tag, refuses to give me the names of the females and instructs me to calm down.
6. I have stage four Parkinson’s, I have very apparent tremors, my head shakes and I have lost the ability in my face to show normal emotion. I explain to her that I am not upset and that I have Parkinson. Molyka, snickers, an almost laugher and smiles at me as if I am lying. I then pull up my shirt to show two battery backs and show her the wires that are sticking out of my neck from the Deep Brain Surgery for the treatment of Parkinson’s. I then explain I cannot control my shakes and that she should not mistake them for “being upset”. Again I get a snickering and a smile that is meant to further upset me. Molyka, then asked me what I want. When I explain that I be reporting this event to the cooperate office. Her reply is shocking, “go ahead”. What kind of Manger would be so bold to make a statement and to act in this way?
7. As I left the store two females customers came into the store, as I was sharing my experience with them and asking them to go else were. Molyka, charge towards me, but did not touch me. My wife asked me to leave and I did. Imagine what would have happen had this Manger struck me or push me. A person like myself who does not have the ability to defend themselves and a person who less than a year ago had undergone brain surgery. Imagine this Manger knocking me to the ground, would you be proud of her? Would the owner of Panera be proud of her?
8. I located the corporate number and report the event. A male who did give his name took my side of the story and gave me this case number. 170527-000962. He did apologies and he did explain that this is a franchise and the actions would be limited, but he would find it difficult for a store owner to ignore a complaint of this kind. I now understand why this Manager felt so immune from repercussions of her actions and why the staff handle themselves in such a way. Unfortunately the name Panera is atop the restaurant and Panera is the name on menu and it is Panera that should be held responsible for the actions of this staff and franchise.
9. As the night has gone on and I relive the events that I see as discrimination against a person with a disability. I have reached out to the Michael J Fox foundation in hopes that they will forward you educational material. I have found the Panera has had discrimination issues with individuals with a disability. I am truly contemplating reporting the events to the state and forward the complaint to the news agencies. It is truly important to me that NO organization treats people in such a way, that NO franchise is allowed to treat a person with a disability in such a way. That no manager snickers at or finds enjoyment or laughter at the expense of person with a disability. That no employee is so empowered to feel the right to talk to anyone in the way the second female felt empowered.
10. At this time I have not shared my story of today’s events on Facebook and I would prefer not to.
11. When I called you corporate office, I was given a case number so I could follow up. Why do I need to take the time to follow up? Why doesn’t Panera follow up with me?
12. I look forward to hearing from your corporate office and the outcome of this issue, before it becomes a much larger issue.
Sincerely,
Steven Kizer
I just recently (this morning) had a terrible experience at Panera. I was picking up a large order for a company I worked for. I also put in a separate order for myself. I ordered a pastry and an iced mocha drink. While I had to wait for the mocha, the girl making the drinks was complaining about other workers to herself. She knew that the girl at the counter was new (it seemed to me because she was being trained) and didn’t tell her she needed my drink. So the girl skipped my order and made the next few drinks. I got my catered order and 9 minutes had passed. The girl making drinks said out loud…did anyone need this mocha drink? And I just stared at her and looked at the cashier who said….yeah that’s for her. And the manager said to the cashier..you need to let them know when you order a drink. So the drink maker started on my drink..and barely filled the cup. I have a picture of it if you would like to see. It’s missing about an inch or more since I didn’t get whipped cream. If I pay 5 dollars for a drink, I feel it should be filled to the top with the product I paid for. The girl put a little water in the container the mocha was made it and swished it around..and poured it into my cup. And that was that. I was in a hurry and couldn’t speak with the manager..as I already wasted enough of my time. I will not be back.
Rick and Reny at Tacoma mall location are very rude, unprofessional, and disrespectful. Neither one of them should be in management.
They treat you like crap just because you asked a question. They make you feel like they are bothering you. They will not really help you when you ask a simple question. They should have better people skills for someone in management. They make a very unwelcoming and hostile environment because they speak angrily all the time. Rick is always on his cell phone.
Customers have commented to me how unwelcoming and rude Reny comes off. Rick is fake with customers.
There is a different set of rules for an employee who has been there for about 5years then there are new people. She wears fake nails with polish and has more piercing than allowed.
You really should talk to the new hires about these people. Hopfully they will give you honest feedback. I know at least one of them. Reny was very rude to him for no reason.
I will never be back and have already told people about my experience. So at least I have already helped a little in loosing business at that location and i feel good about that.
In April I was offered the free daily bagel promo. I was going to be in Atlanta for a conference, and at the end of the month, logged in ONCE a day for 8 days to redeem my free bagels, to be picked up on the same future date, in Atlanta near my hotel. I arrived with my study group on May 7th to pick them up for our breakfast, each bagel ordered under the name of the person who it was for, but all redeemed correctly on prior separate days in APRIL. The cafe Manager refused to give me my 8 bagels saying that “corporate had alerted her they were all ordered under the same phone number”. Yeah, it was MINE and I redeemed each bagel properly. Your system should have flagged my orders if there was something not in compliance with your free bagel promo, instead of allowing me to drive across toen with my group and be denied my bagels! Needless to say, we all left going instead to Einstein’s to buy breakfast and vowing not to return to Panera. News flash… your free bagel promo is a scam or else has fine print that even a cafe manager can’t produce when asked. UNbelievable. I want my 8 bagels!
I just went to my panara bread, just to find you’ve taken away our Apple Crunch Muffins, and before that you quit making Banana Nut Muffins. I am so sorry to say I probably won’t be back again, and will tell friends that you have taken yet another Muffin away, and believe me I drive for Uber, and when you took away Banana Nut Muffins away they were disappointed then not sure what they will do this time around, you should know when you have something that is so well liked don’t quit until you talk to your patrons. Have a good day and a so disappointed in Panara Bread, ?
To Whom It May Concern,
On 5/17/17 I placed an online order for rapid pick up at 6:00pm. I went to the Panera #202323 to pick up my order. When I arrived they had moved the rapid pick up shelf, so I asked the cashier where to pick up. The store was not very busy, I was the only one waiting for an order, after a few minutes of being ignored and realizing there weren’t any orders being filled. I asked the same cashier about my order, she replied “I don’t know, let me get the manager.” Who was close and came up to me, I explained my issue and he said. “We need a receipt” I said I don’t have one, I ordered online. He said you need your email, I explained that I didn’t have my phone and asked if he could please check or look it up for me. He said “not without the email.” So being disgusted and running short on time, I left.
I had to pick up food elsewhere, and when I got home I tried to cancel the order. Which said you have to cancel 1 hour before pick up. I contacted customer service on 5/18/17 at 855-372-6372, the customer service rep told me too bad.. You ordered at the other Greensburg store #202337, which totally surprised me. I asked if an order isn’t picked up what happens. He replied that Panera owns 1800 café’s and each has their own way of handling orders that aren’t picked up. He said it either was thrown away or donated. I said an email or something would have been nice that said you never picked up your order.. I thought it was a computer glitch and the order never went through properly. I asked if there was anything he could do about my $25.39, he said no.
I did call the #202337 store, where I had mistakenly placed my order. I spoke to a lovely manager, Andrea, who was kind and helpful even though she could not help me with a refund because it was the next business day. I still appreciated the time she took to talk to me, out of the 3 people I spoke with she was the best customer service oriented employee.
I have worked on the front lines ie; customer service related positions for 25 years and I was completely shocked at the way I was treated by the Panera staff. I can overlook the young flip employees in the cafes because they are still learning, but there is no excuse for the Manager or the Customer Service Rep on the phone. This experience has left a very bad impression.
I work for a homecare agency and we utilize Panera for a lot of our meeting luncheons and breakfasts. I have noticed a decline over the past few months; when ordering Bagel Packs for meetings and only getting 1 knife, orders not being ready when I arrive.. Something is happening…I don’t know if it has to do with quality control since the buyout, but something is different.
I have the distinct impression that Panera cares about our environment, but impressions can be deceiving. While Panera is using sustainable processes in the kitchen, perhaps, it does not appear to care about all of the plastic cups which are thrown in the trash. We frequent two of your stores, one in Eden Prairie, MN, where I work, and one in Shakopee, MN, where we live. Of course this is not a sustainable practice under any measure, especially when you consider how many plastic cups are thrown in the trash on a daily basis.
When we visit, we bring home our plastic cups to recycle. I even grab any sitting on nearby booths where patrons have left their trays. We are going to start bringing our glasses from home, perhaps. The manager in Shakopee on one occasion told me that the fault lies with the recycling /waste management company.
I called your customer care number today and spoke to Ashley; she said she’ll pass my concerns on to the District Manager. I also called the restaurant in Shakopee today and spoke to the on duty manager, Corey, and he told something else entirely. He said that Minnesota doesn’t have franchise stores, only corporate stores, and he would not be ‘allowed’ to make any changes to accommodate plastic cup recycling without express consent of St. Louis Corporate Panera. Well, ? The mere fact that I have to take the time to write, after bringing up this to my local stores, suggests that Panera is happy with the status quo, unless a loud enough squeak from me, or say a Facebook/Twitter, Instagram or any social media campaign we might organize makes enough fuss that you might listen.
There are a lot of us customers who enjoy your products and care about the environment. YOU should care about the environment. You have to walk the walk and talk the talk and not just tell us about your antibiotic free chicken.
We all have the responsibility to be good stewards of the environment because as the lovely saying goes, ‘we don’t borrow the earth from our parents; we inherit it from our children.’
As of April 11th 2017, I have yet to receive my 2016 W2 for my employment in a location in Connecticut. I have tried contacting the corporate office and have heard nothing.
Same issue, but now its 4/17. Told to use Payroll at PaneraBread.com Tried twice and zero reply. Any thoughts, can you say extension?
Well–it is now abundantly apparent why Panera Bread got rid of a productive manager at the Oxford AL store, virtually ruining the young man’s life. You sold your company and got rid of your productive managers who worked so hard to make you attractive for a buyout. I have been exploring your company since you got rid of that young manager and noticed that you have gotten rid of several of your top managers in the North Alabama region, and I suppose throughout the nation. How about taking some of that 7.5 billion you are getting in the sale and help these managers who were so loyal to you and made you so profitably attractive. Or will you be like any other carpetbagger and take the money and run?
mericanews.com/2017/03/31/girl-starts-puking-cant-stop-then-dad-sees-what-immigrant-did-to-her/
What are you doing so this will not happen again?
My husband and I love going to Panera. Your coffee,soups, sandwiches and salads are delicious. Today we had coffee and an oatmeal raisin cookie. The coffee was wonderful as usual, the cookie was moist, delicious, but too much sugar. Who ever bakes these cookies or any other baked pastries, do not need so much sugar – (let’s say 1/2 of what they use). I bake whole wheat fruit muffins and add less than 1/2 cup of maple syrup – that’s it! This recipe is for 24 muffins. People love them and always comment on how delicious they are. The blueberries, peaches etc. take over the taste.
I am visiting family in FL, they reside near Hallandale Beach. I also work with a firm in London, so I like meeting people from this area at the Panera location in Hallandale Beach, on Hallandale Beach Blvd. I had an issue with the soda in the soda station, it was foamy. So I politely asked an employee if I was able to speak to a manager on duty. He called one of the managers, and the lady that “assisted” me to my question, I wasn’t even trying to complain I was just trying to ask her why is that the soda is all foam and not soda, if they were going to change it soon or should I get something else to drink. The blonde lady that came and was the supposed “manager on duty”. Was very very rude, she said yeah “I will get to it” which is so not manager mannered, and I checked 20 minutes later, she still had not changed the soda it was still foaming. I don’t remember her name I just remember she was blondish. I don’t understand how people that work and are supposed to manage customer experience jobs, act that way towards the customers. She kept marching around the whole time I was there yelling at her employees for things to do instead of taking charge and doing them herself, as a manager should. I will never go back to this location, ever again.
I am a customer at Panera Bread in Hallandale Beach, I honestly don’t have a problem with the employees as much as certain managers at their store are arrogant. They think we as customers don’t hear anything but you can hear them all through the dining room screaming at their employees. I have still yet to call HR, I believe maybe it is not my business to call HR on someone as to I don’t think it’s my business. Whoever runs this place needs to work on their management, they are the reason this place will loose all business. So many people tell me they are not satisfied.
They should actually close all of these down. The service sucks, they are always out of numerous things, only one or two people work. This is almost slave labor. One register is all that is ever open. I told them years ago how to run this place, but they want something for nothing. If they got something right, I think they would all be shocked, but really that don’t give a f*** anyway because they are treated like sh*t! I hope all of these close! They deserve it!
This is so accurate! I work for Panera in Oxford, MS and this is 100% true. We never get breaks, we are forced to work doubles, and we have no sick days! I was throwing up and attempted to call in, and they made me come to work anyways because I couldn’t find anyone to cover my shift. I was throwing up in the back between orders in the drive thru.
The Regional Manager in the North Alabama district recently walked in and fired the manager at the Oxford AL store . I have been a customer at that store and know the manager, I have observed the way he ran the business over a period of time. He has moved that store forward over the past two years and is considerate to his customers and his employees. He had recently purchased a new home, had a new daughter and was happy to be with Panera in Oxford. Needless to say, he is now devastated and his life turned upside down. I worked in the corporate world over 40 years and I think I am a good judge of manpower. I would have to say after witnessing this fiasco that Panera Bread must definitely not be a good company to work for and this old retired guy is looking for a new place to eat. To that cut throat regional director–I hope Karma finds you out–you absolutely have ruined this young man’s life at present and for no good reason that is evident. Thank you for listening, I just had to get this off my chest!
Do you have any idea why this manager was terminated? Maybe he was stealing? Maybe he had been given goals/objectives from his regional manager and didn’t not meet those goals. Maybe he was involved in a sexual harassment claim. I doubt you would know any of these reasons. I was in the restaurant business for over 20 years and had to terminate managers for these reasons and many more. From a corporate level you can not share these with staff or customers as that would be slanderous to the terminated employee. If you came from 49 years of corporate experience as you stated, you would understand this.
It was the goals/objectives scheme—I inquired of his fellow employees( most of whom have quit)—they said that though this manager had exceeded his original goals–this new district manager put near impossible goals on him. By the way, several of the leading managers in this district have now been fired–I wondered why a company would get rid of its top producers–it just didn’t make sense. Then I was enlightened to the truth–Panera has this scheme where they tell their managers if they meet certain parameters and goals, they will contract with them and offer large bonuses after 2-3 years. The managers then beat themselves to death trying to keep all the goals—as they near time for the bonuses, suddenly they are the worst employees ever, and are given impossible tasks to meet or they will be let go. This is what happened in this region–as an old retiree who has nothing better to do—I made it my business to find out. I might add that the store in oxford has really gone down and I do not eat there often anymore. Sooo—good luck with your billions Panera—you joined the carpetbagger ranks. I wish I were still in business, I would snatch up some of these employees you ran off and show them how all companies are not cut throat like the one they worked for!
Roger, I have to agree with you. The manager of our local Panera Bread here in North Alabama was done the same way. It seems the company that bought Panera Bread is downsizing all their top producing, top paid managers and is replacing them with 22 year olds straight out of college and at much lesser salary. Who would have thought? I agree that it must be a place that you wouldn’t want to be if you are looking for long term employment. Just a word of advice to those of you who think you may have a future with Panera Bread. Good Luck!
Just thought I would jump in here, I had been wondering why quality service in the Panera in my town had suddenly gone down. I was emailing to complain but after reading these posts, I think I know. They got rid of the seasoned manager in this town about two months ago and have a dude who is probably early 20’s in his place, he actually looks like he just got out of high school. The previous manager was in his late 30’s with a family and was very good at what he did. He was very personable to customers and immediately solved any problems that arose, he had very little turnover in his employees. The new kid is usually texting or flirting with a group of young ladies who seem to be around when I take my family to dinner. Well, I guess nothing good lasts forever and from the comments in this site it looks like Panera is on its way out. Bon Voyage!
I’ve been trying to apply for a management gm position with Panera in the Northern Illinois suburbs for over a year now and have not received any feedback or anything back from Panera. Ive gone through recruiters and even reached out to gm and district manager of panera. All this and still nothing. I have 20+ years experience in restaurant industry and I feel I’d be a great fit for Panera but no one seems to want to give me an interview. I find it very unprofessional that I have not received any thing what so ever from Panera.
Thanks for your time
Frank Hudock
From what I am reading about Panera after their sell out, you would have too much experience and qualification and would demand more salary for that experience. They are hiring kids at reduced salaries and it is really beginning to show in their operation. The local Panera has a new manager who is about 25 years old and service/quality has gone out the door. Its not that he isn’t trying, he just doesn’t have the experience to get it organized and his employees in gear.
I am a CPA and tax manager in an accounting firm in Scottsdale, AZ. Our office frequently orders from PaneraBread on a regular basis throughout our busy season. There is a reason we do so – because you typically provide quality food at a reasonable price, and of course the vicinity of one of your locations to our office.
That being said, I typically treat the office to breakfast every Saturday morning during tax season as they all work hard and deserve a good start to their day. Every once in a while this breakfast will be from Panera, which I will personally order and pick up. Today 3/11/17 was the first time this season that I ordered from Panera. I used the “Rapid-Order” process through my cell phone and placed my order last night (3/10/17) – thus thinking my order was placed in plenty of time to be processed and ready for pick up at 7.15am this morning at the Scottsdale, AZ (The Shops Gainey – 8777 N Scottsdale Rd) location.
However, upon arrival at 7.15am, and retrieval of my order, the receipt indicated that I needed to see the manager. The manager indicated that my order was not ready. I had ordered 8 soufflés (4 each of 2 different types). The manager indicated that they only make a limited number of these and that I would have to wait another 25 minutes. I asked why these were not prepared in time, as I sent in my order the evening before, sufficient advance notice? He indicated that they only look at the orders 10 minutes before they are due to be prepared. I asked why didn’t anyone at least call me? He said it would not have mattered and I would still have had to wait or request substitutes for what I ordered.
MY time is extremely limited, let alone valuable this time of year. For me to have to wait an additional 25 minutes for something that I ordered well in advance is unacceptable. Additionally, your process is greatly flawed, if according to the manager, your employees are only looking at orders 10 minutes before the customer arrives. I would think that one of the FIRST steps of the morning (OR previous night!) would be for someone to look at incoming orders to evaluate any required additional work, analyze if there is enough product on hand, or enough time to create the product based on employee schedules, and then initiate the days work accordingly. Additionally, if there doesn’t appear to be enough time to complete the orders on hand, COMMUNICATE with the customer or least give them some advanced warning and options. I would think this is more prudent instead of waiting for the customer to come in and create an atmosphere of frustration, disappointment and/or even animosity for something that could’ve been avoided.
FURTHERMORE, in my own case, when after I was finally provided the rest of my order, and offered some free cookies (which at the time, already feeling frustrated from the experience, I felt was barely a token gesture), I was now already late for an appointment with my own client! SUBSEQUENT to leaving the breakfast with my employees, finishing my appointment with my client, I was then informed that HALF of the soufflés (the ones for which I had to wait) were UNDERCOOKED and had to been thrown away. I looked at them myself and sure enough, the egg was dripping out of them!!
Needless to say this was at, best, the most frustrating and unsatisfactory services I have experienced. Epic Fail from a service, customer relations, and product p.o.v., along with my loss of time during a critical time of year for our business.
Lastly, I had also attempted to access the customer service area of your website, which apparently only allows for a set number of characters for communicating.
Vast areas of improvement in my opinion needed from a corporate level down to the franchisee.
Jon M Aussenberg, CPA
David L Buterbaugh PC
8040 E Morgan Trl #15
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Hi Glen,
I do apologize that you have not been contacted in regards to your concern. This information was forwarded to the Franchise management team and someone should have contacted you in order to provide accurate information from this Franchise.
I will be more than happy to forward this information again and personally request that some one reach out to you at their earliest convenience.
We look forward to seeing you soon, Glen!
Sincerely,
Charmaura
Panera Bread Customer Care
Customer By Service Email (Glen Freeman) (02/03/2017 12:16 PM)
Thanks for reaching out. Your reference number is: #170118-000013.
You have yet to respond to me-????
01:000379:38427—YU
Customer By Service Web (Glen Freeman) (01/18/2017 03:10 AM)
I recently went to a Panera Restaurant in Seabrook NH and found the experience very disappointing. Your food is average and very over priced. My good friend Michael Glazer often attends your focus groups in order to receives a $40 gift card .
Mr Glazer has attended this focus group several times which is confusing as getting the same person’s observations over and over is worthless.
Your system needs refinement and your restaurants need honest assessments-not assessments by non costumers.
Question Reference # 170118-000013
Date Created: 01/18/2017 03:10 AM
Date Last Updated: 02/03/2017 12:42 PM
this company is full of sh*t they hire people and they fire people for no reason and the managers team up on good people because they are doing a good job , the managers are vick, ali, and Kianna they are full of sh*t they need to be fired asap .
Couldn’t agree more, currently working at a panera franchise, the job isnt even bad i actually dont mind the work at all its the managment that make it so much harder by not offering direction and leaving employees on their own to make mistakes. Definitley going to tell people tonstear clear of working here
2/24/17 – Panera Bread Miramar Location.
After I paid I spend 30 minutes waiting to get my order.
People behind me in line got their orders before me. I asked the manager why was taking to long for a soup and salad to go and she said it depends on. Since I only had 30 minutes lunch I request a refund and the manager gave instead of giving my food. I didn’t eat anything today at my lunch.
I am very disappointed and I doný intent to go back there.
People go there for a quick lunch and spend to much time waiting!!!!!
My fiance and I dined in the Panera Bread cafe on Michigan Avenue in Canton, Michigan. It is the store that is closed to where we reside. We dined there two weeks in a row both on friday mornings. He ordered the salt bagel, sausage, egg and cheese (grilled). I ordered the cheese bagel with egg white, turkey sausage and spinach (grilled). The first friday his order was wrong..wrong bagel as well as toppings. My sandwich was wrong..the wrong bread as well as toppings. We also ordered the dark roast coffee..the urn was empty. They said they had to make more coffee and it would take a few minutes. In the time they made the second sandwich and delivered it to us the coffee still wasn’t made until the meal was half eaten. We did return the second week (call us crazy) and ordered the exact same breakfast sandwiches along with dark roast coffee. Guess what…they screwed up both orders. He received the wrong bagel as well as toppings again. Mine was wrong as well..we went to get coffee and they were out again! They were also out of light roast which we don’t like as well. This time our meal was almost finished before the coffee was made. We spoke to the manager of the store both times explaining our disappointment but nothing happened. We thought maybe they would at least credit us for the wrong sandwiches but nothing. So, we reached out and spoke to a customer care specialist explaining our problem via email. He basically stated he would pass it along to a District Manager and make them aware of it. Again, they didn’t offer to credit us for the bad experiences both time. I spoke to another customer care specialist today. After telling him about everything his response was “well they made you another sandwich didn’t they” well yes I replied and he added “you could have ordered another type of coffee” my response was I didn’t care for another type of coffee I came there to get the sandwich I ordered along with the type of coffee that they carry. They weren’t out of that coffee it just wasn’t made..no one on staff bothered to stay on top of it and check the urns. When I asked to speak to a manager he actually refused to connect me to speak to anyone and stated he would pass my complaint along to the district manager. Well I contacted corporate headquarters and after waiting between 10-15 minutes for someone I spoke to a Jessica that stated she was a supervisor. Once again I explained everything that happened two weeks in a row and ask for a credit (which I shouldn’t have to do). We told her we shared the experience with the manager of the store in both situations and he offered us nothing in return. She stated that the managers don’t have the ability to credit your rewards card or return your money when this happens. I don’t understand this philosophy of doing business. Anytime I have ever had a bad meal at a restaurant they have always made it right because they want your repeat business and want happy customers. I had to ask her a couple of times for a credit in which she finally said she would credit my rewards card for two sandwiches. I told her although I was happy she did that I shouldn’t have had to ask as a customer. I also has her if she read some of the terrible reviews on this site and she said hasn’t and doesn’t know who is reading them. As a company as large and profitable as Panera Bread, I only assumed that someone would be looking at these reviews. There is a lot about poor service, wrong orders, restaurant cleanliness as well as other things. I am so disappointed with this company right now. I have lost all respect for this company and the way they conduct themselves to the public.
Seems to be a typical response from all these cameras.
Meant response from Panera
I recently had dinner at the Woodcliff Lake, NJ location and was extremely disappointed in the store cleanliness . Besides looking old and “tired” it was dirty and not one employee seemed to care. It was dinner time but the store was not crowded . Tables and floors were dirty, the ladies bathroom was filthy with toilet paper on the floor and dirty toilet seats. I was given utensils that were dirty and the soda machine looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks. Although I enjoy the menu I will not return to that location again. I would appreciate you passing this complaint along to the store manager hoping he/she will address these issues but I somehow feel this complaint will be ignored as it seems this location has been this way for a while now.
So disappointed that no one from corporate reached back to me from the phone call I made on 2/3/17, Friday, and spoke to Eboney who seemed sincere about my experience that occurred said someone from corporate will call by Monday and now it is Thursday and here I am again reaching out to you again, Panera. My money was taken and only part of my order was given and one order was to be vegan and they still added the ingredient in I asked not to be in food, so no meal for one of my kids. Is any one gonna get back to me? And I want my money back.
02/08/17
My team ordered a lot of food today for lunch. I was so disgusted after ordering a chicken salad sandwich that had 4 slices of bread and very little chicken salad on my sandwich. First of all why 4 slices of bread for one sandwich? I was so hungry and too far away from there to take it back. I did call the Manager, she apologize and sending me some coupons in the mail that I will probably give a way. Not sure if I will ever go there again
My 6yr old daughter found a used band aid in her broccoli cheese soup that obviously slipped if someone finger. It appeared to have blood on it as well. Thank GOD she didn’t put it in her mouth. My two other girls and myself ordered the same soup. Thankfully we had not started eating yet. It’s so disgusting I don’t think we could ever eat there again. Which is terrible since we would eat there frequently in the past. It was a rapid pickup order and I don’t live close by so I called the manager. She apologized and said she would send me a gift card. Also said she would “start making them wear gloves”. She never offered a refund. It was late and my family didn’t eat that night. She should of gave me a refund, sent me a gift card and offered to deliver me something else from the store. So disappointed. I did call the very next day and demanded a refund. I shouldn’t of had to do that.
Let me start with just WOW! I did a rapid order and absolutely nothing I asked for had been done correctly! They did not have the Asiago Focc. Loaf I ordered and I almost walked out of the store without it but I took a second thought and checked the order. It wasn’t there so I went to the counter where the first girl looked at me like I was crazy then the maybe Manager came out and said she was watching out for me so she could let me know which she failed because I almost walked out the door and had to come to the counter myself. I then go through the rest of my order and find my BBQ Chicken Salad was mashed with all the dressings crushing the salad which did NOT have any Chicken on it. I open the sandwich and find they did NOT use the bread I requested at which point I’m highly irritated so I give the order back and demand my money back to which the maybe Manager replied I don’t know if I can do that. What a disaster I may never got back again!
This complaint is about your location in Tarpon Springs Fl. My Brother who is handicapped
because of a stroke, came to this location on 2/1/2017 to eat lunch, he comes there almost 3x a week. He has some communication issues because of his stroke, but the employees know what he orders when he comes there. When I came home from work and asked him where he went to lunch he starting crying. I asked what happened, he said they were rude to him and he left. I can’t believe you would allow this to happen in one of your locations. If it was a new employee, they need further training. If this happens again I will take further action.
Paneras corporate does not seem to respond to any complaints, but please tell me they answered you back at least? I am disgusted to hear this and would expect Paneras to make sure no special needs is ever treated poorly. Shame on them. I hope your brother is ok.
Unbelievable! Love (d?) Panara! VERY regular (past?) customer! We went to Panara last night…the food was great, the service at the ordering location was great..the young lady that brought our food to the table and almost dropped it in front of us – not so much…But, that is not why I write…everyone has a bad day….The reason I write is because we ordered a bowl of soup to eat at the restaurant, but also ordered a bowl of soup for home – paid the same price. The bowl to go was not near the size of the in restaurant bowl, so in turn was not enough for a meal, and NO, I did not get the cup size, it was the bowl size. So I tried the customer service route. John told me that the location did something wrong….no they didn’t, they gave me the to go size bowl, it was full. I asked how many ounces the 2 bowls are. He told me they don’t disclose that information. Really? haha…wonder why? Anyway, he ended up saying he would forward the information and attempt to take care of the situation. I said great, I am going to give you my email so someone can follow up with me. He said well, they probably won’t email you back…hmmmm…I could tell this complaint was being trashed after we hang up. I told him that I must have called the wrong person and hung up. So next I called the corporate office, the lady that answered wanted to transfer me to customer service! I said no, I had already tried that. She said that was all she could do. Because I did not want to go through all of it again with people that weren’t willing to help me already at that time, I told her I would call back later. She told me that it didn’t matter what time I called she would have the same answer. Is the Panera team so full of themselves that they care nothing about the people that got them there in the first place? We pay a lot of money to eat their food. This is a real turn off to someone who more than regularly visits (visited?) their restaurants.
W O R M S in food at 1700 N
Moore St above the Rosslyn Metro!
Manager wanted the worms and didn’t suspend operations.
No assistance in making report to corporate to prevent others from ingesting live parasites!!!!
Sunday 10:42am We patronise panrea about three times a week. Again this am no
coffee. I notifed the counter about the item. Fifteen minutes later they came with hot
water. Twenty five minutes later no coffee. We left This is not a one time happening, but it happens fairly often. Coffee is a big item that people drink.
Maybe I should go down to The Corner Bakery which is three blocks away or to Mc Donalds is two blocks distance.. In the past we have complained but to no avail
relaxinaruba at gmail.com
I came to the site accidentally as I just wanted the corporate address and names of Executive Board. Despite having just read a couple dozen reviews, I will write this as if I hadn’t. I live just north of Boston and visit many different ones throughout the week as I’m in sales and often on the road. The Panera I’m at right now is in Saugus MA. They have the most affable, accommodating managers/cashiers/etc. The morning and afternoon managers are top notch and Nancy, in the morning, always lightens my day with her smile and wonderful personality. From what I can tell, everyone that works there seems happy and the managers kind. Maybe its a Boston thing:) I empathize with this disenchanted employees. I worked fast food 45 years ago. It was an entry level job. Did I love it all the time…NO. However I learned many valuable lessons that allowed me to have a successful life since. Remember…it’s called work for a reason, it’s isn’t supposed to be easy peasy. Your boss is the boss because he came from the rank and file and endured the tasks for the entry level person. He/she has a job to do, there is no hidden agenda. His direct reports reflect directly to his success/failure.
Remember “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do” and “make progress, not Excuses”!
You clearly don’t have a clue as to what you’re talking about. Maybe instead of pretending you know the feelings and intentions of Panera Bread employees, you could instead continue being a loyal customer and keeping your trap shut. Panera Bread is a lousy corporation to work for. It’s on its last legs, and most any Panera Bread employee would reveal that to you if they had another job lined up.
The Panera Bread on Miner in Des Plaines is a very poor representation of your company.
Once again, at 5:45 on Jan. 15, I “tried” to order dinner for my husband and I, only to be told they once again were out of the bread that Frontega Panini is generally made with. I then chose sour dough and waited for my order. I was then told they were out of sour dough! When I expressed my disappointment, one of the cooks told me “don’t blame me it’s not my fault. It is what it is.”
After getting home, I realized my 2nd menu item I ordered was incorrect.
They were not busy and this is not the first time items were not available.
With so many options for take out, I will be going elsewhere from now on.
About 6 months ago my husband and I had lunch together at the Panera Bread in Delran,NJ. I ordered my normal salad my husband got a grilled cheese with a soup. Everything was good except they left the paper from the cheese on my husbands sandwich. I immediately took it to the manager and they made him a new one minus the paper. So we figured one time ok, it was obviously an accident. Well my husband picked up dinner for us last night at the Panera in Moorestown NJ.. I got my salad, our son got a salad, our daughter had mac n cheese and my husband got the grilled cheese with soup. And low and behold another piece of paper, or wrapper or whatever the hell it is, was left on his sandwich. Needless to say we are never eating at Panera again. What if my child bit in to that and choked on it.. it’s totally unacceptable! The people making your food need to pay attention to what they are doing.
When going to a different Panera I’m finding out that your one in Middleburg Heights Ohio on Bagley Road in my opinion is ripping people off I got a salad it’s only half the size of most places I go to. I get the beget they’re breaking off a little piece instead of a decent piece I don’t mind people saving money but not through my pocket please address problem thank you
I’m actually disgusted. Panera is one of three “restaurants” in the mall I work in. I ordered a caffe mocha latte today as well as an OJ and a breakfast sandwich. The latte is what I had last. And after 3 sips, I notice I am swallowing something chunky. My reflexes cough it back up and come to find its a piece of plastic! About 2 inches long. I’m still coughing up chunks of plastic. Trust me I have plenty of pictures. I called the Panera location back to ask them how they made their lattes. The manager who was a man was very rude. He had an attitude in his tone of voice. Not sympathetic at all. I asked what the process was because I wanted to warn him if it was made in batches to throw it out immediately so others wouldn’t find plastic in their lattes. This manager did not care one bit nor ask me if I wanted a refund. I then called corporate who put me on hold for several minute saying the manager was “preparing”. Whatever that means. After those several minutes went by she told me that “something came up” and I’ll get a call back in a few hours. That’s awesome you know why? It gives me plenty of time to tell me 3k Facebook friends, 2.9k Instagram followers and 1.5 twitter followers. Thanks Panera!!
I was with you until I read the last sentence of: “It gives me plenty of time to tell my 3k Facebook friends, 2.9k Instagram followers and 1.5 twitter followers. Thanks Panera!!”
What a joke! 3k Facebook friends? You mean a whole bunch of people that just send friend requests to people they don’t really know or care about and then those same caliber of people that accept friend requests so they can post Selfies hoping that someone will acknowledge them and respond to tell them they are pretty so they can attain some sense of self worth? Plus 2.9k Instagram followers and just one and half twitter followers. WOW you must be such an important person and one that doesn’t hesitate to share their inflated sense of importance. I imagine Panera should be closing down their doors at any moment due to your influence. So be honest, how many Selfies do you post a month?
I have tried to contact corporate multiple times I actually spoke to someone once she called me which was cool . I haven’t heard nothing back as I work for the Panera here in Hampton VA . And was bullied almost everyday by the employees , plus managers .I’ve worked for Panera for 2 yrs and actually just got transferred to this location and it’s been nothing but a horrible experience . I’ve gotten a second job which led me to being taken OFF the schedule . To my GM walking into my other job and staring at me and smiling and walking out without buying a thing so now im Being harassed at my new job . I’ve contacted a lawyer and plan to pursue harassment charges and emotional torment if things do not get handled .
That corporate office person did not call you to wish you well, s/he called you to get information to protect the company in case you decide to go further with your actions. Remember, the purpose of Human Resources has NEVER been about protecting the employee. They aren’t employed by you.
I helped open a new Panera Café in Malta, NY at the beginning of 2016, along with many other employees. I only work part time, but I have remained with Panera, while others have left on their own or were dismissed. Recently, one of the night-time managers started complaining to our General Manager about me. Without discussing anything with me beforehand, I was “completely removed” from the work schedule that week, based solely on what that “particular” manager had been saying about me. I was never contacted to hear what “I” had to say about the situation. Panera “claims” to be this
“Caring, Family” Company, but when it comes right down to it, they are NO DIFFERENT than any other company! As a matter of fact, they’re WORSE! Panera Bread treats their employees like slaves & “full time” janitors ! Proper breaks are NEVER given to their employees; especially depending on coverage and how busy the Café is at the time. We were told that breaks were “complimentary”, not a requirement! It’s a TOTAL DISGRACE and the General Manager has “NO PEOPLE” SKILLS whatsoever, in dealing with her hard working employees. I have ALWAYS been available to help out my General Manager & her Assistant Managers, whenever I was asked to, and this is how I am repaid? I have yet to be given any work hours or placed back on the work schedule; but I have been told that I am still an employee at that Café. Doesn’t every employee want to be treated this way? I am glad I have already contacted the NYS Department of Labor about some of this behavior ! If you like working in a “sweat shop” and are always willing to help out whenever you are able to, but in turn, get treated like this, then you should “definitely” apply for a job at this Panera Café! I really hope the Panera Corporate Office reads this & all of the other negative comments; and take action immediately !
I work for panera on north main st in suffolk va i started at panera in topeka ks and boy is this cafe GROSS AND TOTALLY GOES AGAINST EVERYTHING I LEARNED FROM THE PANERA IN TOPEKA KS
IM SO FURIOUS BEACAUSE I USE TO LOVE WORKING FOR PANERA AND AFTER HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE INCONSISTENCIES IVE DEALT WITH IN THIS ONE STORE 1617 I DONT EVER SEE MYSELF APPLYING AT ANOTHER ONE
WHERE DO I START NUMBER ONE THEY TOTALLY ABUSE THE POWER OF THE END OF THE DAY STICKER FOOD DATED FOR 12-15-16 AT 5:30AM SHOULD BE THROWN OUT WHEN IT EXPIRES INSTEAD THEY PUT END OF DAY STICKERS OR CHANGE THE DOT ON THE PAN
I OPEN AND SET LINE UP 5 DAYS A WEEK AND DONT BELIEVE THE END OF THE DAY STICKERS SHOULD EVEN BE A PART OF OUR SYSTEM THE BACON IS ALWAYS END OF THE DAY UNTIL ITS GONE EVEN IF ITS 2 DAYS AFTER THE EXPERATION DATE ALONG WITH TURKEY AND ALOT OF OTHER THINGS LIKE SPINACH CHEESES ECT ITS A MAJOR HEALTH VIOLATION AND I WAS TRAINED BY JOAN UNGAR FROM THE STORE ON 21ST ST IN TOPEKA AND SHE ABSOLUTELY WOULD NEVER HAVE THIS KIND OF STUFF IN HER STORE WE WERE CLEAN AND PRIDED OURSELVES ON FRESH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
NOW ON TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE….. THE FIRST EXPERIENCE I HAD WITH ONE OF CUSTOMERS IT WAS BAGEL TUESDAY THIS MAN PRE ORDERED THE DAY BEFORE AS HE DOES EVERY TUESDAY AND LIKE EVERY OTHER TUESDAY WAS SITTING WAITING ON HIS BAGEL PACK BECAUSE THEY WERENT PULLED AND NEVER ARE I OFFERED HIM A FREE BAGEL PACK THE NEXT WEEK AND HE WAS VERY PLEASED AND SAID HE HAS NEVER HAD A TUESDAY HE WASNT WAITING 35 MINS FOR HIS ORDER AND HE IS SO CONSISTENT THAT THE OTHER EMPLOYEES KNEW HIS ORDER BY HEART AND SAID HE GOES THRU IT WEEKLY
THE MANAGERS AT THIS STORE ARE HARD TO TALK TO OR EVEN ASK THE HOW TO DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY BECAUSE THEY DONT HAVE TIME OR THEY DONT KNOW THE RIGHT WAY… ITS FRUSTRATING AND EXTREMELY CHAOTIC THE TRAINING I GOT WAS 2 DAYS 2 DIFFERENT TRAINERS AND NEITHER AGREE WITH THE OTHERS WAY OF DOING THINGS OR WENT BY THE GUIDELINE ON THE TRAINING SHEET I STILL HAVENT SEEN AND I BEEN AT THIS PANERA FOR OVER 2 MONTHS!!!!! IM CALLING CORPORATE IN HOPES OF KEEPING MY PASSION FOR WORKING FOR PANERA BECAUSE AFTER THIS ONE IM OVER IT PERIOD!!!
Had a bad experience at Panera’s so I left without placing my order. I left my new sunglasses there in my haste to get out of there. I called about 30 minutes later to see if they had been turned in. They had. I explained I lived outside of town so I wouldn’t be returning that day since I was already on my way home. I asked the girl to put my name on them, but she refused, saying all I had to do was come in and tell them they were in the lost and found. A week and a half later I returned and asked for them. They said that they no longer had them because they had been there so long. So I asked them what they did with them. Did they throw them out or did someone take them. All I got was a lame apology. I kept saying that it wasn’t ok. Finally, she asked what she could do. I asked her what she could do. She offered me a free pastry. I was so insulted that I again said it was not ok what had transpired and left without the free pastry. I won’t be returning to that store and if I don’t get a better solution I will not be doing business with your company again.
mrstcam2001 at gmail.com
I normally don’t do this but because its something that deals with my health I decided to bring this to your attention. I had ordered A lunch delivery for my work. One of my order was incomplete. I wasn’t upset, but I called the manager and explain to him about the situation. He then told me that I can come back to get meal at no charge. He handle the situation well. So, the following week I went to pick up lunch and went through the drive through. I decided to pay for my meal. When I got to work and sat down to eat my mail I will be not my sandwich and chicken that I ordered was pink in the center. Really looks RAW!!! I was up set because I that was my lunch time and I didn’t have time to run out to get back to work. I called the restaurant again and explaining the situation, and this time all he can tell me was that their meats are precook and smoked. I keap clam and I even told him that I have pictures and that I will bring my meal back to him when I get off. I went in that night to show him and kept it in the bag, and just showed him the pictures. He brought the bag to the back and told me to hold on. Then he came back with the chicken in his hand and said oh this pink thing here?? Yah that’s cook. A customer, Cashier, and I looked at him like REALLY??!! I couldn’t believe the he brought the chicken out to me with other customers ordering, and not even with a soft tone he asked me so DO I WANT A FREE MEAL??? I that point I just had to get out of there. I wasn’t there to get a free meal. I felt that my my complaint wasn’t handled right,I felt embarrassed. I hope that you can train him better customer service. Thank you.
Fleming Island, FL.32003
I am amazed that the Panara Bread Location on Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL is not playing Christmas music. I asked management and their reply “some customer’s are offended”. This is political corretness gone mad. Is this a corporate decision or a division decision?
If it is in fact true that one or more of your stores aren’t playing Xmas music..Kudos. It gets tiresome having to hear that stuff everywhere you go for 6 weeks. I’m sure your employees are happy to be spared as well.
H Silk, your reading comprehension skills aren’t up to par. How in the world do you make it day to day, listening to that Christmas music, when you can’t even read? It must sound like chipmunks to you!!!!
Your Mypanera registration site will not accept my physical (mailing) address. I have tried for three weeks to register, I called customer care three times about the issue and receive the same answer “our technical staff is working on the problem”. It seems the tech staff can’t solve the problem, even with three weeks to work on the matter. I was also told other customers are having similar problems registering. This is frustrating numerous customers but there is no satisfaction towards building rewards. I hope corporate receives this complaint and provides more satisfaction and resolution than has happened so far. While the product is good, Starbucks is starting to have an appeal.
Your location on 6123 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616, has received several complaints from me. I really do not want to go into everything again. But you can check your comments log from corporate from me. And what gets me most upset, is that I receive no response from corporate or district managers. I think this should mandatory. This location’s customer service has a lot to be desired. Their delivery and Rapid Pickup has been wrong and delayed several times. The way that management deals with mishaps is not satisfactory and in fact, I have had managers still help QA the food orders and still get it incomplete. I took a few month hiatus, noticed the drive-thru was operating better but your supply of BREAD is still lacking. How can you be Panera Bread and not have bread in the evening? This baffles me. I really want to give up on Panera, please tell me these items can be directly addressed. I’d love to be contacted. I really want things to just improve and count on you guys when I need ya!
I want to send Panera Bread a complaint about there location in the Shoppes at Old Bridge/Marlboro that occurred on 11/16/2016. I mostly frequent this location in the morning, after my workout, but this day, I went there to pickup a quick bite to eat before rehearsal. There were maybe one or two people at the counter, I knew what I wanted so I waited. I noticed that all the workers at the counter, including the manager, just locked me in the eye but did NOT ask if I was ready to order. This lasted for about 5 minutes, even after another customer came in behind me. Then, almost 8 mins of waiting, a little old white lady comes in, moves in front of everyone else, including me, and the workers, Jared, looked over to me then proceeded to take her order. I loudly asked what he was doing, that I was there before this lady, why is he serving her before me? His excuse was that he thought that I was not ready and that I was looking at the menu board, EVEN though he looked directly at me numerous times, but did not ask for my order. I then said that I wanted to speak to the manager, Mr. Levine and he tried to apologize for the “mix-up”. I really feel that this was racist behavior towards me, being of African descent, that I was ignored a passed over due to my race, by the night staff at this location. I will further make this know to others at Panera Bread corporate until I get some kind of answer.
I and my family are big fans of Panera Bread.I and my friend stopped for a tea at Panera Bread in Groton Connecticut yesterday.I dropped my Driver License on the floor by accident.I called a couple hours later to ask if they found it…..but I am on the phone trying to explain why I called and the manager did not even let me say anything.She knew that I was going to call and she said to me: I have your ID.That was huge!I drove to the store and I got there a few minutes after they closed but she was waitting for me.I thanked her and gave her a hug….
Thank you Panera Bread!
I absolutely love eating at Panera. Three years ago we moved to Kent, WA from Denver, co. We are On the eastside of town and have to drive 30 minutes to the only Paneras at the Kent Station site. please, please consider opening another store on this side of town. our neighbors think the same way I do–we would eat there more often if it wasn’t so far.
Last night I visited a new Panera Bread franchise in Plover, Wisconsin. Unless changes are made and some concern is demonstrated it will be my last visit. As I told the young lady at corporate on the phone this morning, there have been two or three unsuccessful food business ventures, including a Denny’s restaurant, at that same location and all have failed. It is a very poor location, somewhat difficult to enter and exit. Upon entering the drive-thru lane I found the menu board very difficult to read. There are simply too many menu items, in small print, crammed onto the menu board, making everything very difficult to read. To add insult to injury, the menu board, in my opinion, is set back too far from the drive-thru lane, adding to the degree of difficulty in reading the board. Possible solutions would be moving the board closer to the drive-thru lane, adding another menu board and splitting the items up, thereby facilitating larger print for all items on less crowded boards. I spoke to the young male manager on duty about the menu board and, in my opinion, he showed no concern whatsoever. His response was, “It’s too costly to do anything about that.” Lastly, I placed my order and they were out of the hoagie bun which usually accompanies the sandwich I ordered. How can a bread store be out of bread? In order to be successful at that location you’re going to have to be a cut above the rest. You’re not.
I know someone who works at Panera Bread in Collegeville PA and I am so disgusted about the management style at that certain location. The management there rules with fear and takes advantage of naive teenagers. Requests for certain scheduling is never met, no pay stubs, overworking teenagers, bad training and so on. I do not understand how they think they can run a store with high school students. I like the food but I don’t like how they are treating their employees. I will not support this kind of behavior and from reading other complaints, this is not isolated, this is wide spread at Panera Bread. I hope the corporate office is doing something against that!
My 16y/o same thing, so afraid of disappointing. She was Home from school Very SICK called her wanna be manager and was told “YOU BETTER FIND SOMEONE TO WORK! Ok, sure while she’s throwing up etc.. I had to leave out of town and found out she went in anyway, where she was made to feel like a worthless person, texted me, manager won’t look at her and rolling eyes at her when she asked to go on break! They are also working a 16 year old more hours than allowed. Panera Bread is going to have a huge problem if anything happens to my kid because of their abusive management!!! Also she is having a problem with management getting payment stopped on that bozo debit card, she told them it was shredded and needed her first paycheck replaced with a payroll check or transfer into her direct deposit she set up. Nope! Thought that was against the Law to with hold pay. Especially a 16 year olds very first earning. I was going to call management myself, however, she said I would make things real bad for her, that they talk bad about other people and she don’t want that to happen to her.
In the beginning of July 2016 I visited the Bel Air Maryland store… I purchased a coffee and was putting milk in it when somebody screamed and I found myself soaking wet. I was dumbfounded and did not know what happened and people were asking are you okay and I looked up and realize that the ceiling tile had collapsed on my head soaking me with water. I had to ask for towels to try to dry myself off. I did not have a lot of time as I drive a tour bus in my passengers were waiting outside. I’d realized my hearing aid got wet along with my shoes purse excetera excetera. I was very concerned because I need my hearing aid to drive and did dry it off when I got to the bus. We exchanged information and the manager said that corporate would be in contact with me. Almost two weeks went by and no contact now my hearing aid isn’t working that well. I went back to Bel Air Maryland on my travels and spoke with a manager again. I said it would have been nice if corporate would have contacted me to find out if I was okay was I injured and very disappointed in Panera Bread. He apologized and took down the information again and said corporate again would be in contact with me. Of course that did not happen so I contacted them and they acted like they didn’t know a thing that happened. They did Apologize and said they would look after this. Their insurance company then contacted me and I was not able to answer the phone but return the call as soon as possible within 12 hours… Of course it took the insurance company 2 weeks and a nasty message before they return my call again. Since that time this insurance company who said that Panera Bread has taken full responsibility for any damages that occurred. I took my hearing aid in and it indeed does have water damage they sent off the estimate to the insurance company I sent a picture of everything I needed to send a picture of and guess what now the insurance company wants me to sign forms because I’m a Canadian to possibly pay taxes to the US government I have emails which I am willing to make public how I have asked the question over and over again do I have to pay 30% on this claim because if I do that will be over and above that the claim. She avoids the question and will not answer it but comes out with a lot of mumble jumble. One thing I discovered that Panera Bread does not care and obviously needed just their insurance company. I will no longer be able to drive very shortly as my hearing aid is not working well and they told me it’s going to give out any time I hope Panera Bread is willing to pay my wages as well that I’m going to lose. You know the funny thing is this claim is very small most people sue for much less than this. It’s too bad Panera Bread and their insurance company force people to have to go to the lawyer. Panera Bread you don’t care about anybody except for selling franchises and after reading his number of comments I would never darken the doorstep of Panera Bread again
..Decided to try Panera bread for my sourdough and baguette bread needs. Went to the local store at Bond Road in Elk Grove CA early in the day around noon. Two loaves of sourdough bread for sale in a very busy location. I bought one loaf and it was very good so I decided Panera Bread would be my go to place for the product. After that we decided to treat my son, daughter in law and granddaughter to lunch for granddaughter’s birthday. Bad idea. Warmed up frozen broth was about lukewarm and we had to take substitutes for three menu items they had ran out of, DURING THE LUNCH PERIOD OF THE DAY. Today I had an appointment near the Panera Bread store on Howe Ave in Sacramento and decided to stop for a baguette and a sourdough loaf. Time? about the early part of the noon hour. Sure enough, completely out of product. I decided to drive to the Elk Grove store and get the two very common bread store items at that so-called bread store too. Surprise! Out of product there as well and unavailable parking too. A company that is in the business of selling bread with NO bread to sell. Unbelievable. I called Corporate HQ today to put this on record at (314) 984-1000 with “Heather” who took my contact information. Panera Bread exhibits the behavior of a company who’s only interest is selling franchises and shares of stock and NO interest in making available their products to the customer who has the power of demand for a non-existent supply. Such a typical example of America’s version of capitalism..
..Awaiting moderation? What does that mean?
STORE #4708 IS THE WORST..In August I purchased a BACON, egg and cheese and a SAUSAGE, egg and cheese..I had left the store and was on my home when I realized there was not bacon or sausage. I immediately called the Store Mgr. and she advised me she would credit my account..NEVER HAPPENED..Then I followed up with her a week later, she told me she would send me vouchers..NEVER RECEIVED THEM..Called and emailed her to FOLLOW UP..she took my address again and told me she would send them and to call her back to follow up..WHY WOULD I HAVE TO FOLLOW UP , DO YOUR DAMN JOB?..It is now Oct. and NO ONE has contacted me..Why is this so damn difficult? Also, I would sometimes go there and be their 1st customer of the morning, the place is FILTHY…….I will never go to that location again..I’m beyond fed up..
My 16 year old has been working for Panera since September 3, 2016 and he has not been paid. He should have received two paychecks by now. His manager told him he had to enroll in direct deposit in order to receive his pay. He did that on Saturday and no paycheck received today. Neither of the managers he contacted have responded to him. What kind of a company is this??!! Taking advantage of an inexperienced teenage employee! My son will not be working there much longer. I will also no longer be dining there.
I’m an employee at a Panera in Illinois. My mother passed away from stage 4 lung cancer on June 19, 2016. When her time started getting closer I informed my managers of the situation. The day she passed I requested a few days off in order to handle funeral arrangements. My manager flat out denied me anytime off at all and scheduled me to work 10 days straight. I was forced to work like this for two months. I was threatened to be fired by my manager Mike when I attempted to call in for my mothers funeral. I have children and couldn’t afford to lose my job so I was unable to be with my mother in her final moments or at her funeral. Now Mike is even colder to me and refuses me any breaks when working more than six and a half (6.5) hours per shift. I was flat out denied FMLA and have been verbally and physically abused for requesting it. Mike also committed fraud by going back and paying me for two previously scheduled days off in an attempt to hide the fact that he denied me any kind of FMLA or time off for the death of an immediate family member ( my mother ). I’ve already spoken with a lawyer but I want to give corporate an opportunity to investigate and make things right. I don’t want money. I want Mike to be held accountable for his criminal actions.
I’m so sorry . furious disappointed outraged and disgusted. I too work for Panera. I have stage 4 colon cancer and work as much as possible cause it takes away from the pain. I enjoy the staff and they have done everything for since being diagnosed. I do understaff
nd the illegal and abusive time you have been through. Though I don’t believe in the word shame. SHAME on him. does corporate have a clue thats going . If so and I believe things always get told. Did anybody HEAR the facts. Corporate she has no clue of me. If they had what would they have said. Maybe a little” Undercover Boss.
The first thing. I’m inspired by you of your strength the love for your mom, and your amazingly humane restraint. Something needs to change. I’m thinking and everyday pay it forward somehow
Your friend
Chris
Will definitely stop coming to Panera for lunch or anything ever again. I just needed a copy of my receipt and customer service just had to be a smartass about not knowing how long it’ll take for Finance go find my receipt.
A tip for the company (if they care) is to train your customer service reps a little more. You’re not just losing a customer, but you’re also losing a lot more in the long term.
Good day.
I had a delivery yesterday evening (09/12/16) that totaled $38.57. One of the items was a bowl of Autumn Squash Soup costing $5.49. The first spoonful of soup, I bit into something rock hard & thought I had cracked one of my back molars. It was a large black seed. To my surprised, there were an additional 18, yes, EIGHTEEN rock hard (inedible) BLACK SEEDS in my little bowl of soup. I had to get a wire mesh strainer to get them all out. Ruined my eating experience. I called the Clifton Park Paneras just now where the soup was delivered from and talked to the Manager who identified herself as Katie. Katie did not apologize at all, but she explain to me “we are told to add pumpkin seeds to the soup”, so that’s what we do”. I told her that I have had pumpkin seeds before & they are soft & not thick and jet black. I told her I worked across the street from her building last year & often had this soup for my lunch with not a single seed of any kind in it. I have taken pictures of the seeds next to my empty bowl of soup. It is unacceptable to be served a bowl of soup with 18 inedible rock hard seeds in it. I was very surprised at the attitude of the “Manager” at Paneras in Clifton Park on the telephone tonight. She put me on hold and never came back. This was at 7:15 pm Eastern Time.
Please provide me with an e-mail address where I can e-mail pictures of these seeds. Any chef will be able to see instantly, that they are not any kind of pumpkin seeds that should be serviced raw in a soup. Pumpkin seeds are usually light green in color, with sometimes a white husk. These are jet black, and rock hard, they are not edible at all.
I was surprised that your manager passed the buck onto her superiors and did not seem to care at all about my bad experience. If you check all my previous orders, you will see that I am a regular customer. For a company that is trying to attack new customers and keep the old ones, this was not expected.
Yours,
Disappointed,
Sherril Stewart
First time catering with Panera and my last! Arranged catering for Ovarian Cancer walk and not only was the food an hour late the Manager was completely inappropriate…he showed up with the food and made my sister (fighting Ovarian cancer) feel like it was her fault he was late and didnt appreciate the phone calls (we called x2 to check on delivery) he made a very insensitive comment “oh yeah,I’m sorry you have cancer” That is NOT ok! It ruined her whole day.I called corporate and spoke to Katie,who promised me she would notify his superiors.I requested that person call me directly so I can make sure this does not happen to anyone else. So I guess I shall wait and see what kind of costumer service they really have. I will never go to Panera again after that encounter.
No black bean soup! What?! I’m upset and flabbergasted. Removing the black bean soup from the menu is a mistake. Consider this: To me and my wife, the Panera Break black bean soup is/was the best available ANYWHERE. Please reverse this decision, and soon! Whatever corporate criteria went into that decision needs to be reexamined, because you are depriving the public of one reason we (many of us) truly seek out Panera Bread as a favorite restaurant. I say this from being a loyal customer for many years. Rev. Roy Reynolds, Atlanta, GA (Dunwoody branch)
I stop @ the Pan era in Geneva IL on Tuesday August 30th.I wanted to let you guys that the LADY that made my Sandwich,Did a SUPER JOB .that was the best Sandwich I had in so long 🙂 I was satisited. I wish I would of gone back to thank the Nice hard working lady.
Hello,
I am an Indian, looking for a successful food outlet looking to expand its horizon in India. I would like to get in touch with someone who is into international expansion.
Regards
Nikunj
585-642-XXXXX
This is the review that I posted in 07/03/16 on *Yelp and on Google; as you can see by the Follow-up date, things have yet to change…unfortunate.
0.5 STARS
Worst service ever….the cashiers know nothing of customer service; they’re rude, inattentive, and seem to fear eye-contact with their patrons. Their “Thank-You’s” are barely audible and overall team moral sucks!
My usual “egg & cheese on Asiago bagel” is never prepared correctly anymore, either the sandwich is burnt on the underside or the cheese is disintegrated by being too long in that grill.
I’ve started driving the 5.5 extra miles out of my way, to the Catonsville location. At least there, I get friendly-with a smile-service and my meal prepared exactly how I enjoy it!!
After all, these are my hard-earned “dollars” and I prefer spending them where I’m appreciated.
P.S. No wifi!!
FOLLOW UP 08/14/16
The profile photo was taken today!!! I went there to get a sandwich for my daughter, give them the benefit of the doubt, and this is what I received lmbo…I swear people, it hasn’t gotten any better, wow!
Panera – Highland Heights Ohio. Thursday July 14, 2016 went and got a bagel pack with 2 tubs ofcream cheeses. The girl, Jada, not friendly and was rude. When I got to work there was no cream cheese in the bag. I called and spoke to manager, Chase, and she said next time I am in they would give me the cream cheese. Well they should since they forgot to give to me with bagels. She was writing it down in their books. Also told her about rudeness. Never apologized.
I called back 5 minutes later to say I felt they should compensate me in some way since they messed up. Was told manager noin meeting and would call me back. Never did. I went back in this morning, 7/21, and asked for a manager. Bobby said he was the manager. I told him the story, he then went over to speak to another person and came back and said they could give me the cream cheese but nothing else. I had my original receipt also.
Never got a sorry or apology. I then stressed again that they messed up and I had to go out of my way to come back to get cream cheese (not even 1 free bagel or anything). I asked for corporate phone #. Bobby didn’t have it and he asked another guy (must have been a mgr also because of the dress shirt and he didn’t know nor did another girl). Said we don’t know that. I said I had a complaint. Never asked me what it was about or could they help me. Very dissatisfied with this Panera.
I frequent the Panera in Mentor Ohio and always so friendly. I noticed how the casher Jada was interacting with others or should say not interacting. Barely hear her and this Panera needs some serious CUSTOMER SERVICE training including all Managers.
I am also going to call Corporate with my complaint.
I will not be returning to the Highland Heights, Ohio location.
Officer Flamion fund raising nite in Ballwin…. Very nice that several of the surrounding Breadcos made an effort for the good officer…BUT…I WAS DISGUSTED THAT THE CLOSEST BREADCO AT CLAYTON Rd chose not to participate!??????????
Every other morning that I have gone there in the past 19 years, Ballwin and Chesterfield officers stop in for a coffee and bagel. I am sure Officer Flamion was a regular there.
Since the mgt can walk out their back door 100′ into Ballwin, technically, they are the closest to Ballwin. How could they be so close in proximity and have Ballwin Police as regular customers and not want to do something. Mgt last nite explained they could not handle the rush…hmm, McAlisters, Lions Choice, and other Breadco’s didn’t seem intimidated….how was such a stupid and insensitive decision arrived at???? Please investigate and institute some Sensitivity Training. Meanwhile, I’ll just go to Einsteins.
Panera is the worst job ever they discriminate against pregnant women. I was working full time for a few months and as soon as they found out I was pregnant they reduced my hours so much to get me to quit. Wow you guys can get sued if you continue to do this. This happened at store on Oakland road San Jose ca. Alisha and Marcy are horrible managers and should be fired..
We ordered carry out from the Panera in McHenry IL. Every item ordered was either missing an ingredient (no chicken in a chicken Cobb salad) or just wrong. When I called the location to share my concerns, I was connected to the “manager” who argued with me and then disconnected. At no time did I raise my voice or say anything not related to my complaint. I will never order from Panera again.
After writting my “Asian salad” email, I reviewed some of the other emails below. It seems Panera has bigger problems which include but may not be limited to: customer relations, management, and what sounds like possible hostile work environment.
So Panera, just like my family does not shop at Walmart because of the way they treat their employees, we now will never return to Panera and I promise I will share this info with my friends and family.
Use to love Panera. But now so very disappointed because they no longer make the Asian salad, which was the only thing I ate there. They have made the terrible decision to substitute a bland, no flavor, salad with mushy orange bits, a dusting of cashews, dressing with absolutely NO flavor! Yuk. So before they ruined it I was excited for the new Panera being built in my town, but now, who cares. My friend was also annoyed with her salad, so there goes another customer. Bring back the Asian salad and I will return. If not then good by.
I am writing this on behalf of a friend who will remain anonymous. This is about the Panera in West Nyack, NY. They are discriminating as we speak. How can you request ID after a person has been working there for years? When a person is first hired, the company is responsible to fill out an I-9 form (Employment Eligibility Verification). How can you request these ID’s again years later? And you are not requesting them from all employees at the location…only 5. After presenting a valid state ID, medical insurance card, and social security card for the 2nd time, you continue to ask for additional information. Why? The law prohibits employers from rejecting valid doXXXXents or insisting on additional doXXXXents beyond what is legally required for employment eligibility verification, based on an employee’s citizenship status or national origin. In addition, it is the employee’s choice which of the permitted doXXXXents to show for employment eligibility verification. As long as the doXXXXent appears reasonably genuine on it’s face, and relates to the employee, it should be accepted.
Shame on YOU Panera, if you did not properly log the information when it was originally presented to you YEARS ago. Sounds like the HR department needs some clarification on United States Employee Rights?
Dear Panera Bread Company,
I live in Palmdale, Ca, and my family and I often dine at cafe #4225 on 10th St. West.
We are constantly amazed at how often the store runs out of bagels.
We have a friend who noticed the same thing and recently complained to corporate offices about it. Then our friend received an email from the general manager of cafe #4225, Tiffany Cueva, offering our friend 6 free bagels and an apology.
Our friend gave me a copy of the email because she was quite taken aback by what was written at the bottom. It said, ‘ “Nothing Can stop God’s plan for your life” -Isaiah 14:27 ‘
All of us who read it thought it was inappropriate.
Is this proselytizing initiated by the corporate offices of Panera or is it something that Tiffany Cueva has included all on her own?
I look forward to hearing from you regarding this matter. Sincerely, – Art Sirota
I’m writing to express a legal concern with the employment and scheduling of a pregnant young lady in your Toledo, Ohio store (Sylvania and Talmage ave). This young lady has worked there over a year and has been in training to “move up” into leadership positions. She is 7 months pregnant and has had some recent complications. She has specifically asked to continue to work her 40hr work week, but to please break those shifts up. Her Doctor has given her instructions not to work (standing) for more than 5-6 hours at a time. She has volunteered to work split shifts or whatever she can do to get her 40 hours. However, the management has continued to ignor her requests and has recently reduced her hours to 16. In my opinion this is a prime example of discrimination and is subject to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. This was an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of of 1964. Look it up. I believe the managers of this store need to correct their action and I believe legal action could be prevented with intervention from corporate headquarters. I personally am a fan of Panera but I certainly will not eat at this store ever again. If these actions are not corrected, I will not patronize any Panera stores again. I’m sure one lost customer is no big deal, but right is right. It seems that a company that has taken proactive measures to improve the quality and safety of the food you serve should be equally concerned with the well being of a pregnant young lady.
Additionally – there have been no complaints of poor work quality. Her hours have not been reduced because she’s doing a bad job. As I mentioned, she’s been training to move up and I doubt they would invest that time in her if she’s doing a bad job.
I am writing a partial complaint, I went into the store on 6/20/2016 in the evening and I placed a to go order, now I have been a long-time customer of Panera Bread there is only one close to me I live in Desoto Tx, and the one closest to me is in Cedar Hill Tx, after placing my order I had to wait longer than I have ever had to wait, after receiving my order got home didn’t have all of my order, called back and talk with a Manager on-duty she seem very young, and didn’t understand about customer loyalty or offer any type of compensation for my not recieving all of my order the whole staff seem to play around quite a bit especially the cooks , note I wasn’t the only one that has they forgot to give all of their order. Maybe the Senior manager should re-train them or check up on their conduct in the evening, they weren’t what I was used to for Panera Bread that I love so much. Just thought it was worth mentioning for future reference. Went back the next day it was like night and day. Sandra the cashier was told what happen and she suggested that I report it since. So glad she did , she also said I should of told her about that when I placed my order and she would of took good care of me. I still will continue to eat there because I love that place just want to be treated respectfully and given all of the food I am due.
My husband and I just left the Lisbon CT store 203879.the meal was great the service was great.My issue was with the table behind us.As we got up to leave who ever was writing the schedule was telling an employee her schedule and she said she wasn’t working on Saturday so he could go screw himself.
Last night I went to the Panera Bread on Innes Street with my family for what I thought would be a great meal. Once we entered the manager was right behind us locking the door, then the girl behind the counter made the statement (instead of saying hello) “We close at 9, but since you made it in we will let you order!”. After we placed our order, I took my daughter to the bathroom and while I was in there, another employee comes in and begins to mop and says to me (while the stall door is closed) “oh look out for the wet floor sign so you don’t fall”. So after tipping out the bathroom, the same girl from behind the counter comes out with our food and say’s in a sarcastic tone “we close at 9, but since your in here we will let you eat!”. So now at this point I am upset, so I just want to eat and leave. But as we are eating, she continues to come to the table and reach over us while we are eating removing plates and trash, making the whole dining experience uncomfortable and unpleasant. Then she brings one cup to the table ( There are five of us at the table) and tells us, if we want more tea we need to use that cup to get more because she is about to dispose of it. So now I am really agitated and I want to leave. I send my son to get to-go containers, and this is a whole other process with the ladies behind the counter. Then I asked, what looked to be the other manager for a card, and she ask me “why do you want the card?”, I told her to report my evening to the “higher-ups”, she proceeds to hand me a business card for catering, surely she knows this is not the proper information I inquired about. This was by far the worst experience I have ever had at a Panera Bread in my life! There needs to be some SERIOUS CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING IN THE NEW NEAR FUTURE~!
I find it poor management when one of you guys employees get injured they are afraid to bring it to one of the managers that are working because they are afraid that they are going to lose their jobs, one employee was bleeding and continued working because the manager told her just put on a pair of gloves and it will be fine, the employee end up getting 3 stitches when she went to the ER because it would not stop bleeding. Then there was another employee had the same thing happen to her and she was afraid that she was going to lose her job as well. This falls under poor management and being bullied within the work environment. Nobody should be afraid of losing their jobs because of being injured at work due to poor equipment that they are having to use at this location.
I can go along with being pregnant at work as well, but being 8 months along and still expected to do the same job and move as fast as you did in the beginning, again is stupid on managements part. That is like saying to someone that has worked there prior to becoming disabled and then expect them to do the same work as they did before they became disabled. Moving people up in this job because you like them better then the one that shows that they do a better job then the other is how this company works. Its not about your work ethics it is about popularity and who is liked more. I have seen an individual at this one location on several different occasion look as if she is in pain maybe even labor that has been made to work. She can’t take off unless someone comes in to cover her shift? What if she delivers this baby there she just pick up and keep going because she can’t get someone to fill her shift. Well Panera Bread you have some poor management in place in your business. Employees should not fear losing their jobs and at this point if I were them would be turning you in to OSHA for all of these injuries that have happened and have been off the records. There have been hours lost due to injuries and none of them on the books. So something really needs changing at this location very badly.
Stop the PC and fire the ad agency for Panera Bread. Specifically when the young couple are eating outside, hearing a noise and they immediately run into the house. The young lady still eats as the pussified man “peeks” out the window. Why do you portray men as weak and afraid?Do you recall the scene in ET. The main character “Elliot” a 9 year old boy encounters “something” in the yard. Elliot dashes back to the house to tell his older brothers and his friends “something is outside” and warned them not to venture outside. What do they do? They look at one another in agreement, get up, grab baseball bats, pans and charge. Thats what little boys, young men and adult males do. Protect and provide.
I worked for the Panera in Woodburn, OR, and have since before it opened last year. In the beginning it seemed like an amazing opportunity. After a few months people who have been hired with me began to be promoted and I tried to become better at my job. I frequently expressed interest in moving up at Panera, but unfortunately it was never addressed. People who I trained with, and saw as an equals would promote. Of course I was proud of their success, but I just didn’t know what more I could do. I am an introvert at heart and it’s always been hard for me to speak up for myself but I have been trying to work on that lately. The people I worked with made me feel like the only way to speak up for myself was too quick afterwards because I would’ve been fired either way. I repeatedly got harassed by fellow coworkers and occasionally certain shift managers would join in the ‘fun’. Try not to cause a fuss I waited it out to see if it would go away. However the year went by, and I saw no change . There were other Minor problems as well those probably could’ve been worked out. Honestly this café really need some help with coworker relationships. It did not feel like a safe environment to be myself and the come to work and feel supported by my fellow coworkers and ‘friends”. I wasn’t quite sure where I should put this so I really hope that this is seen and someone does something about it. Because if no one does I would have wasted the last year of my life and possibly messed up a little bit of my future within this company. I used to see your future here possible career and it is unfortunate that my coworkers took that away from me. But honestly I’m kind of glad they did so that I could get out now before I wasted anymore time of my life. Sincerely, Dezirae Spanner, Woodburn cafe
I have been an ardent Panera customer ever since they opened stores in my area and I love it. However, now that Panera is getting too big, it appears they are losing the personal touch with the customers. I used to see a message in the bill asking you to contact the CEO; not anymore. More importantly, the service is slipping. There was an incident that happened to me at the Panera where I go and wrote to them on their website. It has been two weeks yet no one has cared to contact me or at least acknowledge it.
Oh well, Panera is too busy expanding and they don’t have time for their customers, forgetting it is the customers that made them in the first place.
They don’t care about the people only the all mighty dollar. They don’t care about the people that work for them much less the public that go in there to eat their foods. Sad but true
I have been emailing Panera Bread since last year after I made a purchase on the mobile app and accidentally selected the wrong store. I immediately contacted the store and was ensured that my credit would be processed later in the evening. This has been going on since December 2015 and still til this day I have not received my money back. I have emailed customer service and still no credit back to my credit card.
Bruno – team member at westborough mass pan era
Bruno is a fantastic team member and should be commended. He is deserved of the top recognition award that your Company offers. He not only calls customers by name but he makes every effort to provide the best customer experience. We only go to Panera because of Bruno- other retail outlets provide similar quality at a lower price but the personal experience provided by Bruno surpasses those attributes.
Please recognize him
Thank you
My home is Chicago, Illinois. I miss it when I’m away too long, which is one reason that I love Panera Bread Cafe’s. For the most part, they have a similarity in design which reminds me of my Panera Cafe back home. Sitting down to a familiar meal, in a familiar venue, gives me a sense of being “home”. I can always find a piece of home wherever I go in the US or Canada.
My most recent Cafe visits are to the store in Dubuque, Iowa. It’s run by a fantastic fella by the name of Jeff hunter. An all-around friendly, hard-working, service-minded G.M.
I believe that the reasons his store is so successful is ambiance, excellent food preparation, ultra fast service, and a clean, courteous, family-feel.
Some people think Panera food selections are pricy, however you’re getting more than a meal. You’re getting consistently high quality service, friendly workers, great beverage choices, a comfortable cozy atmosphere, and a crew that actually cares about how your experience goes. I wish they would open another store across town to complement this one.
I’ve frequented Panera Bread at many different locations for years now and I am very upset that I had to find this page in order to (hopefully) get someone’s attention. I visited Panera Bread Cafe 3487 in Cranberry Township, PA on Sunday, March 27th at 1:36 PM. This happened to be Easter and myself and my fiance were out shopping and wanted to grab something light to eat to hold us over until dinner. Both of us were surprised yet please that Panera was open because we’ve never had a bad experience. Well, that is until this particular day. We placed our order to go and when we got home and my fiance opened the container of her flatbread boy were we disappointed! There was one mushy tomato, a small piece of mozzarella cheese and wilted spinach. There was no basil pesto sauce to be found. Our thought was, “we spent $5.19 for this”?! The young workers that got our order together had no sense of urgency whatsoever. We actually waited for them to finish a conversation before they even began to get our order together. A manager came out from behind (I’m assuming the kitchen) and we thought for sure she would be upset and say something to them because we are after all able to see and hear them. Nope, whatever the manager DID say to them they all enjoyed a good laugh. Apparently at our expense. I’ve submitted 2 separate complaints by going online to panera and have heard nothing. The first one was submitted at 2:54 PM on 3/30/16 Reference #160330-001869 and I resubmitted it at 2:06PM on 4/15/16 Reference #160415-001891. I have not been to a Panera since this has happened and in all honesty, can you blame me? I’ve asked to either be reimbursed for the flatbread or I was even willing to go back and give them a chance to make us another one but I am no longer interested in that option and for good reason. Why provide your customers and option to submit issues if you’re not going to do anything about it?
Panera bread is like my family. I have never had to contact customer care. I spoke with a Dominick. I had a complaint about purchasing a gift card. The promotion stated that I would receive a $10.00 bonus if I bought the card. So I bought the card. No bonus, He stated that I had to purchase it at the cafe to get the bonus. and there was nothing he could do for me. I go to Panera bread a lot. I have pondered not going anymore after the way this heartless animal treated me. I called a different number (for gift card concerns) and I was connected to a girl who was seated next to Dominick, Oh Joy.
I enjoy going to Panera Bread and the workers and staff at the local panera are awesome. It is not thier fault that rodents like Dominik and his female partner in heartlessness are part of thier organization. We are not related to trump by the way, none of us. That puts it in perspective.
Thanks for reading this and dont buy gift cards from Panera. Rippppppppppppppppppppp Offffffffffffffffff
Hello I live in Midlothian Virginia Panera Bread less than 5 miles from me started delivering in my neighborhood but for some reason my street is not on that list when every other street that is 10 yards from my street. I have called the local store the manager just says out of his control corporate handles the maps and didn’t seem to want to help me at all.
Your prices are way to high for what I receive!! Portions are always very Skimpy!!
My question to corporate is how it is possible to be out of Cinnamon Raisin bagels on a Saturday morning, as well as two previous days at 9am they were out of 2 different kinks of bagels.
This morning at my Short Pump Panera in Richmond, Va the excuse today was someone had bought 3 dozen.
Is there a daily quota for baking. I find this ridiculous and annoying.
I will be finding another bagel place!
Panera needs to step up there game if they want to compete.
I have attempted to purchase your spinach and bacon souffle at your Winter Park, Florida location on Aloma Avenue on at least ten (10) separate occasions. However; all but one time I have been informed that they do not have that one that they only have the four cheese or the artichoke. I have gone to your restaurant at different times in the morning from 8:00 AM through 10 AM without success. Can you tell me what time I would need to go to your restaurant in order to purchase the spinach and bacon souffle?
I was mislead by your person behind the counter who told me that I can add my 3 receipts to my card from home when I go online. You do not count my dollars spent, you only count visits. Today I spoke to Samantha this morning in customer service who talked company policy and got me upset via insulting my intellegience, I am disgusted with your two stores, one in Manhattan and one in LIC Queens. Hofw dare you sell me raw roast beef as steak for 9 dollars? Shame on you. How dare you not add up dollars spent and count store visits only. I am disgusted with your offer of one store visit credit.
While walking the mall I was looking for something without meat since it is Lent. Saw grilled cheese on the menu. Was never so disappointed in a grilled cheese. Tasted like only 1 thin slice of cheese and sandwich was very dry. $6.89 was the most I ever spent on a cheese sandwich especially since I did not even like. Never again Panera Bread.
I will be filling a formal complaint against a supervisor by the name of Hanna Abey(Ethiopian ), located at the Rosslyn VA location! She’s rude and has a nasty disposition toward employees, including my daughter, an employee. As a paying customer, I spend way too much money at your establishment to continue to sit back and try to console my daughter, when she comes home from work sad, due to her supervisor’s rude behavior! This behavior is unacceptable! I will be contacting the CEO and CFO DIRECTLY!
I am an employee at PANERA bread in NJ and o am experiencing the same issue with one of the managers I have been trying to speak to someone in HR concerning this matter and no one has gotten back to me yet it’s been 2 was!!
I am a employee well I was and I feel I was being treated unfairly. I actually loved my job, I was very friendly and customer service was always good , so good I recieved a tip ! I did not take it I put it in the register. Be sides the point though , I was given a register that was short $150. To me as a person and my character I felt that was rude and I told my manger in training I did not wanr to use it after she tried to insult my intelligence of counting money , snatching calculators and such. That was my very first issue , my second was my fiance had work so I told my manger Correy and on the spot he said it was a warning come to find out two to three weeks later he wrote me up. The third incident was my manger spoke to me very rude and I disregard it because I was helping a customer , within minutes I tell him look the button for spicy Thai is only coming up as Thai and he once again was very rude. My sister in law comes in I wait on every customer we talked she was indecisive of ordering something and customers came in she steped a side. Again, Correy come and spoke rudely towards my sister in law, i finish taking orders politely. As I finished Correy pulled me a side , he is upset and irriatated as I can see and I realize another manger is sitting in on our conversation. After I told him I wasn’t feeling well all day and let him know I was supposed to talk to him after lunch hour, and go i didn’t like how he spoke to my sister in law he wanted to bicker back and forth and thought he was going to talk to me any kind of way as I’m having a respectful conversation. The conversation ended with my putting my two weeks in , I went to the hospital I called off & come to find out he’s writting me up for every little thing I haven’t signed or anything. A side from my store in mircle mile p.a. I went to a store in Oakland and an employee Chu was very rude throwing my sweets on the contour and now getting my drink as the employee was irritated as well I wrote a review . Panera in general is just a nasty business , they never have anything and their policies aren’t even read over in orenitatiom of there meant to go by.
So i walk in at 1025 am excited for a breakfast sandwich. After the two customers in front are done. They say breakfast is over its after. 1030. Im really upset and wont go to that store again
How do I contact payroll to stop a payment on my card ?
I eat lunch at Panera Bread almost every day, at different locations . The Panera Bread Cafe #4065 is the worst . The lines are long at lunch time , and they do not get the order correct . Today , I ordered a Chicken Cobb with Avacado . I knew the order was not correct when the price was lower than on your menu . I pointed it out to the cashier , who said that the register told him that was the cost . He gives me the receipt , and it was a salad without avacado .I pointed it out , and he said that he would correct it .
I get my order, and they forgot the chicken ! This is not the first time that my order was wrong .
You need to get in that store and retrain the employees to get the orders correct .
I am giving you my card number so you can see how often I eat at Panera .
This location is poorly run if they cannot get an order right , or make a salad with all the ingredients .
The blame can’t go to the cashier. There seems to be a discrepancy in communication between their systems.
Your CEO believes that you crate a safer store with allowing guns in it. He is all kinds of special. The person who caused the problem in your store did not have a gun, the police did. My gun goes with my wallet. If my gun can not come in, my wallet sure as hell wont.
Take your wallet and your gun, and hit the road jack. Teenagers work at this establishments and they’re not gun carriers. They too have the right to feel and be safe.
I love this place, the food is great each and every time. Today my son and I witnessed two employees sitting in a vehicle on Panera property who were obviously workers. We witnessed them sniffing out of a bag with a key passing it to one another. I was appalled, upset and embarrassed that my family was witnessing this. This was so distasteful and wrong on many levels. I know they were employees because the females name is amber, she is the morning order taker at the one in cedar park, tx. Needless to say I will not be returing ever, this is a family restaurant and for my child to of seen this is completely unacceptable. My bet is that they will do nothing but rather enable the behavior. I will be posting this incident on any and every complaint page possible towards Panera. I haven’t revieved an email from them in which shows me they simply do not care. They lost my business considering we place catering orders at times and even dine in with my family. No more, this is beyond unacceptable. My kids loved coming here before classes at the local college but I will not bring them here under any cirXXXXstance. Maybe I should have just called the police but before I could they left driving under the influence of whatever they snorted. Drugs in a family restaurant is unacceptable especially on the property of the establishment. Just horrible.
That’s a sad experience. The hygiene of the equipment used isn’t exactly what one dreams of.
On Jan 13, Panera emailed me that they had loaded my Panera card with a $5 “Reward” to try their “Fast Lane Kiosks”. The so-called “reward” was valid for 2 weeks. I made a special trip to the Panera near my house. The mgr there had no clue what I was talking about. The folks at Panera’s toll-free “customer service” number couldn’t tell me how to find out which Panera locations have Fast Lane Kiosks. I managed to find the office of the franchisee for MD (where I live). The Marketing Director there said none of the MD Paneras have these kiosks.
After I wasted hours on this project, Panera send a “reminder” on Jan 20. It belatedly advised that I could redeem my so-called “reward” via online or mobile. (Their first email never mentioned those options.) Meanwhile, the historic blizzard Jonas dumped 2 ½ feet of snow on the Mid-Atlantic. When navigating returned to semi-normal, I had one day left to redeem my so-called “reward”, before it expired on Jan 27.
On Jan. 27, I duly placed a “Rapid Pickup” order on Panera’s website for a café near my office. Panera emailed me a confirmation. However, when I came to the Panera café, they had no record of my order. They were very nice at the café, but I felt as though they thought I was trying to “con” them into giving me free food. It was very embarrassing. This was my SECOND wasted trip to a Panera café in an attempt to redeem my so-called “reward”.
Incidentally, I discovered that that café (in DC) DID have the elusive “Fast Lane Kiosks”.
On Jan. 28, I contacted Panera’s VP of Ecommerce about this incident. She forwarded my email to her subordinate, the Manager of “CBSS Preventive Analysis” (whatever that is). He ignored my inquiry about what he could do to make me feel better about my ordeal. After I followed up again with the VP+, the Manager responded on Feb. 2 and promised me a gift card. I described all of the above hassles to him and he proceeded to offer me…a $10 gift card! In light of the hours I had wasted, as a result of Panera’s miserable customer service, I rejected this insulting offer.
The VP of Ecommerce wrote:
“I am sorry we have not exceed [sic] your expectations in resolving your concerns. Can you provided [sic] me the details.”
Besides being semi-illiterate, this response conveniently ignores the fact that she ALREADY had all the “details” and she never even MET my expectations, let alone “exceed” them!
Her boss, Panera’s Senior VP & Chief Information Officer, ignored my follow-up email. I then emailed the Senior VP of Company Operations, who initially seemed more responsive. On Feb. 3, he promised to “make sure [my complaint] gets addressed appropriately.” Despite his promise, no one has contacted me since then.
Based on all of the above issues, I believe Panera is dealing in bad faith. I call it “Panera Punishment”.
I went out of my way yesterday to make a special trip to my nearest Panera somewhere around 3:20 in the afternoon (Sunday 1/31) for a loaf of Sourdough for my son and his girlfriend and for dinner. When I looked at the bread selection I stared pretty much in disbelief, so much so that I took a picture. There was next to nothing available for purchase, bread wise. I waited my turn just because I had to ask. The girl chuckled and said, gee yeah, what did you want. I said a loaf of sourdough. She said well we have some bouls…Not what I am looking for. Then a girl in a grey shirt walked by, I presume a baker, BOH person and she asked what I was looking for. I told her a loaf of sourdough. She said she would check the kitchen to see if there was any available. She came back and said no, but then she actually suggested that the next time I wanted a loaf of sourdough to call 2 or 3 days ahead of time and they would order one for me?!?!? I order a pizza 20 minutes ahead, I don’t order a loaf of bread 3 days in advance! I said don’t you make them here? She said no that they ordered them. So I guess they order from a central production location and proof and bake in the store. She said that it was slow so they don’t make much. Are you serious? I went to culinary school and spent many years as a chef, pastry chef, and owned a catering company. I am well aware of customers, forecasting and labor. I would never dream of allowing such a thing to happen! I can’t believe you have. Aside from the fact that ingredient wise a loaf of sourdough costs less than .50¢ or so and the extra labor to make a dozen more items is virtually nil. If you’re that worried, then the next day sell the “day olds” at a reduced price. There is a ton of things you can do to not lose money. I can fathom no possible reason that a store that was founded on quality bread would have nearly none on hand! I could see if it was a holiday weekend and everyone and their brother was scarfing up armfuls of baguettes but not in this case. I would suggest that if this is the route Panera plans on taking that you change the name of the store to Panera Café, because you are no longer a “Bakery”! As much as it pains me I will have to go to the grocery to get my sourdough (or anything else fresh as apparently Panera is doing away with it… It may not be great but I won’t have to call 3 days ahead to get one!
There nutts in their bread you know
I have been a customer of Panera in your Frankfort KY (40601) location for a long while now. I often come in the mornings and during lunch as well, usually 3 to 4 times a week. I always have received fast and accurate service but most importantly the girls there are a pleasure. Tiffany always remebers me and cuts up with me and makes my visits fun. Most recently I have been seeing a new girl there, Melinda and even though she is new and never met me, like the other girls, she is always pleasant, makes me feel welcome and always has a smile. These girls deserve recognition because I have seen them with a line around the parking lot but never do they handle these seemingly hectic mornings with anything other than friendliness and class. I know they make me feel like I am always the most important customer and transaction at that very moment. I just wanted to say that I love to start my mornings with your food and your great employees.
Most employees are cool.
It’s management that is not so.
Panera has to be the worst company I’ve ever worked for. The managers at my store are big on the use you and loose you motto. Hard work is not recognized, but if your rude or disrespectful that’s how you are pushed to higher positions. There’s also a manager there who feels comfortable enough to discuss employees pay to other employees. I tried to go to corporate but we all know how that goes. They ignore everything and always choose sides with their crooked managers. If you wanna work for a company who could care less about you then Panera bread is it. I made this company around 2 thousand a day alone. I’m glad a left and took my customers with me. Good luck trying to build that bussiness back up.
I completely 100% agree with this comment. Panera Bread workers get treated like dog crap by their crappy managers. My manager is a total power junkie. One day will be your buddy and the next day he’s going around talking about you to everyone and punishing those who talk to you!! If you try to tell him your sick he will hang up on you after being an employee that never calls out. Refuses to give those who deserve it a raise but will hire new associates at a higher paying wage with no problem. Brings back terminated employees just for the need of a team, making the whole place seem like you can do anything and if he’s in a good mood it’s okay. Constantly changing everything making it hard for employees to feel stable. Multiple employees have gone above his head to the district manager and attempted to go to HR about him but yet nothing has been done. I told him one month a head of time that I was moving and for the last month (currently still going through if) I got treated like dirt just because I was trying to be considerate and give him one month notice. There is just so much you can handle with a crappy manager before you just loose it.
Yes. That is correct. What happened to the no “jerks”?
They mean no manager can be held accountable for being a jerk, instead they move up. At what expense though if someone had to go for them to be replaced by a jerk?
I work at the new Panera on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim California, I have recently been calling out due to family emergency’s and not being able to find people to cover my shift within the 15 minutes that I called out. Tonight is my last night due to these family issues, I have recently found out by employees that have worked with me and have heard these conversations take place, that one of our managers has been talking rudely about me saying how i’ve been slacking off and how I haven’t been doing my job by finding people to cover my shift. I understand that I’m supposed to cover my shift and it is fairly hard to cover my shift within the few minutes that I have called out. I understand that it’s my job to find people to cover the shift but I do not believe it is professional for managers to be talking behind their employees backs and talking about how they are not good at their job. If you have a problem with your employees, please pull them aside and speak to them in private.
That’s also true. The managers have no professionalism and discuss other employees by badmouthing them. Furthermore, some managers engage in behavior that seems inadequate, such as hanging out with teenage girls and doing them favors, outside of work.
Ms burwin i cant belive panara bread
Puts there poeple in danger during
The blizzard 2016. Knowone should
Be on the rd its a state of emergency
That the bellon stated. This is not right
At all.they dont have a heart at all.
Ms burwin
That’s just corporate america.
They’re not the only ones that insist they’ll make more money if there’s ice on the road.
I need to soeak to a district manager ! My GM was rude and had the nerve to fire me in front of the whole cafe ! He said it was due to calling out because i was in the hospital and my son was in the hospital, how does that work ? I have doXXXXentation and he said he didnt want to see it . Is that even aloud? There was no written , verbal or any warning just a rude your fired for being sick to much ! Brand new cafe at that , was the there since the doors opened . Funny but I will be contacting whomever i cN because this is unreal . I actually liked working there . Definitely wont recommend to anyone else
I got fired for standing up for myself and going over the assistant manager head thinking that i would get the proper help! Going to HR.. But instead they chose to take the manger side which i feel is definitely unfair when i was doing everything i could to show that i loved my job i wasnt even trained on anything but prep i had already knew the line and drive thru via previous job experience so it wasnt a problem catching on when they seen i could handle the line i became closer i was closing the line by myself almost all the time going over time because people called off or did no call no show but still had their job i referred people that give the best work ethic so good the customers are writing compliments instead of complaints!.. I have part time schedule but do full time things i have helped train people and also filled in spots i didnt even know how to do such as consolidation, and Barista 2 things i had no clue about. But now i do.. Im not upset about my departure from panera bread because its all nice and sweet until you get use to everything and see all the favoritism. It really brings you down and really doesnt make you excited about coming everyday!… It was recently a. Argument between 2 workers in the dinning room area and customers were around do you think they got fired!?? … And all i was doing was trying to keep from getting wrote up keep my manger updated on when my arrival would be because he already knew about the car troubles thats been going on my truck caught on fire a month ago on my way. To work on 12 and telegraph for being called and even when that happened i still walked in smelling like rubber and clocked in and worked my shift. . With help i manage to get a for now car so i can make it to work it wasnt the best condition but it gets me to a and b .. So yes the frustration was high when i heard write when the rule of write up came into effect after bread bash for those who call off but remember i never called off i was letting them no i would be running late .. We both yelled i cursed and said it was b.s that i come everyday and you cant understand smh i know its a business and it would be unprofessional for me to not call right!?. He hung up in my face now that was unprofessional i dont care what the situation is your a manger you are suppose to make the situation better not worse . anyhow best luck to panera bread on 12 and telegraph in Southfield the rate there going. There not going to pass the 4.0 or whatever that new thing is its no structure at all just a bunch of highschool kids and young mangers trying to run a big business!.
I have this same issue with the one here in Albany NY @ 50 New Scotland Ave. At 6 am in the morning out of bagels and other stuff that is needed for the entire day??????? This is an everyday occurrence. Mind you we are located in a heavily busy area, hotels, residents and one of the biggest hospitals in our area as well as other businesses and another hospital up the road. If you know you are going to run out- PREPARE. I can understand if it’s close to closing down breakfast and you run out, but 6 am??? I used to work in catering and that is 101 – to prepare for the day. Not to mention we waited almost 10 mins for them to take our order and 15 mins for the food to be made. Their response, we got slammed. No really? You get slammed every day – PREPARE. Unacceptable.
One person working the morning shift making food? Not only do they not plan their day accordingly, they are rude and full of excuses, lets not mention their turn around is horrendous. Their manager(s) is rude and just shrugs his shoulder, their employees talk like they are on the streets and swear, very unprofessional. I sat there and listened to another employee threaten another and swear at her, and the one she was threatening is the sweetest woman ever.The Washington Ave one isn’t that great as well.
Get it together Panera- we work in the building next door but we have chosen not to order from your store anymore. We used to order catering for breakfast and do lunch 3-4 times a week. We have decided to go elsewhere. I’d rather drive than experience the poor customer service just for them to tell me they are out of everything and then shrug their shoulders like oh well.
Dear sir: my member card will not register tried a dozen times along with employees plus we have to pay 1.00 more then other stores thanks steve
I have been working at your Rockford, Illinois (state street) store. I have talked with the store manager, Katrina many many times about my schedule. I hold a second job on weekends and have asked her not to scedule me on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, she continues to do so and I have to call in that I can not work those days. She then writes me up. I have talked to other employees who hold second jobs and are given a set schedule with NO problem. They just ask her to set their schedule and it is accomplished. I can only assume she is discriminating against me. You have a corporate training crew that comes to Rockford occassionally from Wisconsin and I am constantly getting CUDOS! So what is the problem? I am a black male with a good work ethic. I am going to have a meeting with her AGAIN next week. If she continues to give me a conflicting schedule, I will have no choice but to file a discrimination lawsuit. I am hopeful that corporate will be able to give this manager the insight to manage in a positive and efficient manner. Looking forward to your response.
The following was copied from your web site comment section. While I don’t believe in strict censorship, I do believe that your company should exercise some due diligence in reviewing all comments and at the very least @*$&#! the profanity! Just because this country’s morals are continuing to plummet, does not mean it is acceptable for the comments to be posted for everyone to see. I had a minor question I wanted to answer when I visited the site. I found the site very helpful. I then decided to view the comments. After reading the comments, especially the one that follows, My respect for Panera has diminished.
mack smith December 2, 2015 at 1:07 am
Maybe just maybe sunday is a very busy day like most weekends are. Use common sense you dumb b$^&@#. From a panera employee
the last 4 words were especially discouraging. Hopefully not true.
From what I understand after having spoken with a number of employees both current and former of the Panera Bread on 110 Morris Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040 the weekly hours offered to their part time employees range between 5 and 20 with some daily shifts being less than three hours in length. Those that do work six or more hours per shift are not offered 30 minute breaks, if asked, management has been known to refuse them which is against Tennessee state labor laws.
Any complaints or reporting on the employees part are met with reprimanding or cutting of hours. I just thought I would bring this to light as it seems to be an ongoing problem and may be impacting the performance of the location and the health and morale of it’s employees. I am uncertain of the last names of the involved supervisors and management but the store’s general manager is Chris and the HR manager is Laura.
I wanted payroll to email me my last check from Aug.2015 from the Panera Bread in the Summit on 280
Why don’t you offer all your entire soup selection everyday? Your soups are very good. Potato soup is the best. Why not every soup every day. I and all my friends would eat at Panera daily (I have the car) if you had my favorite soup daily.
Regards…from a frustrated customer.
My mom and I visited the Panera Store in Algonquin, Illinois today. We received OUTSTANDING customer service. Upon entering, the shift supervisor, Melody, offered to help with my 5 year old and twin 7 month old babies while we ordered. She sat patiently and played with my kids. When we returned, she took our pager and offered to bring our food to us when ready. She was amazing. I have never had such wonderful treatment at a restaurant. I hope everyone has the pleasure of meeting Melody and I will definitely be back again!
They are ALWAYS out of something! If you know your never going to have things towards the afternoon or dinner time, make more for the day. Or if your getting close to running low, MAKE more!!’
Why? Why is it that the same location seems to always run out??? If you know this, do something about it! You are losing a daily customer because of this!
I eat lunch there everyday! $7.00 a day….that’s good money!
Woodburn Oregon….make more bread products….you lost 1 daily customer, I’m sure more people will get sick of it and leave as well!!!
Went to your Seabrook, NH store this evening (12/18/15) with my family. Initially asked the cashier if they had the Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice soup available because all too often they run out, she stated yes. We ordered 4 of the pick two (soup & sandwich). Upon getting the orders we were told again they only had 1 Chicken & Wild Rice soup only this time the consistency was not the same as usual – it was totally watered down. So we didn’t take it and got 4 other types of soup. We spoke to a new sales clerk about it who just started working there and she was really apologetic. When we spoke to Allysa the supervisor she had an attitude and gave us every excuse in the book and never apologize for what happened. Poor management skills!
We just received a beautiful lunch sent by a client. The delivery girl had no idea who sent it but made the comment she was delivering 11 from the same order. I called 3 locations #601029, 601219 and 601600 all 3 stores claiming they did not send. I cannot believe the delivery did not have a card or something saying the lunch was on behalf of ?? I cannot believe the delivery girl had no clue. We are located in Port Charlotte Florida and the 3 locations I called are the closest. So, not only can I not thank the person who sent the lunch neither can the 10 other orders she was delivering from the kind person who was sending the lunches.
I am writing in regards to the location located at 779 N. Federal Hwy Deerfield Beach FL. We order online (Rapid pickup) from this location almost five days a week (you can verify this, if you like). After so many complaints to the store managers, we are sooo tired of feeling hungry after picking up from this location. 1/2 salads to go should be a 1/2 salad NOT a 1/4. A full salad should be full (BASICALLY FILL THE TO GO BOXES) Salad ingredients are cheap. FILL THE BOX!!!!!!!!
Please Please consider opening a location in the North Shore in Pittsburgh, PA, there is a vacant building 16,000 square feet located right next to Stage AE!!
The Panera Bread location on Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, California needs a new dishwasher!! Recently had lunch with a friend and two food incrusted knives arrived on our food trays, Asked for two new knives, and they too, were incrusted with food. Spoke to the manager and he said he would look into it and left. Ever cut an apple with a plastic fork? Good luck..
Will rethink about eating at this location again.
Are you planning to open a Panera in North Spokane because there is a vacant building where Shakies Pizza used to be and its for lease in the North Point area.
The Oakbrook, IL Panera location needs some education/training on inventory. Today, 12-04-15 at 4:05 pm my fourth visit in the last 2-1/2 weeks left me disappointed again. NO BAGELS and very limited selection on desserts. The dinner hour hasn’t even started yet and the selection is nil. How can this location be consistently out of bagels so early. I spoke with a manager and she said she has been working on it but her hands are tied. I was told another customer had just left upset because of the same discovery, no bagels. I told the manager the Panera location in Westchester, no matter what time we have stopped in, always has bagels and a full selection of desserts. I could not believe her response, she said they have a higher traffic area. I told her if she kept up her bagel supply she would have increased traffic too. I don’t buy this excuse for her poor management and inventory control skills. This store is directly across from the Oakbrook Mall and surrounded by office buildings. I’m not going back. For your information, the store was not even 1/4 full. When I left, two couples were coming in. I told them no bagels. They moaned, Not
Again. They also left. This store location is a sorry mess.
We were terribly disappointed today when we ordered the French onion soup and were informed it has been taken off of the menu. The employee commented that she didn’t understand as it was the top soups sold. Please consider returning this to the menu. Thank you!
How come Panera does not offer discount Gift cards at X Mas time? Everybody else Olive Garden etc
Do you know that in your section called Panera Bread History there is a misspelled word?
It’s should be its. Just thought you would like to know.
It is 11:00 a clock and panera bread is out of every thing bagles and i find that annoying please contact us back.
The young lady a the South Point location in Durham Nc (Tia Bizzael ) has to be the most rudest meanest person on earth. She is rude to customers or co workers her managment team I do not understand why this young lady still has a job. I’ve spoken to several managers about her attitude and nothing has changed. I’ve seen her curse customers out on a number of occasions it’s like a dark cloud whenever she is working.
I went to the drive thru on Telegraph Road, Southfield, MI, simply for a cup of broccoli cheddar soup on Sunday, November 29. There were two vehicles in front of me and after waiting 15 minutes I backed up and went inside for the soup. I got home began to eat the soup and the first bite was CHICKEN, upon further investigation of the soup I notice noodles in the BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP! So I figured that the young lady that prepared my soup initially put chicken noodle in the bowl then when she realized it was the incorrect soup she filled it with the correct soup. Needless to say I was livid!! I am vegetarian and eat no meat or fowl of any kind. This was an act of pure laziness and ignorance! Once she realized that she began to fill the bowl with the incorrect soup she should have thrown out the bowl or if the store is keeping track of the bowls she should have saved it for the next customer who was ordering chicken noodle, and not combine the two soups as she has no idea what individual dietary restrictions may be for something they did not order. I did phone in and speak with the manager, but I am sure very little will be done. This is the second time at this location that it has been an extremely egregious act, a few months ago I placed an order for 3 turkey sandwiches and none of the sandwiches had any TURKEY on them. This is a newer location and someone needs to revamp the manner in which it is run. I am a pharmaceutical sales rep and I spend thousands of dollars yearly with panera bread. I will never visit this location again!
lol sorry to inform you “” vegetarian ” but the broccoli chedder soup has a chicken broth lol. Also maybe they didn’t put turkey on your sandwich is because they’re aware you are a fake ass vegetarian lls
Your Belmore NY location management is not the friendliest. ..
the meeting room is cold. Numerous attempts to control the cold air coming out of the ceiling failed. It’s colder than going outside.
I will make sure my group or any other group Ibelong to, will not hold any meetings or visit the llocation in the future.
we are very disappointed with their unprofessional attitude…
I have been stopping at the Panera located in Lathrup Village Michigan for about 5 years. Many times it is late in the evening on Sundays, about 8pm, and Every time I walk in the pastry case is pretty much empty and the options for ordering are limited because they are out of ingredients. They close at 9:30 on Sundays. Why does this happen? I am not the only customer coming in an HOUR AND A HALF before they close, how can a business be ran this way?
Maybe just maybe sunday is a very busy day like most weekends are. Use common sense you dumb XXXXXX. From a panera employee
I had the worst experience ever at one of your restaurants. I waited more than 20 minutes in the drive-thru lane of the Panera on Fallon Road in Dublin. The poor woman working the drive-thru said she also was working the inside. The line was 10-cars deep with no way to escape the blazing heat beating down on my windshield. Is this any way to run a business? Do you know why people go to drive-thru restaurants? Certainly not to sit and bake in their cars. You’ve lost one customer for life.
The Panera Bread Co. here in Castle Rock, Colorado needs attention. Don’t go there expecting to get a bagel you want. Example, three weeks ago ordered sesame bagel, “we don’t have any, had someone just come in with a big order.” Okay that can happen. Two weeks ago ordered sesame bagel, “We’re out.” Yesterday ordered sesame bagel, “We’re out.” Okay a plain bagel, “We’re out.”
We gave up on Castle Rock’s Panera Bread Co, went across the street to Starbucks.
Two weeks ago, same store, no sesame bagels so I ordered the last plain bagel, my wife ordered a bagel also. I went back to wait for our order to come up and could see that they had placed them in the toaster machine and walked away. After a couple of minutes our bagels came sliding out and with no one around they just sat there. After awhile someone happen by and looked at our bagels sitting there, pick one up looked at it and then threw it away, then placed another in the toaster machine. After awhile, while my bagel was still sitting there, the replacement bagel came sliding out of the machine and again with no one around they just sat there. After waiting awhile I finally went up front to a cashier and asked them to PLEASE get our order to us. She found someone in the back somewhere and we finally received our order.
Obviously your store in Castle Rock is under very poor management and something needs to change.
We have truly enjoyed eating at your outlets for quite some time.
However, my wife and myself were absolutely shocked when we ate in your Monroe Store in the evening. We ordered at approximately 7:30pm, (we generally have meals there during different times of the day).
However, there appeared to be no supervision. Many of the employees were “fooling” around, loud without supervision. We ordered, and when the food arrived, the soups were warm, not hot! The bread that was used in preparing our melted cheese did not taste as it did when ordered several days back. When we complained to the server, he said,”we ran out of the bread we use for that sandwich”. Why weren’t the front of the store personnel advised? You will undoubtedly lose customers if this type of loose mis-management persists. As I was involved in foodservice for many years, I thought you should be made aware of this situation.
Me and my boyfriend came in tonight to eat, we always come to the saint Louis Bread Company , we were their a little over an hour and a worker at the Arnold location yelled my name to my boyfriend while I was in the bathroom and he asked another worker to come here and he was like their still their? Her boyfriends still their, loud enough for my boyfriend to hear them, he did this sarcastically trying to get us to leave, honestly every time I come in their it’s a good experience but after tonight I’m not going to the Arnold location
I’ll be 16 in Feb. and was so excited about possibly working at my favorite restaurant. I completed a job application at the new store in Parmatown (Parma Ohio) and was called in for an interview about a week ago. Everything was going great until the manager came to meet me. As soon as I pushed my hair off my face he told me Panera did not hire anyone with gauges(large holed earrings). I did everything I could not to break down into tears and left. How dare a business or anyone judge me or anyone else just because we choose to be different. I’m a nice person and earn good grades. I would have been a loyal employee but they will never know that because I wasn’t given a chance. I have not gone on another interview since for fear of being rejected for my choice in ear rings.
My complaint is that I called Panera Bread on Rt. 44 in Poughkeepsie, NY today (11/05/2015) at around 11:00 am to place an order for 10 people. The person who answered the phone said that I had to speak to a manager and a manager got on the phone. I told her that I needed 10 sandwiches and someone would pick the order up at 1:00 pm. She said that she could not accommodate that order, as that is considered a catering order, and she would need 24 hours notice. Are you kidding me? REALLY? What if 10 of us came in and ordered food, is that too much to handle as well??? I don’t get it, I wasn’t ordering for 50 people, and that couldn’t be done. Well, she said, what about tomorrow?? No, we’re hungry today, and you just lost our business…. I can’t even imagine being turned away for 10 people with two hours notice. It wasn’t like I did walk in with 10 people, then what do you do??? Oh my, I guess Panera’s just turns people away. Well, so much for us trying to order from Panera Bread ever again, but the deli that we called, was more than accommodating in that short time, as the manager at Panera Bread told me.
I am anxiously awaiting to hear from you.
Mary Ann
Don’t you realize from 11 am to 2 pm is considered power hrs for most restaurant and to call ask them to make 10 sandwiches at the beginning of power hr is just plan stupid
We are never supposed to deny any catering orders. We had somebody call for 10 boxed lunches at 11. She said the person was on their way already! We made it work for them. That’s what you’re supposed to do!!! Doesn’t matter what time it is!!!
The mobile app and the website to claim awards is either overloaded or poorly designed. Have tried to log on several times to no avail. Tried to use a bonus credit and if the manager had not given me credit at the restaurant site I would never have received the bonus since the online app kept freezing up. Location was on Woodstock Road in Roswell Ga.Manager’s name is Sara. Cashier was Justin. Both were very courteous and helpful.
The worst store I ever had , located Orlando Florida. 10801 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
1. Store dirty 2. Food -bread like a wood and steak didn’t cooked well 3. Dishes dirty !!!!!!!!Panera bread should see my complaint and do something!!!! otherwise nobody’s gonna come again !!!!
I’m here for work staying at next to panera bread store .
I have made several inquiries as to the ingredients in Panera breads, as I follow a vegan diet and do not wish to eat food that contains animal ingredients. After a lengthy period of no response from my online query, I received a reply that indicated a total lack of comprehension of what the word “vegan” means (= no animal ingredients, plain and simple). The reply went on about how they couldn’t answer the question because not all vegan diets have the same ingredients, or some such nonsense. I told them I thought they were confusing the term “vegan” which is precise, with the tern “vegetarian” which is not precise. In any case, I did not ask Panera to tell me whether a particular bread is “vegan” – I just need them to give me a list of ingredients (such as “flour, water, yeast, eggs” etc). they sent me a “nutrition information” doXXXXent which said things like how much protein, carbohydrate, etc. Not what I want to know – I want the *ingredients* so I can determine whether this is something I want to eat. I have given up, am returning my Panera card and will not eat there again.
I am a faithful customer of Panera Bread in Cape Coral, FL. Today I order my lunch like any other normal day and everything was great until I agreed to purchase a pastry for .99 cents. I proceeded to go over to the counter where pastries are located, only to be appalled by flying insects all over the pastries. I asked the young lady to move the tray and once she did the insects started flying everywhere. The young lady was looking as if she did not know what to do, so I spoke with the manager on duty and he informed me that it is a problem with pest control, I then suggested that he through those pastries away and make new one and place plastic wrap over them until he could get fixed. The manager then informed me that between corporate and the pest control their is not much he can do…. I will be sending a friend of mine there today that works for the Health Department, because if the problem exist in the front of the store and the manager says its a pest control issue then I do believe that problem occurs in back as well….. I like Panera, but don’t know if I can stay a loyal customer after seeing this.
I went to the Panera location in Alpharetta, Ga yesterday and it was so filthy. I have never been in a restaurant so bad. My mother and I were sick over it. Dirty dishes stacked up at the trash cans and the floor had napkins all over from a spill. I know this is not what you want for your brand. So I wanted to let you know. Sincerely
To whom it may concern ,
I would like someone who is in your marketing research department or real estate development department to look into bringing Panera Bread to the Myrtle Beach , SC area…
I definitely believe it would be a lucrative business investment Myrtle Beach gets many, many visitors …
Just thought you would like to know also many of the locals are former Panera Bread Fans and we totally miss enjoying the food!
Sincerely , J. Peck
Why did you discontinue French onion soup. It’s finally turned into cooler weather in South Texas, so my daughter and I went to Panera for our favorite soup. We didn’t see it on the menu, and were told it had been discontinued by the employee working at the register. We were so disappointed that we went to another restaurant. What were you thinking? I don’t like pumpkins and squash, and I have no interest in eating squash soup. Is the squash soup supposed to be a replacement for French onion? I’ll return to Panera when the French onion soup is back on the menu. So.Very.Disappointed.
I went to the Woburn, MA location to order my regular pick two, onion soup and 1/2 tuna sandwich. To my disappointment, onion soup is off the menu. I didn’t like any of the other choices and just ordered a sandwich. A week ago I went to the North Andover location and no onion soup. I am extremely frustrated and have no desire to ever go to Panera Bread again. Please put this on the menu or I’m afraid you won’t ever see me.
I was a customer of the Panera Bread in Howell NJ. I am appalled at how the general manager treats her employees and customers. She is out right disgusting. I don’t know how they keep employees at this establishment. She should be fired. I feel all the employees besides her are very friendly. I think she needs to be re-evaluated or seek some communication classes. Maybe even anger management. If she is that unhappy with her choice of employment she should not take it out on the employees and customers. I find it very hard to say but I will no longer go to this Panera unless something is handled by corporate. I’m sure I am not the first person to complain about her unethical behavior of a manager.
I enjoy the food. Just not the atmosphere she puts out.
It’s a damn shame!!!!
Hi,
Several weeks back my coworkers and I ordered online from work (like we do most Fridays). Waited patiently, only to discover that the order had never made it to the designated location. After 20 minutes on the phone with a lady with no help as to where my food had actually been sent, I was left with nothing. I then received a call saying my food was ready at a restaurant 30 minutes further away. I asked them to please cancel my order as I could not get to it before my lunch time was over. My coworkers and I were extremely disappointed, but what really has taken the cake is that I have called multiple times to that location to get my money back or a certificate I have yet to receive one. I have requested it in the mail, since I live an hour away from that particular store. Now I’m out my money, and it has left a sour taste in my mouth. Thanks Panera Bread I had such wonderful thoughts of you. 🙁
Evidently by the comments below, we’re not the only ones having trouble with Panera. Over the past six months orders out of the Owasso, Oklahoma store have been consistently incorrect, incomplete or just plain gross. Tuna sandwich with avocado with much of the pit covering left in the avocado, sliced cheese on sandwich looks like it is at least a week old and has been left out to mold on top of that. Order anything CUSTOM and you are guaranteed to get an order that is incorrect, either missing what was requested or someone has added the exact opposite (example – No onions please, sandwich has double onion). Since we order online from work and one person then does a pick up – we’re stuck with whatever junk the Panera staff has thrown together. Talking with the manager does nothing at all and she is rude to boot. We’re done with Panera. McAlister’s is also a large chain, but they seem to value their customers and they’ve just gained an entire office full of new ones. Bye-Bye Panera… had enough of you!
Hi I’m an associate at the Panera Bread in Roseville MI. I’ve been working here for about 2 years. I’m sure I’m speaking on the behalf of my coworkers and hopefully like-minded workers in other areas as well when I say that there have been a lot of disagreement with the new rules put in place, and other new ways of doing things at work. First of all the the no drink rule where were we have to drink and dump is so bad for the environment considering all the cups we throw away, its ridiculous! The no coffee while working has infuriated many workers.We need coffee to keep up with Panera’s demands of speedy perfection, especially at out busy location. You pay your experienced workers much less than your non experienced new workers. Doesn’t make sense. Also, workers of 2 months have been getting promotions to trainer over workers with 2 YEARS under their belt, like myself. When there were repairs or renovations being made there was a horrible chemical smell coming from the roof. I was getting a crazy headache, and I believe the place should be closed for those times. to do an efficient repair job without compromising the quality of your employees work. Day Bakers make work very difficult, It becomes to crowded in the back. We need a coat room!! Our new uniforms make us look like construction workers compared to our old professional look. Gosh Panera, what is happening to you. Many good hardworking employees are going to quit, like many have at my location. Someone needs to look into this.
I understand what y’all are saying. I work at the Panera Bread in North Carolina and have the same problems with non experience employees making more than experience workers, the trainers suck and they have people that aren’t getting paid for training, train new comers. Ridiculous! We were promised a 90 days raise and never got one and it’s been a year, still haven’t got one and I have a family to take care of and feel like they don’t care at all. My GM is a gambler and feel like their all liars. I work hard there while other play around, talk on the phone, play music while still open and nothing is being said about all this but as soon as I need to take an important phone call,its a problem. I tried of the favoritism and the soft Ass management here and the lazy ass employees that does nothing but gets paid more than me.
I was elated to have a Panera within short driving distance of our home. I have gone to our store in Killeen, Texas, several times to include the drive thru. We were driving through Killeen last night and ate a late dinner at Panera (after 8pm). I had to ask the lady behind the counter if she could help us, no one is in the line, just us and she stood there and said nothing. I asked for some bakery items since they are the first thing. I asked her what a cobblestone was and she pointed to the Cinnamon Raisin bread and said that was what it was. We moved on down to the register, she rung up our baked goods and I had to tell her we wanted to order other items, she was telling us how much we owed. This girl never spoke except when we had questions and tell us the amount of baked goods. I ordered my item, steak and white cheddar half with creamy tomato soup, only item I get there beside pumpkin muffie. Husband to girl behind counter what does the Asiago steak sandwich have on it. girl: steak and cheddar, husband: uumm you sure? girl: yes, husband: what comes on a turkey bacon bravo? girl: uumm, husband looked online, and said he would take one of them and turkey chilli. daughter ordered a grill cheese. husband ordered water, myself large sweet tea and daughter organic chocolate milk.
food came out in 10 to 15 minutes: PROBLEM TIME!!!!
“David” brought out two of our items first: steak white cheddar and tomato soup (no spoon) and turkey bacon bravo w/turkey chili
I take a bite of my steak and cheddar and set the sandwich down on the plate and noticed bright red spots mixed with horseradish and oil. I think I cut my hand somehow and look at my hands and no cut. Husband lifts top of sandwich roll and there it was the source of
the blood. Part of the sandwich was bright red to pink, (like a rare steak). My husband talked with David and was told that is the way it is suppose to look. I interjected that it was not like that the several times before when I had ordered the sandwich. David stood there waiting for my husband to take the plate back and which time my husband said well can we get it cooked longer to where it is at least pink? David gave it to the folks behind the food counter. David then brought out my daughter’s grill cheese, it was at this time I asked for a spoon for my soup. My daughter went and looked around the lobby for a spoon even a plastic one and no spoon. My husband gave me his spoon, so I could at least eat my soup. He started eating his sandwich and then said wait a minute, isn’t my turkey bacon bravo suppose to have bacon on it? he picked through all layers of his half sandwich to make sure he didn’t miss a small piece of bacon. To no avail, no bacon!!!! David has passed our table twice to go to the table behind us… still no spoon…. David brings me sandwich back and still no spoon, we ask him yet again for a spoon. David brings spoon. I tell David “don’t go anywhere, the chili might be cold” this is when David said “THERE IS A MICROWAVE OVER THERE UNDERNEATH THE COUNTER AND YOU CAN HEAT IT BACK UP!!!” (SAID THIS WHILE POINTING)
I would like to let you know how much was bought at your establishment:
1 half steak and white cheddar with creamy tomato soup
1 turkey bacon bravo with turkey chili
1 grill cheese
1 chocolate chip muffie
1 pumpkin muffie
1 package of chocolate chippers (12 petite cookies)
1 cup of water
1 organic chocolate milk
1 large sweet tea
roughly $44.00 of our hard earned money for a family of three. We were treated horribly and paid to be treated as such. It might be worth your wild to hire folks that enjoy to earn money and be around customers and take pride in their job. David and the two gentleman I could see at the food counter had more fun talking about social media and comics. I told my husband I was not going to eat that horrible sandwich. The cheese was not even melted only greasy…. manager on duty credited our debit card for my meal and I am still wondering if that enthusiastic register girl cared to give us our 99 cent charge for at least three of our bakery items sense that is what the sign on the register states. I did mention it to her.
This place is suppose to be upscale and we don’t mind paying for the food if the food is worth it. With all due respect this was the visit from heck and almost thought for a moment we were getting “punked” David was that hateful and non caring attitude.
Total Shame, I prided myself in the customer service occupation . God Bless, this location is going to need it after 8pm anyway.
We have a group that has gone to the Outer Banks, NC for a weeks visit. A tradition has bee to take loaves of Panera Bread with us for meals, etc. For the last 3 years we have ordered 6 loaves of bread to take with us and when we get to the Panera Bread in Stoney Point Mall, Richmond, Va and each of these 3 years, they don’t have the order. When we got there this year, the lady behind the counter says, “Oh, I remember that happened to you last year”
Pretty poor ordering process and I’m not sure that we will continue with Panera Bread…..
A couple of months ago we were eating at Panera’s and they had run out of lemons. I mentioned it to one of the workers and asked if there were any in the back. It was a busy dinner shift and they had gone through all of them. It was not a big deal, just an extra treat I like so I said o,k and sat down. To our surprise employee Mary went back and cut a whole bowl of fresh lemons for us.
Today, I spent the entire morning at Panera’s as my house is having new floors put in. I came after the breakfast rush. I did not see any fruit cups and a clerk asked employee Michelle if there were some in the back. She said no but she would make me one. I said that it was o.k. (as she was busy working). She told me that she would be glad to and work is what she does. I told the manager how impressed I was with both of these employees.
I think the Panera Bread at 6 mile and Newburgh in Livonia, Michigan is one of the best I have ever been to. Thank you for making my day so many times now.
Went to the Clarksvill In store lastnight after big discharged from the hospital. After receiving my soup I noticed the bowl was cool to the touch so I dipped my finger in the bowl and noticed the soup was cooler than my finger. I said excuse me but my soup is cold. Her response the microwave is behind you heat it up yourself. Then shift supervisor Travis Sample stepped in to tell me I was stuck up snarky c**t and had no right to ask his employees to heat my soup up. I said well you could offer me a fresh bowl. His response I’m tried of you stuck up b***hes thinking your in titled to everything now get the f*** out my store and dont return. Needless to say me and my kids run out in tears. I will never return to any panera after that crazy uncalled for verbal abuse.
Just happened to us last night at our location in Killeen Texas!!! Heat up our soup in your microwave, ha, try bringing it out warm. For crying out loud!!
store closes early too soon. closes about 10 too early,employees that have clock out still behind the counter.baker working off the clock,nobody stopping the baker from working the clock. shift manager 6 year child sitting in a chair on the food line. gm brings in ex-con boyfriend after hours.
I am a frequent customer of the Panera Bread restaurant in Tampa, FL in the Carrollwood Section. While I have never been overly impressed with the general demeanor of the employees, this evening when I picked up my to-go order, there was a line of about 7-8 people with two cashiers/order counters, but there was confusion among the customers whether to stay in one line or break into two. Because people are nice, there was annoyance and grumbling but there was no “road rage” but when this was called to the attention of the male manager, he reacted very indifferently like he could care less. A simple sign would do. When I got my order, the cashier was rude, gave me wrong instructions about picking up my order, did not enter my reward points (I had to return from the parking lot to rectify), never offered the slightest apology, and displayed an attitude I would find unacceptable as an employer. This store needs better management. If it were not for their good apple chicken salad, I would not return.
Hi,
Between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. today I went to the Panera Bread in New Bern, NC. A middle age, balding man with a tie on (the manager) was carrying in dishes left outside on the patio. I held the first door open for him. no response I held the second door open and again no response. I stopped and looked him in the eyes and said: “you’re welcome”. Still no comment from him. I thought this man is the manager and yet he has no manners whatsoever??
Very disappointing and what a poor example for the staff.
To whom it may concern,
I’m a former employee of the Concord, CA location. During my time there, I dealt with a female manager by the name of Rachel Rodriguez. In all my life, I have never been under the supervision of someone so absolutely rude. It took her months after I’d requested, to put me on the register and when she finally did, she’d make threats of sending me back to the dinning room because I had a hard time identifying some of the breads. Furthermore, I had no proper training from her or an associate trainer. I didn’t mind working for nine dollars an hour until I actually had bills to pay. When I asked for a small raise, I was denied. But I wasn’t upset. What upset me was when she started hiring kids in high school at ten dollars an hour and making them wait days before they were moved to other positions. Her horrible managerial skills aside, she has poor taste in conversation between coworkers, she is blatantly disrespectful and condescending. I worked hard for these guys and always learned from my mistakes. But it always seemed like I was a bad employee because I didn’t do something no one trained me to do to begin with. I’d like to say the General Manager was extremely awesome and is far more superior of a human being than Rachel will ever be if she keeps acting the way she does. My experience working for Panera was horrible and I will enlighten anyone I know who is thinking about applying there, what kind of people work there. Something needs to be done about her. Thank you for your time.
Pinole Ca location;
We left after spending $40 for one of THE MOST horrible dining experiences EVER. To start the restaurant was VERY dirty with food all over the floor and tables that have been left dirty for incoming customers. The staff looked less than presentable with an attitude to match. My wife and I ordered BLT sandwiches and they never told us they were out of bacon. We inquired about this after they brought out the good and they offered us no other options. Our children had the Mac and cheese and ended up sick. This location is a true disgrace to the company. Hopefully the company cares enough to reach out so a real discussion can take place. I will update as soon as I hear back from the company. Stay tuned.
Killeen Texas Panera Bread
Poor service. Waited 10 minutes to make an order while 2 other customers in front of me stepped out of line and departed the restaurant. One person at the register, not trained, repeated attempts by customers in front of me to place their order. No manager to react to the line or opening other registers. Dress code and the wear of lip rings by employees is questionable.
When applying for a job, you complete the application and questionnaire, then wait for a few days/weeks and then, all of a sudden, the job to which you applied, re-appears on Indeed.com….with no contact from HR…why?
I recently visited the Raynham location and was very disappointed with my order. We ordered 2 Frontega Chicken Panini’s and the chicken was cold and very pink. I brought it back up to the counter and the “cook” explained it was smoked that’s why it was pink. I guess I can understand that but very pink to me was a concern and the fact that it was cold. He shunned it off and watched me throw it away in the trash. Later I realized that they were made incorrectly…it was supposed to have red onion and basil on it..it didn’t. I was also disappointed because we normally ordered the Cuban and the chipotle chicken Panini’s but they have been removed from the menu. That’s why we tried the new Panini offered. I will not be returning to any Panera any time soon.
Stopped by Panera yesterday for French Onion soup and salad that I had looked forward to. I was shocked when the girl informed me it was no longer on the menu. Just left Applebee’s after enjoying their French onion soup and salad. That’s where I’ll be.
My son (17) recently applied on line for a job at your Stuart/Jensen Beach, FL location #203324 2750 NW Federal Hwy. After several weeks without a response, he called and they said they would get back to him in a few days. That never happened. I called spoke to supervisor Bree who said she would talk to her manager Meagan and call us back in a few days. That never happened. My son called a 4th time and this time they said can you come in to interview in 1 hour, he said sure. He was so excited to finally be able to talk with someone. He got there 5 minutes early and found out the manager wasn’t there yet. When Meagan did show up, she asked a few questions, basically what his plans were for after high school. He responded that he had wanted to further his musical talents, wasn’t planning to go to college, couldn’t afford it… She then told him he had no ambition. She kept pushing education saying that “what are you going to just hang out and bum around town”? (Her words). He tried to elaborate on his talent but was so upset by her rudeness he didn’t bother. The interview lasted 8 minutes, if that! She told him she was looking for people who were ambitious. Well if she is wasn’t so rude and ignorant he may have told her that he was extremely ambitious… that he had been writing music since he was 11, taught himself to play the guitar, drums and piano. Started a band at 15 years of age, had t-shirts and business cards printed, recorded their 1st CD and the band is playing at the local Pineapple Festival in November. He saved every penny he got from birthdays, Christmas… bought his own guitars (3), full PA system, amps… that’s pretty ambitious to me. He is an awesome kid and it kills me to have someone like her try to make him feel inadequate.
This is the verbiage from your website… “Support…value, uplift, create and strengthen”
this was not what your Manager Meagan did on this day. Very saddened by her attitude!
I enjoy Panera’s service and products, but have to say I was greatly disappointed when I visited your Dedham Massachusetts location on 9/27.
A bowl of your squash soup was brought to our table and as I enjoyed its wonderful flavor I found a plastic wrapper in the soup. When I brought it to the counter and asked the manager for some more soup but without a plastic wrapper this time, he stated “I can’t guarantee you wont find any plastic in the soup,,,unless I go through all the soup”.
I have a problem with this response and hope it is just the manager and not Panera that finds it impossible to serve soup without foreign articles inside.
Dear Sirs,
I wish to complement you on a very good meal. Last evening, after a very busy evening, my wife and I decided to pick up a take out meal at your store on Florida Avenue, in Hemet,California. My wife loves chicken salad sandwiches, especially yours, and I selected the Chicken avocado, cobb salad. We hurried home , put away the refrigerated foods we had purchased and then sat down to enjoy our dinner. I have to tell you the salad I had selected was not only delicious, but I did not find a wilted or browned piece of lettuce in the entire thing. it was completely fresh and I ate every scrap. This was at nearly 8:00 in the evening. I just felt compelled to share this with you, as I can surely say, I have never had a salad from any kind of fast food establishment that was so good. i will surely order it again in the future. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her sandwich too. Kudos to your restaurant and it’s staff.
Sincerely,
James Robinson
ON 9/23/15 I VISITED CAFE 3595. I TRIED TO USE A $15.00 GIFT CARD i HAD RECEIVED FROM MY BOSS.WHEN SCANNED, BALANCE SAID 0. KNEW THIS WAS AN ERROR,AND I HAD ALL THE PAPERWORK. A TEAM MEMBER, TERRI CALLED. SEEMED IT HAD BEEN REDEEMED ON 9/22.RELUCTANTLY,I PD FOR THE ENTIRE ORDER#627294.I RESEARCHED AND FOUND STORE 4471 IN CUPPERTINO,CALIFORNIA.i WENT BACK TO PANERA ONLY TO BE TOLD BY ED,I MUST HAVE USED IT AS ALL CARDS MUST BE SWIPED.HE SAID IF CORPORATE DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE,HE COULD ISSUE ME A VOUCHER,NOT A GIFT CARD. L. I FELT HE INSINUATED THAT I FORGOT I USED IT. MOST WORKERS ARE QUITE CUSTOMER ORIENTED,SOME SHOULD BE RETRAINED. WHY DID I HAVE TO INVESTGATE? HOW DID I USE IT IN CALIFORNIA
Hi, I recently stopped at my local Bread Company (Arnold, MO) and purchased 2 bowls of Broccoli Cheddar Soup. For some reason, this time over any other time I have purchase this soup, it was very runny and I am afraid to try it again. I would appreciate hearing from you regarding this experience. Thank you.
I’m sick and the only thing that sounds good to eat is French onion soup from Panera. So, I drove 10miles out of my way to find a Panera only to find out that French onion soup has been taken off the menu. Sooooo disappointed.
The other day me and Terry had to go to Blacksburg by transit and ended up getting stuck in Christiansburg broke and hungry. We called some one to pick us up but the man we live with told her to just leave us there. So we walked around asking for money so we could at least ride the bus in the morning, we knew we’d be homeless for the night. People looked at us like bums and like we were dirty. I was scared to death since I have a broken leg and low immunity, I was so scared I was going to die that night having to face the elements. It was getting late and we only had some cookies from the mall that morning so we were starved. So Terry said, “Let’s go to Panera and see if they will at least let us have a loaf of bread then we will look for some where to sleep tonight.” I was embarrassed and crying but tried to look sane when we walked in there. Terry talked to the girl behind the counter and let her know what happened and she talked to her boss and she said it was ok to give us a loaf. They gave us two and some cups to get drinks and I couldn’t stop crying. Then the manager came out and asked if we would like them to call us a cab, we told her we didn’t have but but she said it was fine they would cover it. We said no a couple of times before Terry gave in. They gave us money for the cab and then some as well as a note that read “we hope your night gets better love panera if you need anything else let us know :)” they even offered us soup but we didn’t want to take more than what they already gave us. They were so kind and didn’t make us feel like bums, we felt like human beings again. So if you are ever in Christiansburg go to Panera and tip well, those people really saved our lives and they didn’t even know us.
So thank you Anna Conroy, Travis Devinbaug, Jenna Foster, and Sam Evans. I think Gandhi who said “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and that seems to be what they live by.
It’s kinda sad me and my mom come to eat here today and find the most disgusting and disturbing scene. I have already contacted corporate and they tried to call the store 3 TIMES and no answer!
If I see sugar ants ALL OVER the pastry area on the bear claws and brownies and etc and speak to the manager and he pulls the tray out and then puts it back in and DOES NOTHING!!!
THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM!!
And to have corporate call to try and have them pull those items and no answer and seeing people eating this NASTINESS is just very disturbing!!!!
SOMETHING SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE NOW NOT OOOO WAIT TILL TUES OR WEDNESDAY!
One of the two nites that you serve potato soup and your Centerville,Ga runs out of it at 6:00 pm. What a way to run a business or is anyone running it? I drove over 15 miles one way just for that bowl of soup not counting my time wasted. I am not very happy.
Hello. I am contacting you regarding the french onion soup. I was informed by one of your locations that your company chose to discontinue the french onion soup. This upsets me greatly because the french onion soup is the main reason why I’m a customer of Panera Bread. The soup is my absolute favorite, and discontinuing it is a very unwise descison. I have been a frequent customer of the company for well over 10 years. I would greatly appreciate it if you retract your decision, and that you keep the french onion soup as a regular menu item. Panera Bread is one of my favorite restaurants, so please do not get rid of this soup. I really hope the company will change their mind on this. Thank you!
Yes, please bring back the french onion soup!!! That has always been my go-to when I’m sick or stressed out…I don’t have other coping mechanisms, Panera!!!
Been a fan of your salads for a while now until recently.I frequent your Merriville, Indiana store and always use the drive-thru, now I’m not a complainer but,the last 2 visits the chicken Cobb salads were pitiful!!! Wish I could send you the pic I have of the last salad!!! Over $9 was spent,I received a dinner roll,less then a handful of salad,4 croutons,and 5 little pieces of chicken crumbs that was all in that box.I have not been back! Thank you
My wife and I had the worst experience at your Plaistow NH. Store! For one when you have avocado on the menu and you order we were told oh the avocado is not available they are hard as a rock so DON’T put it on the MENU or say temp. unavailable. Also when my wife ordered a water they said oh its free rang us up and handed us literally a 4 oz cup meanwhile after we sit they handed other customers regular size for water! The huge thing is my wife went to get here water from the fountain machine there was water and ice on the floor no signs and she slipped! No ONE asked if she was ok I went to complain and the woman that was sweeping at the front said she will get to it when she gets there. mean while 15 minutes later I get our food she is just getting to that side of the store she said in a bad manner I’M GETTING THERE! I did not say anything to warrant this remark. meanwhile I saw 3 other people slip on same spot until they swept it not mopped and put a sign total time between us complaining 35 minutes! We are now not sure if we want to go back as we are scared of another bad experience!
I am a sixty three year old women with a proven employment record. i applied on-line to get a part time job. Truthfully, looking to start my second career after retirement. It took me three times to get the application and the test sent forward. i have a degree in psychology and several classes toward a Masters in Educational Technology. I graduated while working full time with a 4.00 average. Your psychological test ask several question that i felt did not provide enough information to make a determination. that mast have been why my results came back that i was not Panera Quality.
The manager informed me while I was finishing my lunch. Just before she came over I noticed the young girl cleaning the dining area, she had no real life in her, she barely moved, she watched as a customer trying to maneuver two young children to a table and carry a tray but never offered any assistance, orders were slow getting out, the same supervisor who came to talk to me had to make sandwiches before coming out. i felt bad that i didn’t meet your psychological standards, but you know you missed out on a potentially good employee. You may want to re-look your psychological test because i know folks where i live are not impressed with the operation.
I’m big fan of Panera Bread, being That I travel a lot on business its great place to grab some good food. I have concern with Cafa 1251 in Rancho Cucamanga Ca on Foothill Blvd. This cafe is one I try to avoid due the service is very slow. The personal and Management Team lack urgency and friendly customer personality is missing. We come here they get the orders wrong soups are cold. Today we are here and the restrooms are dirty the Ice Machine is dirty with black slime behind the ice cube outlet. Store AC is not working the host that brings the food his Forehead was sweating making it not very appealing. So disappointed I have spoken with management before they keep saying sorry we will “get right”. This will be the last time we come to this location! Shame it’s the closest one to our home.
Why doesn’t the Hunt Club location in Ottawa keep the menu items to closing time. It has happened to us a few time that we have gone in only to find out they have run out of the menu item we want. Specifically this evening it was the quinoa soup bowl. We were there at 7:30 pm!
I keep asking my local store personnel when they will be producing onion bagels. They keep telling me that they get a lot of requests for them, but so far, no onion bagels. I spoke to a manager today to find out what might get the ball rolling so that onion bagels could be added to their menus and he told me that corporate is the only place that can autherize its production, so, PLEASE AUTHERIZE ONION BAGELS, at least here in the Midlothian, Virginia area.
I was at Panera Bread in SUNRISE , FLORIDA on 8-6-15 store # 4710…and picked up my to-go-order #781 in the amount of $ 22.45…. when I got home and checked my order, the salad dressing was missing..there were 4 CROUTONS in my order that I payed 29 cents for REALLY ??? and there was a piece of bread thrown in there and it looked like someone had eaten on it…..the service was not friendly..and when I asked for other items the sales girl looked annoyed…..It was not a nice expierience and it was the first time for me ordering to go at Panera…even in the salad there were only 2 pieces of chicken…anyway, it was very disappointing…Thank you for your time..hope you can make improvements
Your Panera Cares location in Dearborn Michigan in totally out of control. All the help are very kind and hard working but the amount of people coming into that location ….well dressed….ordering tons of food and baked goods and putting a dollar in the box has left me completely unnerved. I think you really in to change your caring model as it is not reaching the right people…people in need. Previously I would always leave more that needed for my meal, but today had to tell the clerk that I would be no longer supporting those that can well afford a meal. The kicker is after people order $40 worth of food they don’t even clean up their dishes. It was a great idea and very thoughtful….your intentions were good……but this isn’t working.
mrs. and i went to your store on hwy 21 in covington ,la. for lunch. went for French onion soup and steak and cheese sandwich. planned the lunch the day before. well no onion soup and when the steak sandwich was made the sandwich had so little meat in it and the caramelized onions were not cooked through. in summary i had been given a bread sandwich. reminded me of why i don’t go to subway any more. it was bad. hope this helps your future Q C don’t know if another chance at panera’ is on the agenda. too many places to eat to be served what you don’t want
I am at my wits end. I am an Executive Assistant who is required to order lunch daily for the C-Suite. Additionally, I order for meetings. We call upon Panera Bread regularly; whether it is catering or a pick up. There was a glitch on the website where I received messages stating I was not authorized to place an order. I found that odd and attempted to order again and again. Finally, the third order was approved and I received a confirmation email. The next day three orders were received for me, by another admin. I called immediately, explained what happened, was told that they could not come back to pick up the food and that my card would be credited for the two extra orders. I have been calling ever since; but to no avail. The bigger issue for me is that everyone has been extremely helpful except Wes. He turned the issue around and made it my fault because he called me back and I wasn’t available. Needless to say, I’ve called several times from June until August. Additionally, when I told him that I did call him back and he doesn’t answer his phone, he subsequently put me on an endless hold. I held until I had to go to a meeting. I then called back (10:30 a.m.) asked for Wes and was placed on another endless hold. What I find to be odd is that usually when someone is holding for a period of time someone will pick up, regardless of who the person is holding for. Lastly, I contacted Wes for the last time on 8/5. He was very dismissive and told me that he would refund one, but not the other. When I didn’t accept that he hung up on me. I didn’t raise my voice, curse, threaten or perform some other method of verbal abuse. I do not understand why it has come to this. I would like to have resolution to this as I have to reconcile my expenses. Who can I speak with?
What I don’t understand is how can Panera agree to refund my card and then rescind that? We are honest, faithful customers who patronize your establishment constantly.
Hello Panera Bread LLC!
I was your employee in Production and in Sanitation. My time of service was from 4-17-2013 to 7-13-2015. I wanted Important people to know that I had resigned my position with Panera Bread, but I also wanted them to know , I don’t know if Nancy in human resource has explained why I resigned when I truly didn’t want to. I was working in the FDF in 183 where Mourad and Linda are Running. I hope you know that my number one reason for leaving Panera Bread was because of your employee Garrett A. Johnson who is a lead at night sanitation. He has been verbally harassing me at night, Im disappointed in myself because I haven’t mentioned anything about it to anyone. I have doubt with this for a year and a half. It started around the time when your other employee Janiro Kennedy passed away. I have not mentioned anything to anyone because I didn’t want to seem like a big baby. I wanted to say something but because Garrett A. Johnson was a lead I felt he had power to get rid of me. I didn’t want to leave and I feel like im leaving and something isn’t being resolved. I made a exit report but I hope that the information was giving to you. Im not happy that im not eligible for rehire, but that’s ok. im glad I had said something before I left so that way Garrett A. Johnson can’t harass another employee. I surely will miss Panera Bread LLC . Thank you for the opportunity and I hope Panera continues to do well. I contacted Linda to see if I can come back, but unfortunately not eligible for rehire. Please don’t let an employee harass another one. Thank you for your time. Isaac Pino.
I was also harassed for weeks by another employee. Panera’s solution was to give her a raise. Panera treats their employees unfairly. The end.
Hello,
I will like to start off by saying I enjoy Panera bread. I work at a hospital up the street and I come weekly to eat. I have experienced something that bothered me . Olivia Flores ( Youree Dr. shreveport, LA location) took my order. I kept watching her ask a young man to serve me because she did not want to. I watched my food sit there for a while as she kept calling the young man to hand it to me. (He was busy cooking) as he handed me my food I kindly ask him “did she not want to serve me” and he responds “yeah kinda sorta maybe” and laughs as he walks off. I come again to eat lunch and she is there with the same attitude . I no longer feel welcomed or even comfortable. I called the manager on duty and feel asthough he didnt do his part because it happened again. I would appreciate for someone to handle this. If not that i dont plan on coming back as much as i love the food.
The Panera at the Orange Mall in Org. CA. is a busy cafe. The manager is ineffectual and need to be replaced or re-trained. I was there today about 8:30 AM and there were no more than 8 bagels in the baskets. I witnessed a customer asking for more bagels and the manager replied, “NO” and no apology. The customer left and made a VERY unhappy comment. This is not a one time experience with me as I have left the cafe by 9:30 AM, still no bagels. I have questioned another cafe manager, at a training cafe and was told it was company policy to maintain a certain amount of popular bagels so the customer is happy and returns . Why is this not a practice in Orange?
At the Orange location I must say that Bertha the employee that cleans the tables and brings you the food is a jewel. She keeps the cafe running perfectly from cleaning glass in the door to having the coffee pots always full, She is always working with a friendly smile and hello. A Fantastic employee! She makes each visit a happy experience.-
Dear Ronald M. Shaich,
You’re store in Palm Springs, CA, Store number 601356 has a manager issue. Zara the lady that runs the place and Sean the Associate manager (I think), his position label might be something else. These two have torn that store to the ground. Just tonight, 7/29/2015, two great associates put in their two weeks notice because Sean harasses employees constantly and has absolutely 0 people skills. I am truly shocked as to how a person like this can be in charge of anyone. You want Panera Bread to be a place for people to come and work, care about their job and be proud members of a team that gets it done? You need to seriously start with new management. Nobody should have to be harassed every single shift. One of the two associates that placed their two weeks notice called off one single time in the 4-5 month span that she was working because of a medical issue. The two managers above made “jokes” about it every single shift and Sean specifically would talk down to all associates like he was a dictator. There is a difference in being just a manager and a leader. Every single manger that is put in charge needs to be a leader in this type of work. If they continue to dictate everything then there will be no associates for them to yell at. Anyways, Panera Bread seems like a decent company from the outside but on the inside it’s a whole other story.
Sincerely,
Pissed off customer.
First of all, Panera has made it very difficult to register complaints. Throwing up obstacles, I guess, makes it more likely that griping customers will just give up and not trouble the company with criticism. So here’s my complaint:
My Panera promised me free coffee during July. When I went to one of the Dunwoody, GA, locations at around 11:00 today, I was told rather brusquely that I had no rewards. Last time I checked today is the 29th of July, so Panera has obviously found some way to cheap out on its promise to me.
Not only is Panera requiring more purchases to get rewards (now 8 and counting), but it is also not following through on its promises. I have spent a lot of money at Panera over the years, and I have become disgusted with its miserliness and poor customer service.
I worked in a very busy area located in the University area in Charlotte, NC. A business where multiple people order delivery at lunch every single day M-F. Being that it is difficult to get away from my desk at lunch, I was please to find that our local Panera Bread will deliver. However, I was incredibly appalled to learn that PB charges a $3.00 delivery fee, none of which is given to the delivery driver who provides their own way of transportation, but “that there is still an option when placing your order online for a delivery driver tip.”
Shame on you PB. Another form of corporate greed at its finest. I will make sure everyone in my office is aware of this unfortunate cirXXXXstance, and will continue to support another local delivery service instead.
Panera charges a $15 delivery fee at the store where I worked and 98% of the customers are under the illusion that the “driver” ( we don’t have drivers lol that’s funny, customers think we hire special people just to drive food around like a pizza guy hahaha) gets the delivery charge. Well, all I can say is 1. You should be happy to only pay $3 for a delivery fee and 2. Panera is ran by greedy greedy people.
This is an addition to out previous comment. The cashier is Richard and our check number is 457620 .
You have some serious issues at the Victorville, CA. store. Constantly dirty dining room, out of products, and rude employees. I posted on YELP, and am not alone when it comes to the problems. You need to read the comments in YELP. I believe it must be a management issue. I have been to other Panera restaurants and like them. I have never had a good experience at the Victorville, CA restaurant.
On Monday 7/20/15 approximately around 2:15 pm me an my girlfriend went to St.Louis Bread company 6607 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109 for lunch. We walked up to the cashier to order our food . The cashier asked us if we had a rewards card . The minute we started answering he stated ” oh foreigners” . Me and my girlfriend were offended and uncomfortable by the comment . We stayed polite to him but told him we did not have the reward card with us, his response was ” do you know what that means i have to enter lot of numbers. ” I started giving him my phone number he stated 314 area code i said yes. I had to repeat the phone number several times before he actually stopped asking me to repeat it. There were several other costumers around looking at us. This was very uncomfortable . We got our food which i asked for chips instead he gave me bread as a side for the pick 2. We sat at our table which was not clean there were crumbs and liquid spilled on the table. My girlfriend had to clean the table so we can eat. With in 2 min of us sitting down the same cashier sat on the table right across from us. We were so disappointed and uncomfortable on how we were treated as costumers. Been foreign apparently gets you the less deserving service. We finished our lunch and could not wait to leave. The same cashier was at the serving station at the back. We stated to walkout the same way we walked in he literately walked the whole way behind the counter all the way to the exit with us. I was so embarrassed and uncomfortable and hurt of the way we were treated. Me and my girlfriend don’t have accents that are not understandable.
My first experience at panera was awful . I placed a catering order at store 4632 in Lakewood Ohio. They had to hold my credit card for the order, no problem they said I would not be changed. The order was 88.00. I picked up my order, paid 75.00 in gift cards and the rest on my card.
Low and behold!!! When I checked my checking account the next day I had been changed 201.08.
I called the store they explained the employee charged the wrong card. They said they would refund the erroneous change . This would take seven to five business days. That’s fine but in the meantime, my checking account is overdrawn and I can’t pay my car note. This is unacceptable! !!! Because of an employee careless it has caused me undue stress and fees smh I will never go back to panera again. I have called the corporate office. Let’s see how they respond.
I just have to say : this one here that I go to is low scoring :
If I were in charge , would be a lot different , than it is now :
The service is slow and there are people who work there that are rude !
The do not listen to what I order and do not care neither ?
If I had the money , I would find some where else to eat every day !
Really stupid to run the fire place every day , Gas is $10.00 a sq. foot !
Looks like a bunch of libs run the place to me !
Manager , don’t care about what the guest have to say !
Let me first say how much we enjoy eating at Panera in whatever city we visit & at our home in Bethel Park, Pa.15102.
We have noticed the same pattern we have eaten in Panera. This also exists in other food establishments. With the use of your vibrating module we wait for vibrating & lighting before we pick up our food & also verify verbaly if it is our order. Today we could no longer watch the practice of others actually viewing dirctly over our food wilthout any notice of there order being called. We spoke up to the person doing this and we have seen it many times before but not said anything. We have noticed many articles in magazines & newspaper how this is leading to unsafe and contamited food.
I am asking if you would consider at all your locations of considering a plexigass barrrier over the food to helpwith this problem. After today we may consider not eating in Panera as we feel strongly about this problem. The person we spoke up to today at the counter actually laughed at us. We did not raise our voices or be disruptive. After this we just walked away but were not sorry we spoke up, Andrew Bucko
Location of store today was Cafe 3495, Bethel Park, Pa 15102 ( 412-854-2007 ) at 1:25:04. I also asked the Mgr. who was ver cordial if he would report the request to corporate. Visit day 7/11/20015.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
They are building new stores in our town “the shops at Brookhaven. Pa 19015
Middle class area next to higher end trendy Media , pa.
Media is constucting new homes close by, with some stores & movie theatre.
this area would be perfect for Panera. The new high end Apts in Media & our town shops less than 5 min away.
There is a nice panera Bread in Springfield, & 1 in delaware, we need great employees a food here too.
Panera come to Brookhaven please
They are building new stores in our town “the shops at Brookhaven. Pa 19015
Middle class area next to higher end trendy Media , pa.
Media is constucting new homes close by, with some stores & movie theatre.
this area would be perfect for Panera. The new high end Apts in Media & our town shops less than 5 min away.
Panera come to Brookhaven please
I feel all the Panera bread employees should walk out all on the same day, so the managment and higher can feel like how us employees feel with the lack of respect and lack of pay. The managment including district managers are just rude, heartless, and have their employees runing around as if our heads want to spin off. I cant write a whole book of facts in this little comment box, but im not. Im sure the corporate dont give to loads of soup and pastries about these comments and that some of them are employees wrighting in these comment boxes. But the way you train your managnent to manage the stores and employees just suck. You all lack. Maybe we all should walk out one day and let managment work hard on serving customers with out the help of the associates. And someone to try and drill srgnt them around. I mean come on its panera we work for. Not the war. Its dispicable. Tighten up panera and respect the workers that make you money so you can drive in your flashy cars and high priced attire and fancu shoes,, etc. Cause without your little paner-aliens working hard woth smiles,, you all wont have nothing. With all do respect. Thankyou even if you have read this. And your audits .. really!!! You got the managment looking like fools running around treating the employees even rude, for their .”their BONUS” when the ones working hard are the employees. God not even a fifty dollar bonus for our paychecks. I never worked for a company that makes me want to vomit gor the acts of the managment.
I am interested in finding out why Panera Bread would discharge an eleven year employee for providing good customer service? With over 45 years of retail / customer service, a first time non- SOP infraction has never resulted in an employee termination, and my experience has been with two of the world’s largest retailers! I would expect at least that you will cut out your commercials that you’ve been using, as there should be some truth in advertising,and it seems that you are not as employee centric as you would have people believe.Then again with the above notes, maybe that was an advertising myth……
I’m just going to list my complaints:
-My local Panera in West Roxbury has employees that tend to look at each other like “well I’m not helping them” as a line forms and they stand around talking. Then when helped, they give the impression that you’re putting them out.
-while standing in line, seeing flies on all the pastries and bread makes my stomach turn since I used to purchase those pastries and bread. You’d think if they spent so much time daily making these, they’d cover the product to preserve freshness and keep the flies off.
-While I understand changing a few seasonal items, the only thing I order was the panini with mozzarella, sundried tomato and basil. I was told you no longer carry it, so, we turned around and left and I will not be coming to dine at Panera in the future.
I am writing to you in regards to your most recent tv commercials. I am disgusted by the lack of table manners displayed in your recent commercials. I realize that you wish to convey the message that customers enjoy your menu offerings but I find it rather disturbing to see people eating as though they were raised in caves with no regard to common table manners we all learned as youngsters. People eating as though someone is going to steal their meal, food hanging out of mouths, helping themselves to plates of table mates and other repulsive behaviors.
While I am not so naive as to believe you will change these commercials because of my complaint, I felt the need to inform you that I will not be eating at Panera Bread restaurants in the future. I have not singled out your business for critique. I am equally disgusted by other commercials, I.e., Carl’s Jr., Hardees, and others that view their offerings as some sort of food orgy. It is unappetizing and gross. I do not frequent those establishments either.
Cheryl,
I couldn’t have said it better. I rush to change the channel because of the disgusting manners. It makes me literally sick watching it. I hope that Panera bread changes them. It is not only my personal, but professional opinion. Cheers!
Thank you! I thought I was the only one. Those commercials are beyond onnoxious.
A few times per month a group of us from our dog rescue eat lunch at your Clifton, VA Collonade location. We have been loyal customers for many years now. Every year I ask Panera for a donation for our silent auction fundraiser and every year you say that we don’t meet the perimeters of how you determine who gets a donation. It is too bad that you don’t support your faithful customers. I guess it is time to move onto another location of a restaurant that supports its customers. Very disappointing.
First I would like to say I have eaten at Panera and enjoy the food. My wife and daughter feel the same and we have lunch here a lot. My Grandson had a baseball game in Philly. this week-end. As we live in Westminster, Maryland it is about a three hour ride so we decided to take a fruit salad along with other food to the games. When we ate the salad for lunch we noticed the cantaloupe was hard and the pineapple was sour. I contacted the store where we bought it. The manager agreed to reimburse me for the salad and send a few extra coupons. Which was very nice of him, what I did not like was his attitude. When I said the cantaloupe was hard and the pineapple was sour he said ” I can’t believe that”. So I asked him if he was calling me a liar? I got a little upset as I felt he thought I was not telling the truth. At one time I said to him he should have said I am sorry let me work something out for you. Then he said ” Are you trying tell me how to run my business, I have been doing this for thirty-five years”. I ask if he tastes the fruit and he said it comes in fresh all the time. I said it is possible you get a bad piece of fruit once in awhile. Like I said he was willing to return my money . I offered to bring some of the fruit or my wife in and he replied no. I apologized for being up set , but explained why I was. If he would have handled it better things would have gone smoother. Thank You for your time. Don Hughes
Where do I begin… Well the Panera in lake city fl sucks!! Some of the dining room people are rude! Some of the management is horrible. They treat their employees horrible!! There was this one girl that did excellent. She was the bomb!! It took 15 mins for me to get my food then it was nasty!!! Needless to say I WILL NOT visit there again. I feel so very sorry for the employees that have to work there!!! I travel so I know what I should expect for Panera.
I am a frequent Panera Bread customer but the service is becoming worse with every visit. I travel to Florida and Texas often and the panera’s there are also lacking. the Panera in Houston took about 10min for any of the 5 employees I could see to acknowledge me and then the bathroom was so disgusting that I couldn’t use it. I felt so bad letting the employees know but I couldn’t let someone else get stuck in that mess. Now the Panera in Denver where I live is not even an option for a meal. I am ignored at the counter even when there are other customers waiting to order and I just watch all of the employees talk, my salad comes out wrong and dripping in tons of dressing, always out of baggets, and no one cares. I told a manager about how I was ignored (including by him) and he bought my salad which is very nice but the salad wasn’t right nor was it good.
Panera has some of the worst customer service I have experienced and I am done. Zero stars Panera!
I’m writing to you because the changes that are being made in the Montclair, VA store is heart breaking.
I come 4-6 times a week and I love and appreciate the family environment with employees and the those who come for the fabulous food.Chatting and expressing how much this store means to the county and me.
But building a WALL and closing off the counters and keeping the public from the staff is just an affront. Looking at the team of professionals thru a small window is horrible. I truly like and atmosphere of “Cheers” and “Friends”. They know my name and I theirs, to cut them off from the customers is shameful. Very, disappointed in you
I used to enjoy the Panera Bread food and restaurants, but seems something is happening to bring down their overall satisfaction with customers. I encountered a situation yesterday, June 1, 2015 in the Daytona Beach Florida store located on International Blvd. I drove out of my way while in town for an appointment to eat at their store. Not worth it as it turned out. The store manager did not handle my complaint when I returned to the counter after I discovered by eating a few bites of my ” Potato Soup” that it contained bacon. I do not eat meat! I politely asked if it contained meat and he didn’t know. This after asking another employee at the counter ringing up customers and taking orders. She didn’t know. If they don’t know what is in their food, how can they serve the customers? The manager checks something and informs me that it contains pork. I informed him I do not eat meat and have not for most of my life and that I didn’t expect meat to be in potato soup. Instead of being sympathetic, he was instead offensive, asking me why I don’t like pork. It went from there. He finally offers to replace the soup with a different soup. I asked for a full refund. I returned the soup to him and I finished my hopefully ” veggie” sandwich and left after telling him I will not be returning to Panera Bread anywhere in the future. So disgusting! He wanted to know why I didn’t eat pork, he actually asked me, ” what is wrong, don’t you like pork?” Really? And he offered up that the potato soup was a loaded potato soup. It was not presented that way at all. It only read as this exactly: ” Potato Soup” That was my selection and I chose it. He was trying to make excuses by lying. I have gone out of my way to choose Panera Bread over the years because they seemed to focus on offering healthy choices which means no meat or clearly marked meat dishes. Not so and now, no reason to return to their stores lest I be lied to and disrespected when I complain about the meat. Those few bites made me sick and I am still dealing with it mentally. I can’t believe that manager of that store asked me why I don’t eat pork after they trick me into buying it and consuming it after many years without consuming it.
I’ve been trying to get a hold of rashel for the Waynesboro va Panera. Because I reaentlt resigned an I need to know when I’m supposed to get the vacation time I earned. If someone could please reply it would be great. Thank you
Went to Paneral Bread today 5/17/15, walk in stead in line the manager and two ladies talking , it was just like I was invisible to them. I want to see just how long I had to stand there before someone come over to help me, it was all most five minutes before I was waited on. Will not go back there any more, u would think the manager was on her toes but she wasn’t . Panera Bread in Alexandria, Va Cafe 0695.
I WAS DISRESPECTED hung up on, yelled, at and given false information by a manager to lodge a complaint. I made about 3-4 CALLS all had the manager, cutting my FIRST sentence off and hanging up on me. Then continued to scream AND hang up on me everytime I called back. I will call corporate OVER & OVER if I DON’T receive satisfactory. And if I’m not contacted by a higher up in corporation, I will reach out to MEDIA contacts. Corporation NEEDS to TAKE a GOOD look at their complainants, TRY taking them SERIOUSLY, YOU ONLY have your job bc of YOUR customers, I would find a WAY to LOOK INTO what’s happening in your stores!!!! I’ve never complained about a store BEFORE, so this should SHOW you how disgusted I am by panera bread!!!!!
its a raining morning in walnut, ca. Why don’t they serve soup at 9:26 in the morning? I understand its breakfast, but it would be great to have soup on a rainy day…
I worked for Panera bread broomall pa , I just walked out today . Panera bread is a hard company to work for . We close at and 9 and if you follow the proper guidelines for closing exactly as the book says it’s about an 1 and half to close the store . Most stores use preclose methods but we are actually not aloud to . They start at minimum wage based on experience . I tried to make it work with the company turning down other jobs , I’m a full time student I have another job . Panera slaves us doesn’t give any benefits and transportion home in the area is about an hour or hour and half long . The managers do not care about our feelings . We have a new manager who’s been with the company for about 9 months or so , she refuses to help and do ACTUAL work or assisit the employees . The district manager constantly takes her side , a whooping total of 12 employees have left our store with in the last week because of unfair behavior and complaints . There is never a day we are short on food or employees if it’s not one its another. It’s not a company I would recommend working for . No benefits , no respect and the pay is horrible . We have tried callin hr no one has responded I felt this was my only option to reach out to someone .
saw employees of Milton Ga Winward Panera bread smoking pot at the back of the parking lot. Waited til they went in to the store then I went in and asked for the General Manager to report them. Imagine my surprise when she came out and I saw she was one of the three people smoking pot that I saw. Her nametag said Taree. I just gave up and left. Potheads run Panera Bread.
I work at panera bread in YO, NY and just wanted to say none of the employees smile at all. The managers are rude always talking about people behind there backs and even cursing at customers calling them names. The employees when they are scheduled to close that day start closing and cleaning up and putting stuff away by 4 pm!.. yes ..4 pm.. employees like myself never leave on time they keeo us maybe an hour or 2 longer when we arent scheduled for it which ruins my own at home schedule. I’m just sick of it myself and really would like to leave anytime soon .. corporate really need to do something about this
I stopped at Panara, 1518 Market St, Des Plaines, IL 60016, I place a order prior to the store opening for a large pastry roll different flavor sweetroll cake, 24 bagels, 4 mixed cream cheese a sandwich and a small pastry. I asked if I could have a catering box – I can lay out the bagels at work – I work at a corporate office. I was declined my request by Joe the manager. I got to work and the large pastry ring was missing. Ok, mistakes happen, but what’s the big deal about providing a catering box! Not very good customer satisfaction. The money spent ordering food from Panera …providing the box is not asking much. Going forward my gift cards and food pickups will not be at Panera.
It’s obvious that Panera is not a good place to work based on the unhappy, rude people they have behind the counters. They NEVER smile and are very rude. They have had a sign outside their door for 6 months looking for help. What does that tell you. I don’t think Corporate gives a damn. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. They constantly are low on items. At 7am they had just 2 quiches left and would be an hour before they had more. Judging from all the comments from customers, I think Panera has a BIG, BIG problem.
I would like to make a complaint on the Panera Bread store located in Roanoke, VA on Valley View. There is two managers there named Joyce and John Sway who are rude not only in front of customers, but I have witnessed them being rude to the employees. The store is often short on most items. They have underage employees who work until 12 midnight when the store closes at 9pm. Isn’t it a such thing as a labor law for minors in the state of VA. I am going to continue to reach out to someone in the corporate office until those two managers get what they deserve and the place gets their a** in gear. I refuse to eat there again.
Ridiculous customer service! I placed an online order the Saturday before Easter for dinner rolls, 4/10/15. When I came to pick them up 3 hours later I was told the store only had 7. I cancelled the order and asked for a refund. A week later I am still waiting for my refund?!?!?!?!?!!?!? I have called the store three times and each time I have been assured this would be resolved and it has not, how hard can it be??? This is disappointing and I will be contacting your corporate office.
My son has also requested a duplicate W-2 and has yet to receive the first or the second one….please email me a contact name and number so we can file before April 15. He worked at Panera in Tallahasse.
I worked for the Panera located in Monroe, NY. I left my job there because I found a job closer to home. I went into the store the day paychecks came in, and was told that mine was already mailed to me and would be at my house in a week or so. It has been more than 3 weeks, and I have still not recieved my final paycheck. What can I do to resolve this issue?
I work for the panera in Jacksonville, fl and all of you are right.. This place is so shady it’s ridiculous. Mangers are disrespectful and rude… They call us minions another word for slaves.. They’re lazy and the store is barely passes inspections and audits.. We don’t get raises because the gm said out his mouth that he wants to get his bonus.. straight f**ery to me!!!
I worked for the new location in Northglenn, CO and the GM there is probably the most unhelpful person ever. I worked there for 3 months and he never even knew my name. He would call me a bunch of different names while I was wearing a name tag! Really?! That place needs a new GM. And when I called to get my information for my W2 he again was no help! And a different manager asked me to call back a different time because of their lunch rush. Ummm no? As a manager you should address everyone’s problems right away and not tell them to call back later? I was a manager at a different place and I wish I could’ve just said “hey call us back, we’re too busy to help you.” Not okay! Overall, I wish I never worked there!
I emailed payroll for my W2, and a guy named Robert responded once, asking which store I had worked in. I replied Superior, CO. with the store #. No reply. Emailed payroll again, and Robert responds again, asking ME if that store is a franchise!
I emailed him back directly again with the Breads of the World corporate info right of my 2013 W2. I wonder what, if any reply I will get this time!
The location at HollyMeade near Target in Charlottesville has the worst manger! Having workers who live so far from the store and insisting they stay during horrible weather conditions is just sick! You live mins from that location Joe! To risk the life of your staff and assistant mangers so you can slack on efforts makes the location look bad! I would never have a child work for you again and your management skills need to be re evaluated! I hope that staff make it home safe, as several are still in the process of trying. Tis is so sad. I hope everyone prays for these employees. I hope Joe never has to experience what the families of his staff that he selfishly kept to long are experiencing!
Hello my name is Courtney, i have been waiting for weeks now for my W2 to be mailed again because my social was messed up. It does not take 3 weeks to reprint a W2 with the right social on it. So please contact me ASAP and get it fixed.
thank you, Courtney.
I’m waiting on a reprint w2 as well its been 3 weeks
My son was also issued a W2 with an incorrect SS# – he has been calling and leaving messages and faxing now for 6 weeks – no one will return his call. He said the incorrect W2 is no longer on the access site but the corrected one is not posted. I told him to call the IRS.
I am currently having the same exact problem. I need a replacement w2. I spoke with someone on the phone a month ago, and they still haven’t sent one!
I too worked for a newer store in Ontario, Canada and thought it was great. Unfortunately, they hired more than they needed and they also had issues paying their employees. I was let go the end of January. In Canada, employers are to submit to the government a employee’s ROE (Record of Employment) so that they can get Employment Insurance. I was already on this but cannot get the fund released until the ROE is received. This has now been one month. In this day of electronic messaging, this does not look favourable to this employer. The manager has been very kind and helpful, but unfortunately, he does not issue the ROE’s. Can you check into this and expedite the issuing of this doXXXXent. I need an income. Thank you.
I have been trying to reach someone in the corporate office and no one has returned my calls. I was wrongly suspended and I’m trying to talk to someone about it. I was suspended because I left work at 7:30. I was supposed to be off at 7pm. I come in the next day to work and my boss tells me we need to have a powwow. She doesn’t give me any papers to sign or anything. She said I left without saying anything to her. I did say bye and I told here I’m sorry she didn’t hear me. I’ve been with the company for almost 10 years. I should not be suspended. A whole week with out pay is wrong. And now I have people at work saying that I quit but I didn’t. I have a child and to do this to me is not right. I have seen people do a lot of wrong and nothing happens to them. I leave 30 minutes after my time and I get suspended? I need someone to call me immediately because what they are doing isn’t right.
All you need to do is file a claim with the department of labor. You will probably win unemployment for a year and you can go to school or something that will make things better for you.
Good Luck!
I have made several attempts to get in touch with the corporate office, I am a former employee of Panera Bread in Fresno,CA @ Riverpark and need to obtain some info that you have on file. I would appreciate it if someone would call or email me asap.
Taurus Morgan (623)293-****
I’m a frequent customer of Panera here in Seattle .The best butter croissant I have tried so
far is from Panera bakery. However, I noticed that this bread is not available most of the
time anymore unlike before . What’s up? I hope you’ll make some more as this is so popular .Otherwise I’ll just go to Starbucks whose croissant is second only to yours .
I am hopeful that someone can straighten out the attitude of a site supervisor named Liz M. At the Greenbier Chesapeake VA location. She was so unprofessional and rude, If she was working for my business I would have fired her on the spot. I feel sorry for people working for her she has very negative energy. The young man working with her was polite and very customer service oriented. He deserves her job. This took place on 07 Feb 2015 for my daughters six birthday dinner. I really hope this email will change her attitude and way she treats the people who are supporting her job by eating at Panera. This is the first time in my life I have written such a negative review……..
was awful. Send in an undercover boss they will agree……
My son started working for a new location in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. 4 Weeks and 3 days ago. It was new opening all new staff. No one has received a cheque yet, they keep saying there was a mix up in payroll but was fixed and tell them tomorrow the cheques will be here, well tomorrow never comes. WHAT KIND OF COMPANY IS THIS, CAUSE FOR A CLASS ACTION SUIT. people have bills to pay!!!! second call to corporate office.
I had visited panera bread in the district at green valley ranch in henderson Nevada on Thursday February 5,2015 around 3:30 pm. I ordered a soup to go. As I was standing there and waited I watched a worker sweep trash off the ground then go and serve food without washing her hands. This is extremely disgusting and a health hazard I can’t say I wanna eat at paneras if the employees pick up trash off the dirty floor and then touch my food.!!! Gross!
I took my 11 year old daughter to the Panera in Germantown, MD on 2/2/15 after a doctor’s appointment. While we were there, we witnessed three girls come in via a side/back door, STEAL drinks from the soda station, curse every other breath while sitting and enjoyinig them, then get up and leave the garbage on the table and leave out the same door they came in. I was so offended. There were two other women there having lunch who also verbalized their disgust. When I mentioned it to the manager on duty, Jay, he acknowledged that he is aware of people doing this but if he says anything to them, they get mad. REALLY!?! It baffled me that this manager would rather offend 4 paying customers than confront/offend 3 hood rat thieves stealing from the business! I, personally, will not be returning to that particular Panera because it was made very obvious to me that the common thief is valued more than the paying customer.
You a dumb hoe
Your Mozarella Panni has been my favorite item and my usual choice for purchase when I frequent your restaurants. I like it so much, sometimes my husband will come home and surprise me with several so I can freeze them and eat them any time I have that Panini craving! How great is that? When I had one recently at your restaurant, I was upset to find you changed the recipe. While it is still good it is not the same. It is also very messy. Little bits fall out every time you take a bite = stain on clothes as well. Why would you change a menu choice that was perfect in every way? Bad move!
I recently applied at panarabread I was contacted by one of the regional managers in manhattan. When I returned her message the next day I didn’t get an answer. It’s been about over a month and she still hasn’t returned any of my messages. Please email me about this misunderstanding asap. Thank you
I would like to make a complaint. I made a order by phone to your store at 3574. This was a order for a manager’s workgroup meeting. The order was for 10 people. i pick up the order at the time they said the order would be ready. When I got back to the office and pull out the items from the bag the order were all wrong. Not only was the order wrong one of the manager just inform me that he found hair in his salad. This was one of the salad that I did not order. I really would like someone to address this matter.
Thank you
Juanita Richardson
jrichar@****.com
301-792-****
My comment/complaint is regarding the changes Panera has made regarding phone orders. I live in Redlands/San Bernardino, California area where there are two Panera restaurants within driving distance. I love this place, but I have an issue about the changes made where you need to fax in your order. As a senior citizen I take offense to that. I cannot fax in my take out order and when I try to call it in, I don’t get an answer, get ignored or left on hold for a long period of time. I know you cater to working people, but you are leaving a very large percentage of people out that cannot do anything else but call in. Please look into that. I would appreciate an answer. It is really annoying.
I have moved from my old address that is on file with Panera and would like my tax info mailed to my current address. I have contacted the postal service, but was informed to contact Panera Bread headquarters. Please let me know who I should contact.
Thank you,
Jas
I work at panera bread at porter sq and I don’t know who to talk it work with manager that wants to fire they are really trying to find a way to fire me and I’m just very upset I love panera bread but the managers are making panera the worst place to work and it’s sad because I work really hard and I take everybody shift I help the manager and all they want to do is fire me I’m just upset because I want to stay and I don’t know who to talk to :'( Help me
On Wednesday, January 7th, my daughter and I went to a movie and then wanted to have dinner. There is a Panera in the Mall, so we decided to get a sandwich and soup. When we arrived, there was no one at the register. We waited 10 minutes, then one employee says to another “Hey did you clock out”, “Yes”. Still we were being ignored. Until I asked to see a manager, we didn’t get service. The manager came out and apologized, but at that point I didn’t want to eat there anymore. My money and time are important. Racial……not sure, but this will be the last time I go to Panera and I am telling everyone I know.
I am having many problems with the Human Resources department. I have been trying to get in contact with the person in charge of Illinois payroll because I have not received two of my paychecks now. That is two separate paychecks that have not made it to me. I am outraged by the lack of response. I have called the HR department multiple times in the past few weeks. The person in charge of Illinois payroll not only is never in when I call, but she never returns my calls either! I have never been so disappointed in a company before. I have worked hard for those paychecks and I believe that I deserve to receive them! At the very least I would like a response from someone in the HR department to fix this problem.
I have not recieved one of my paychecks as well because of a mistake on the payroll as well and it has been about 3 weeks now. I am getting frustrated because I have bills to pay and need my pay.
The Lady in your Norridge Illinois store is very controlling and is not honest; she came over and told me I could not converse with these two girls from the Ukraine. We were talking about this country compared too other countries. I had a friend who’s family was over in Belgrade when Yugoslavia when it was being bombed and broke into several countries. The girl was in the next office and her brother was drowned and was suspicious. I have had a lot of bad things happen to me in this country and have been attacked by Americans and foreigners, Abigail the manager told me I would have to leave
if I continued to talk about any deaths or murders. I told her look at the paper and the news. I told her if it happened to her she would have a different opinion. I know because I have been a victim. She proceeded to turn everything around and said that I hoped she would get rapped, I told her no that’s not what I said and she said children were around and they were not, for I was by the front window in a semi closed of area and the girls table was and was talking to the two girls. I just believed it was purposely targeted by her and approached by her she said nothing to the other girls. I asked her why she was anything to her. She said this was a family restaurant, I said again why aren’t you saying anything to them. We were just sharing experiences, They said you should see what other countries are like I said I travel and it was just the people. I told abbatial the manager that she was picking on me. I had expressed my feelings outwardly but I felt like I was being singled out. She said I would have to drop the conversation or I would have to leave. I felt I was being picked because I was by myself, and have been going through a difficult time because of people who are attacking others and then calling the police. I believe they are intentionally sabotaging others and enjoy the power trip and watching others suffer. The girl with the braces was just laughing and I think she called her out and besieged her on me. She kept on blaming me; I persisted on asking her why she was only attacking me and that I felt attacked by her and threated. I did not believe she had a right to take control or interrupt another persons conversation. I believe thy were sticking there nose into another person conversation where it didn’t belong and tiring to control it. I felt really uncomfortable and distressed. I proceeded to say nothing the conversation ended for about 15 minutes the girls left . She threatened to call the police and the police had been swirling around the parking lot as though I was about to be set up. Cause I saw about four cars including security about four times. I did not want to be the scape goat so I left and went across to the fitness center and called a cab, I walked away. They called the police and they came over to the fitness center, previous to going into panniers I had seen a security officier go into the mall as I was looking for a phone.. I believer cause this has happened to me more then once, and it appears that there are groups that work togheter, they target a victim and call the police and destroy that person by using them as the bad guy when they are in fact setting you up or investigating it and using that person as they bad person.. The police, lawyers, and buddies are involved. They have the security in the stores falsely arrests and purposely destroy a person or a business. The victim they make so stressed that they feel they are not safe any where and they attacked them, threaten the and due physical bodily harm. It is becoming all to common. They make money from the lawyers, counselors, hospital and they corner the person and sell all there things, or take there money, and leave them with nothing and leave them to die either in the hospital or walking out, They were not even neglectful, or negligent they are way beyond that, they are, predators of the worst kind, They seek to destroy your trust and after you are ruthlessly destroyed you can not even seek help; because they are a group of human personas; that have no desire to help anyone, Once the trust is so defiled and you have no where to go you are savagely destroyed not to mention physically traumatized from the physically attackers and you call out for honest help but no-one will help and they turn around and become part of the human, sociological attack/predator group, It is an insane phenomena. They have used you to create such a scene again and again so they can justify there means to an end, which could possibly be death, It is called a mob mentality; but as long as they get paid they do not care.
The other Panera’s have been pretty nice, especially the river forest location; who has been helpful and some of the employees extraordinarily kind, I like Panera Bread, at State and Congress nad in Santa Monica. This is why people are becoming homeless and they have no homes; because they have no back-up or family that can help in times of need, I would like to say thank you especially to the river forest, downtown Chicago, and Santa Monica locations
They have been an oasis in the sand in a time of great difficulty.
Thank You,
Kathleen Martin
I visit panera everyday from ft lauderdale to boynton beach. The Pompano store has an issue making sure they have iced tea. I’ve gone there at least five mornings where there wasn’t any iced tea. How is that possible? Once a mistake,after that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Your soup is too good. Drove all the way to Panera in Ft Oglethorpe to find they closed “early”. 7:10 pm. 8 pm is way too early as it is. Leaving very disappointed.
My daughter works at Panera for over 2 years p/t she is a full time college student as well she was supposed to get a lttle raise and went to additional training to be a trainer the New female manager there has now cut her hours dramatically and she cannot be a trainer now because she doesnt wear make up. Does that seem right at all she has never been a big makeup person she doesnt need make up she is beautiful what to do call corporate???-will it do any good she is the hardest worker there Any advise would be appreciated
I would like to bring to your attention that you have a store that is forcing trainers to falsely sign off on training paperwork. Gabby is over training and when employees have gone to upper management about this, they are fired or walk out because Gabby physically pushes them, or she creates such a hostile work environment they leave. I cannot believe that upper management tells employees that she cannot do anything about Gabby because no one will do anything about her. Gabby lacks people skills from customer service all the way to leading a team. This location is at University Village, North Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO. I have informed many of your employees that they need to contact HR, but they are afraid they will lose their jobs. I hope this will go to your HR department for an investigation. Thank you for your help and time. Please take care of your associates. This location has had a very high turn over for the past 6 months or longer.
I go to my local Panera (Liverpool, NY) every Saturday and Sunday. A few weeks ago, I used the drive through and got a latte. After about 10 min of drinking it, I realized that I was soaked in coffee, because the cup was defective and leaked all over me and inside my car. I am a very neat person, and I wear nice clothes. Coffee stains are not the easiest to take off. So I drove back (about another 15 min) to my Panera and showed them the leaking cup. They said: “Oh, we’ll exchange it for you mam.” When I said, I would like some reimbursement for my trouble (for being soaked in coffee and for mess in my car, and for driving all the way back), the assistant manager, Carly, looked at me, as I was from Mars, and said, “for what?!,” like as was asking for something completely outrageous. She said she won’t be giving me any gift card, because that’s not what they do. Well, what do they do? Sell defective coffee cups and then not be responsible for it?! I called 1-800 number and complained. The girl name Katie (some customer relations person) told me that someone from regional office will be in touch with me…Well, it has been over a month now, and no one from regional office called me back…That’s the kind of service you get at Panera?! The service doesn’t stand up to its Overpriced name.
I totally agree with you, the service doesn’t stand up to its overpriced name!!! I’ve had nothing but problems with their new location on Waters Ave in Tampa, FL There has been several times that I’ve ordered their Asiago Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich to be served a completely burnt sandwich!! Ive brought it up to managers attention and all they do is apologize and say “There is nothing I can do because the machines are already pre-set to the temperatures… but when I go to their location on Kennedy Blvd it doesnt seem to happpen….. Hmmmmmm!!! Then when Ive gone in for lunch I’ve ordered a Chicken Cobb Salad WITHOUT avocado, guess what…. they always add the avocado!!! Then this past Sunday I went to the drive through to order my usual breakfast, I hand the lady my keys (Rewards card) and she never handed me my keys back. I wasnt focused on that because I was more focused on checking my order to see if it was correct. I get all the way home and notice I didnt have my keys!! I call the store and spoke to a manager named Stephanie explained what happened, She apologized (didnt seem sincere ) and I was told that she would hold my keys. I went back to get my keys by like 2pm and figured since I was there I would get lunch too. I got my keys from her (never offered me anything for the inconvenience) and then I proceeded to get in line to order my lunch. My form of payment was a voucher of $7.00 that Panera had sent me for one of their famous mistakes. My total came out to $7.11 as the lady at the registered called over the same manager so the manager could put in the voucher in the system, the manager then looked up at me and said “ok, you now owe me 11 cents”. .. I was like, I owe you 11 cents!?!? Really!?!? You have the audacity to ask me for 11 cents after I had to drive over 5 miles back to your store to get my keys that your employee failed to return to me while at the drive thru earlier that morning!?!? I was so blown away by her nerve in asking me for 11 cents that I ended up telling her you know what?? Just cancel the darn order!! Im done with spending my money in a place like this!!!
I have been working for Panera for 3 weeks. I have been unable to set up direct deposit due to the fact that ceridian site does not supply a link to do so on the site. I can log in but have no access to direct deposit as stated in my new hire doXXXXentation. I called the number on the doXXXXentation I was supplied with when I was hired, but the woman on the voicemail says she will not be in the office for a week! I do not have a bank account right now and simply want to set up the pay card as instructed by my GM. This does not instill much confidence in me for the promise of a future with your company. I do not expect to get the run around from my employer.I find this a very unprofessional and unethical business practice.
For the most part every Panera in St Louis has been good for the most part .. clean, nice sized sandwiches – not skimpy, good soups etc etc… The one right off the highway in Paducah is good too… however… the one in Charleston, West Virginia was awful! Dirty, poorly trained staff, skimpy sandwiches, clerk shortchanged one of our group (it wasn’t an accident) .. just not a very nice experience at all… Don’t know if they have just really poor or non existent standards or no inspector… That said, Panera was the third restaurant we attempted to eat at…. a fish place was so dirty we didn’t want to touch the table and the third named Tide Water looked great but there was no parking close by and we needed to get in and out and back on the road….
Panera in Sandusky Ohio is the worst !
They are out of the spinach/bacon souflet every single day. They have awful attitudes and treat customers like crap.
Wouldnt you think they woukd make more or at least offer to ???
Yeah….no …never.
They literally snicker at you when you pick up your food…in the drive thru. Some lady with super short hair is the very worst and I think she’s a mgr.
Never again….bye Panera.
Customer service sucks. I call in delivery order. It takes FOREVER.. Then, my required credit card info doesn’t go thru, or at least rep thinks not. Put on hold, finally comes back and says didn’t go thru, want to try again? Rep already errored repeating delivery location back to me. Had that wrong. Forget it.. Not worth all the hassle. They lost my business. Over priced to begin with.
I tried placing an online order which I have done weekly. It kept saying that it couldn’t process my order to try again. After 4 times I called my local store which reassured me that my order wasn’t processed online. I placed my order via phone and pick up my items and just paid CASH. WELL, the next day I happened to look at my bank account and was charged for my order 4 times for $16.59. I called the manager that assured my AGAIN it will come off the next day. NOT! I wrote an email the Panera and NO response. I called my local Panera today and was told they will credit my card today. Well by noon it wasn’t credited. I called the location AGAIN and was told they will run my return after there lunch so it doesn’t mess with there lunch number. REALLY! I was not happy that they wrote my credit card number down and didn’t process the return right away. Now who knows who has my card number. I’m so unhappy .
I live in Roanoke, VA (valley view) and I love the food, but there is one manager who is African who has the worst attitude and treats her employees & customers like XXXXX. They need to take the time and screen their people in authority because she will make someone slap her.
are there any other employees out there who know how to contact friends in knead? i recently suffered bilateral ankle injuries, and finally after 3 weeks i have been cleared to go back to work, but i have to continue to wear my walking cast, which i am sure is not going to go over well. needless to say, i am coming up on some dire straits here, i have even had to ask my family for a thousand dollars to ensure that me and my children have a roof over our head as i am the sole provider. this can’t continue but i can’t find a way to get into put an application in for friends in knead…. any advice?
I Love Panera Bread in San Diego Ca. in Hillcrest. The food is served hot and on time. The staff is well trained. The rest rooms and all areas look brand new . The store hours of operations are great. and best of all the food prices are fare.
Panera bread locations Mobile Alabama I thought upper employees Are supposed to be professional And example of how other employees Should act at work Apparently not at the locations in Mobile Holly m Kaufman Has been showing On the clock Public displays of affection ext…. With a married man Who works on equipment For those locations. I several occasions Just bad to say but ladies if You have a man or husband who goes into these Locations It’s best to go with them This restaurant is such a good place to eat and was a good environment What is it say about a higher up employee Hey can I add bicycle go to conduct Or be professional and her job
I work at your location here in Jacksonville Fl i have been working at this location for a year now. I came in with customer service experience i love working for this company but what i don’t understand is how that a new person gets hired and only been there for a couple of months and the GM can give them a lot of credit,But the ones that have been with him for a whole sense the grand opening and we don’t get any credit at all. I am more upset that i work hard and show that i want to be there i have done things that managers are suppose to do i brought home thick folders that needed to be reorganized and even when we started the new 2.0 system and we had to start doing snapshot i did the folders but when it comes to the bread bash all the new people get credit but i don’t get any. I also don’t like the fact that promises managers make to employees and don’t stand by.I take pride in the things that i do i understand that the managers have a lot to do but if you can appreciate the hard work some employees do then there is going to be some mad people and i am one of those made people. I wish this company could work with college students its hard for me to work for your company and the manager has me working all crazy hours. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone but i am feeling like this company is not for me anymore…..
So I ordered Panera Bread thinking I was about to enjoy lunch with the hubs! And when I go to sandwich i ser ur employees warped it up as if they were feeding it to a freaking dog! Even a dogs food is pkgd better than this!! I’m so sick of this place!!! I seriously think it needs new management, cuz apparently Gabriel(the manager) has no idea what he is doing nor how to supervise his employees!!!! All the month of September/October my orders kept being messed up as well! Grrr!!! I’ve had it with him!!! He has been made aware in a nice way and I have also told him I don’t want free stuff, I just want my order right!!! he went on to blaming it on headquarters or higher management stating he wasn’t provide with enough time to update the online ordering service! (Not the customers business nor problem / take charge don’t pass the blame)
I’ve stood in line and just heard people complain about how early it is and soufflés are gone n no longer available for the morning… Come on!!! This is one of Panera’s number one selling items!!! Get it together!!! I can go on n on but I can’t sit here and waste my entire weekend!!!
I also want to post the picture of the sandwich I received! Service is not that great at this location.
I love Panera but they have lost another customer and will for sure pass the word on to friends n family as well as the pictures that looks like the dugout my sandwich out of the trash! Very disappointed!!
I work for panera in Evanston Illinois a lot of these comments are not good at all we really need someone from a higher position to step in a find out what’s going on like undercover boss it seems the customers or the employees are not happy let try to make a change I am a catering coordinator I was a manager but I step down by my choice because of certain reasons feel free to contact me in any feedback
I’ve tried to summit several complaints and it seems to have gone nowhere. It’s obvious you just don’t care about customer service. The GM at my location is down right rude. He had slammed into me several times and has never apologized and he shoots me nasty looks every time I’m in there while he’s working. Then I over hear employees talking the other night about how a new hire makes all the employees feel uncomfortable and nothing has been done about it. They stated they’ve brought it to managers attention and nothing has beendone. And on top of that I was asked to leave the location and never come back. Something needs to be done Before I go above corporate and do something about it myself
Hello, I am a baker at Panera. I have read through all of your comments, and let me say I am sorry. There are many times which I go into work and become frustrated with the lack of care for the customers. That is due to the lack of care in the hiring process. That being said many people I know work very hard but are not compensated with fitting wages. I wish some major changes would be done because I know for a fact it is causing our company to lose business.
HI Celeste; I am also an employee and fellow baker, and I totally understand what you are saying…. so many people who are extremely deserving get passed over to promote people who don’t seem to have a clue on how to keep it together! i mean come on; when i am doing 7-8 hundred cookies, I need my front counter manager and people to be clearing off my racks! the shift leader has been recently promoted; last few months; but she should have it together much better by now!
I have a applied for a position in baking of the breads. I know that the bread isn’t made from scratch at each location. I have worked at places that bake this way, defrost, proof, bake & than add different toppings. I’m experienced in this way. Panera Bread was opening a new store in Wisconsin, I had an interview but yet I haven’t been considered at all. They still are looking for a ‘baker’ nights & days. Here they have someone with experience but yet they fail to hire them. I’ve read many complaints. I’ve been in the restaurant business for many years. ….it takes experience over some college education to know how restaurants are run. A person needs to know this by doing, not by some book!
I have replied, I’m waiting to see how long it takes corporate office to respond to me.
The TerreHaute, indiana store is absolutely footy. Some one even wrote on the shoot above the mostly always empty 4 coffee pots, ” CLEAN ME” and that was two weeks ago and it is still there. Longtime video sit of but this time lace has went downhill fast
Sorry for the mispelled words I need to use spell check
I will never go to Panera Bread again. You have a horrible worker at the Watertown location. Her name is D. Monique Searcy. Very very rude! Every time me and my Co workers walk in to this panera bread she is behind the counter eating the food. She use her dirty hands to touch the food and puts her hands in her mouth and touches the food again! So disgusting! She needs to be fired immediately. My Co workers and clients will not step back in there til she is fired. She is also rude and has no idea what real customer service is! She is always on her phone head set talking and not paying attention. I’m very tierd of this its been going on for months now since last year. I would of thought she would of been fired by now. I will not stand for this any more!
I ate at the Panera Bread in Livonia, Michigan (8 Mile/Haggerty) on Friday, October 17th. I placed a “to go” order and then sat down until it was ready. I was observing the dining room and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I watched a Panera employee wipe down the seat of a table and then proceed to wipe down the table top with the same cloth. There is probably fecal/urine matter on those seats along with other crud and diseases. How stupid could an employee be to wipe seats and then the table top–the same table top you eat your food on? I complained to the Manager and he seemed to care less. I will never eat at a Panera again and I will tell all of my family, friends and co-workers (approx. 100 people) of my experience at Panera. I am also going to complain to the State of Michigan Health Department about this location and the incident.
I frequently eat at the Port Charlotte, FL Panera. The Turkey Cranberry Flatbread Sandwich was a total disappointment. While the Commercial shows 4 slices of turkey the sandwich actually had a pinch of shredded turkey. I never expected this from Panera. Corporate should really rethink their advertising on this one.
There are so many complaints against the poor quality of food and customer service it is amazing…and yet your company does nothing to show improvement. The no guns allowed is nuts and will lose you both police and military personel, in addition to many citizens…If someone wants to shoot up the place a silly sign will not deter them…political correctness has become a joke!
I work for panera bread and police officers still come in the cafe in full uniform. we do not say anything to to them.
A couple of weeks my son went to your Panera Bread In Clarksville, Indiana 47129 and he became ill from the soup he had order. I didnt push the issue because he was fine the next few days. Today Octocber 13, 2014 about 1:00 pm i went to get my wife and i the FB Turkey with cranberry and spanich with garlic spead and a cup of Autumn Squash. Came home and served my wife and myself the food which i brought from Panera, we were shock at the size of the FB order, there was no slice Turkey it was like they put a teaspoon of turkey on the bread and there was no sauce of garlic and only two small cranberries and the soup tasted burnt. The dinner roll was the only thing was good . False TV. of there Turkey Cranberry Spanish Garlic Spead. If i wanted a Spanich FB i would have gone to Subway. So don’t let a bomb bag blow up in your face.
Bread Co / Panera Belleville Illinois ( East Main St)
Customer service sucks. Manager Ashley is oblivious and inept. I constantly wait in slow moving lines while no one helps drowning disorganized workers. It’s ridiculous and a sign of continued poor management. I have frequented this Bread co for twelve or more years since it opened and it’s gotten progressively worse. I will no longer spend my money there.
I can’t believe Panera’s Restaurant. The false advertising for the Turkey Cranberry Flatbread Sandwich on TV is unbelievable. I have tried two different Panera’s, one in Southbury, CT and one in Waterbury, CT. The sandwich looked so good on TV, but what I received was totally different. Instead of the sliced breast of turkey you see on TV, you get two small strips of turkey in this whole flat bread. You can hardly find the cranberry sauce or the other sauce advertised on TV. It is such a rip off. I can’t get over the fact that so many people are complaining, but nothing has changed. The price for two small strips of turkey is outrageous. What is wrong with Panera?? Used to be great – really slacking. I think it’s time for Undercover Boss.
Panera’s policy to make there restaurant a gun free zone is a slap in the face to ever servicemen Veteran in the USA and every NRA member. SINCE YOUR COMPANY has I this gun Free Zone policy I have posted on face book to all my military Friends NRA members,NRA corporate office and not
My friends in general.to boycott Panera’s bread,Starbucks and Sonic .since your company caved to the liberal socialist doctrine. I HAVE RETURNED MY REWARDS CARD AND REQUESTED THAT EVERYONE BOYCOTT YOUR COMPANIES
Has Panera Bread done anything about increasing the ingredients in the new turkey cranberry wrap? It is obscene the price you charge when there is barely one ounce of chicken and about 4 small spinach leaves.
2nd amendment: right to bear arms. This amendment gives myself, and everyone in my country the right to carry a gun. I’ve seen that panera as a corporate has a “no gun” policy. This is absolute garbage! As a United States citizen and soldier I will never again take my business to any of your locations ever again! I will continue to spread the word around to every single person I come into contact with in hopes of your company to lose business and become forced to shut down multiple locations! If you don’t want guns then take your business to a country where they are illegal! Just a simple reminder that this is AMERICA and many people have died overseas fighting for your rights and freedom! Hope you take all of this into consideration.
Sincerely, ex customer/United states veteran
What is wrong with you people? I own guns but I have no need to carry one into an eatery where CHILDREN are. We don’t live in a 3rd world country that requires the use of a firearm and this isn’t the old west, which BTW, many innocent people were being killing for no reason. Nobody is stripping you of our rights, but there ARE laws and business owners have rights too. Hmmmm let’s see, you are eating at Panera and some guy walks with an automatic weapon on his shoulder, because he too has a right to bare arms. Do you still feel safe? Will you then draw YOUR weapon in fear he is going to rob and kill everyone? You thinking is irrational, and once again, no one is entering our homes and taking our weapons. Do you hear people in Canada crying for weapons? How do you just not get it? And you can be a veteran all you want, so is my dad, a decorated Vietnam Veteran who knows the reality of what guns do to people. I guess you won’t be eating out much as I don’t know anywhere that lets a civilian enter with a weapon.
Sirs, I support your right to ban guns in your rests.. What i don’t like is your statement, ” leave your guns at home”. I find it at best arrogant and demeaning! PS. No guns no me!
Well, you don’t have to worry about me or any of my family entering any of your restaurants ever again. Not only are you infringing on my second amendment rights but your kowtowing to socialist beliefs. Sorry Panera you have and will continue to lose customers to this way of thinking, oh and tell your buddy obamanation (socialist muslim) to kiss our asses, as we will not give up OUR rights.
Cape Coral Fla. Store#1144 TURKEY CRANBERRY sandwich….
BEWARE: Store NOT serving as ADVERTISED. Make certain when ordering -SPECIFY you want the “SLICED ROAST Turkey….NOT the turkey salad type, NOT the “COLD CUT” TURKEY but…….the SLICED Roast turkey…AS Nationally Advertised. The cranberry sauce-BEWARE….appears to be “cranberry PIE FILLING”…awful!
From the comments appearing here…..PANERA is really slipping…just a matter of time until they are just another garbage Fast Food joint in the USA!
My friend who is a minor worked 5 hours with no break. That’s illegal so you should work on that.
By the way it was in Windermere, FL
My husband and I went to Panera tonight – Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 around 7:00 at the Centerville, Ohio location on Wilmington Pk. You have been advertising the Autumn Squash soup and the Cranberry Turkey flatbread sandwich. I was planning on ordering these two new items. My husband wanted the Turkey, avocado BLT sandwich. They were out of the soup. They had no turkey to make these two different kinds of sandwiches. Many of the breads and bagels were not available, We said never mind and walked out. This is ridiculous! For an establishment to run out of so many items seems to be poor judgment in ordering . Any item offered on the menu should always be available.
2nd amendment: right to bear arms. This amendment gives myself, and everyone in my country the right to carry a gun. I’ve seen that panera as a corporate has a “no gun” policy. This is absolute garbage! As a United States citizen and soldier I will never again take my business to any of your locations ever again! I will continue to spread the word around to every single person I come into contact with in hopes of your company to lose business and become forced to shut down multiple locations! If you don’t want guns then take your business to a country where they are illegal! Just a simple reminder that this is AMERICA and many people have died overseas fighting for your rights and freedom! Hope you take all of this into consideration.
Sincerely, ex customer/United states veteran
I agree with you 100%
Recently moved to N Idaho and find no Panera Bread sites. Ouch.
Experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms!!!!!
Any chance of expanding to this area?
Miss your incredible cream cheese spreads!
Frustrated in Idaho…
Gun control, really? Go back to the restaurant business. Stay out of politics. My family and friends will no longer spend lunches at your restaurants.
I just heard of your company asking me to not bring my legal firearm, which I have a permit to carry concealed.
I am going to honor your request by not entering any of your locations by myself or with my family.
Lewis Walter
I went to the Panera in Paramus NJ and the place was so disgusting , the soda machine was dirty the floor with garbage every wear and dirty too. And when I got to the table it was dirty too and the person that clean see that I was there waiting for her to clean the table and she totally ignore me . I took picture of the soda machine and the floor if you want to see them . I couldn’t believe how dirty and disgusted was the place and the food not the same any more . So desapointed . Last time for me there.
No longer a customer. order 2 roast beef one had no sauce the other had litterally 2 slice meat. we called the manager could care less but was suppose to sen gift certificate. never came! I ate at another location no problem. went back to other location problems again ordered half turkey with tomato soup was chrged 15.99. I was given whole sandwhich and a cup of soup which measured out to 4oz. called them and they could care less. I really wouldnt have cared if it were a bowl of soup but at 4.29 for a little cup! Get a grip people.
Both Paneras in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, IA are terrible in many ways. Rude staff, chicken ceasar salad never has chicken and the cups of dressing are set directly on the salad ..how unsanitary! That’s just the beginning…..
most ignorant staff AND management at Voorhees nj location. absolutely the most rude people and are ALWAYS out of bread bowls, EVERY TIME!!!
no more Panera bread for me—you turned into a liberal bread store===good bye- I cant carry my gun I woint carry my wallet–why don’t you put michelle Obama’s picture on the front of your stores
good for you, why would you wont to go into a place that tell the criminal that it’s safe to go in and do what they wont and their is no one their to stop them. my safety and my family comes first and that is the reason i have a conceal carry permit and carry a glock.
you caved in to liberal media about guns–why didn’t you remain neutral—you wont let me carry my gun concealed I wont carry my wallet any more to your stores—good buy you are a libtard store I wont go to any more—starbucks too you are all turning into yupiies anyway=== please reply to me
just a note to mention that there is no way to leave a comment after eating at a panera bread company. a person used to be able. YOUR BREAD COMPANY IN MY AREA IS GETTING WORST. THE RESTROOMS NEED REMODELING. THE ONE WE EAT AT AT LEAST 6 TIMES A MONTH AND ALSO BUY BAKER’S DOZEN ON TUESDAY. THE RESTROOM IS VERY, VERY FILTHY AND THE DINING AREA IS ALSO FILTHY, FLOOR AND TABLES THE ENTIRE PLACE WAS TERRIBLE 9/14/1. THE FOOD HAS ALSO CHANGED TO THE WORST IN THE AMOUNT SERVED . ALSO THE BREAD HAS CHANGED TO ROLLS. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE GOING ELSEWHERE TO EAT THAN THE AREAS BREAD COMPANY. SORRY TO SAY. TOM D.
So why do you continue to go there?
The location at Mall of Ga -was- visited by my family (wife/son/me) sometimes twice per month on weekends. I have a carry permit and in my back pocket I keep a .380 pistol for my family’s (and the society around me) safety. As of 2 weeks ago we’ve stopped visiting Panera Bread and will NEVER RETURN FOR LIFE. May the location close down soon for all I care. That civilian disarmament zone is a danger to it’s employees, the honest public, and this Country’s fabric for the entire time it stands. Let the “sheep” feed there, they deserve it.
I’m a retired United States Air Force officer. I was a security forces officer. I am a licensed concealed weapon carrier. I took special classes involving legalities here in Tennessee. I fully understand the terrific responsibilities my decision has. Your company policy has taken from me my ability to protect myself in dire cirXXXXstances. I treasure that ability as a last effort against thugs or others’ evil intentions. I have decided to not partake in what your restaurant has to offer. Since profit margins in restaurants are not enormous, perhaps you will rethink your policy from the perspective of us rational, calm, reflective, law-abiding citizens. Or, perhaps you will hire armed security to guard the facility and escort those of us who feel we need escort to our vehicles.
I have just had my last meal at your at best eatable over priced restaurant. Having read your stand on my right to bear arms, you got it. I don’t need your XXXXXty food and you and your stock holders don’t need my money. By the way you chicken XXXXXs need to post your demand on the door since you feel so strongly on the matyer
I am very disappointed in your decision. Our country was founded on certain principals and you have chosen not to support those principals. You have chosen not to support the Constitution of the United States of America. My family has always been a Panera Bread fan; NOT ANYMORE. You choose to walk on the very rights and freedoms that have allowed your business to grow and prosper. May God have mercy on you and your employees.
Will not be eating at this restaurant again for trying to infringe upon Americans 2nd amendment rights.
I agree with Pastor Bill. Panera has become an unsafe environment for my family. This is disappointing as we really have enjoyed the fare. However, principle is more important than food. We will no longer support Panera with our patronage. It is a sad day when corporations are bullied into taking positions that undermine the constitutional rights of law abiding citizens. I would hope that Panera CEO Ron Shaich and his leadership team will reconsider their ill-conceived policy.
You have just told a huge percentage of the one hundred million gun owners that they are persona nongrata in your restaurants. At the same time you told the criminal element that you are making yourself a soft target so they can feel welcomed. One problem with this strategy is that there are so many more of us than there are of them. Another problem is that we were coming to put money in your registers, and they are coming to take money out. And some administrator actually thought this was a good idea? I promise that I won’t ever feel comfortable at another Panera Bread unless this counterproductive policy is reversed.
I worked for your panera bread Scarsdale and let me just say I was one of the best employees to work there you company does not stand for the right things! You guys brainwash people into thinking panera is the only way to survive when in fact that is not true ! Panera does not respect it’s employees and that general manager named bieshiem is going to get you guys into a lot of trouble if he keeps verbally abusing the employees that work there ! We are people and not slaves to be treated as if we are beneath anyone! How dare your company try to take advantage of innocent hard working people ! That store is a complete mess and it’s terrible disgusting I know business there has dropped significantly and is in the danger zone because there is no employees and the service is horrible
Really CEO Shaich a gun free sandwich shop. Cleary you fail to understand anything about American history and culture with this policy . You have bowed to Bloomberg and his vision for America. When that degenerate gives up his security team and walks Americas-streets like avarage Americans do watch how fast he will drop his obsession with gun control . Americans are being attacked daily by African America youths and drug crazed animals .I will never visit one of you’re 1,500 stores and might start a boycott here in NYC on a large scale with social media as my voice .
I read where I’m not welcome in your restaurant if I’m carrying a concealed handgun. If that’s your position then I won’t be eating at your restaurant anymore. I request you following honor my 2nd Amendments rights and follow the local laws where your restaurants are located. Gun free zones have proven to be very dangerous areas.
To the directors of Panera Bread
I have until quite recently enjoyed your breakfasts and coffee. As well as the soup bowls. However as a former victim of an armed robbery (Chesapeake Va 09) and a veteran of Desert Storm. I can not condone your stance on law abidding citizens being left defenseless in your establisments as your employees aren’t trained for defending hostile situations.
I will no longer patronize panera bread until the company officially retracts its stance on my second Constitutional amendment right.
Sorry to learn you have caved to the liberals. You have chosen to protect the criminals and left your customers to die under their guns. If I ever do go to your restaurant again you can be sure I will be locked and loaded!
since you have chosen to be a gun free zone, I do not feel safe eating there anymore. since the company in Texas went gun free, they had three robberies. 99.9% of mass shootings happen in gun free zones. the shooter in Aurora Col. called all eight movie theaters to find the ONLY one that was playing the movie he wanted to see that was gun free. Most of my friends feel the same way, too bad I hope enough “moms” patronize you to keep your bottom line in the black.
How dare you use the mothers of America as your reason to push liberal left fear mongering tactics from the Bloomberg bullcrap machine? Panera Bread didn’t belong in this attempt to create an issue where there never was one. This CEO must be a real idiot to stick a finally thriving business right in the middle of this divisive debate. Clearly didn’t care about the stockholders on this one.
I was sorry to see on the news this morning that Panera Bread has adopted an Anti-Second Amandment / Anti-Self Protection Policy. I have been a long time customer of Panera Bread, that ended today. The management has every right to institute a policy such as this I suppose, just as it is my right to spend my hard earned money elsewhere. I will miss the breads and breakfast sandwiches, but I’ll survive. Dunkin’ Donuts has no such policy that I’m aware of, so they will get my business from here on out. Their coffee and bagels are better anyway. Losing one customer has no effect on the bottom line but trust me, I will spread the word. I pray the day never comes that one of your store managers wishes that if only there was someone with a CCW in the store, things might have turned out better. Instituting an asinine “feel good” policy like this doesn’t make anyone safer, just the contrary. You might as well hang a sign on the front door saying “Hey come on in and rob us, nobody in here has a gun but you so it’s easy pickings”. Maybe some day you’ll drop this ridiculous policy when you start losing money because of it. Until then, BYE BYE.
It’s obvious to me now that you really don’t care how you customers feel. My daughter had an awful experience at one of your stores in Manhattan. Near 14 Street Union Sq. After that incident I called and you told me that people would get back to me well after me calling four times and speaking to the manager of that store I’m still dissatisfied. Will never go to Panera bread again. Will tell my friends of my experience there and the lack of concern from Panera.!!!!
I’m glad you noted in your new gun policy report that you respect my rights to carry a gun legally. I equally respect your rights to request me not to into your stores. Unfortunately (for Panera) I keep my weapon and wallet are in the same pair of pants. I also think your are in for a rude awakening how many gun carrying customers have been peaceably been carrying weapons for years into your establishments. When the register doesn’t ring, that’s me. Gun carriers boycott Panera!
As of my discovering that I will not be allowed to carry my legal firearm in your business, I will no longer be patronizing your business. Of course it’s your right to make this decision and I respect it. That is why I will be going elsewhere. Just like I have with Target & Starbucks, who are making the same decision as you.
Will not be stopping by any more. Word of mouth travels fast in our small gun community nation wide.
Saw on the news today that you no longer want law abiding citizens with concealed-carry permits in your stores.Just by luck,there is an Atlanta Bread Co. across the street here in Augusta so I’ll be going there.Hope you get robbed.
If my gun is not welcome in your store then you just lost my family’s business,we used to pickup 1 a week not now.
Are there plans to open a Panera Bread in Boise, Idaho? We would so love to see you here.
This is regarding your store #601056 in Allen Park Michigan. Yesterday we went to the drive thru at this store and ordered Lemon Chicken Orzo soup and were told it was discontinued. I had checked before we left and it was still on their recording. I called today, same thing, Lemon Chicken Orzo is on the recording as of noon but they don’t have it. Also this store makes the worst Caramel Latte, it tastes burned. We quit eating here for almost 2 years as they kept mixing up food orders and decided to try again. If anything, it is growing worse. They give Panera’s a bad name as we have eaten at other locations with no problems.
For the past three months I have attempted to use your website numerous times. It does not work.
Today I got an email from Panera informing me of a reward. Great! But when I attempted to go into the website to check out the menu and nutrition information I again go nowhere.
Lucky for you that the Panera sites in my immediate vicinity all employ dedicated employees who give excellent service.
Recently I read in the WSJ that your advertising agency FIRED you. I thought that was rather weird; but now I realize that your executive management team does not know how to lead.
Having a website that works is not impossible in this electron age.
Please clean up your act before you accel your decline.
locations in las vegas (lake mead and fort apache)have not had telephone or Wi-Fi for several days ………….. whats up big boys…… is this a big deal………….let me know when you get it fixed……………….
My granddaughter is being punished by the Panera located on Chippewa in St. Louis, MO. She had to call in at the last moment to register for school because of cirXXXXstances that she had no control over. She called her supervisor and he made her feel so guilty without even hearing her explanation. She felt like he might fire her so she called right back and said she would come in. He told her no, that’s okay. My granddaughter is seventeen and hasn’t missed one day since she started in January of this year. What teenager do you know that by this time wouldn’t have missed a day for whatever reason? What was her punishment – she got five hours on this two week schedule.
For the life of me I can’t understand why there is no Panera in my tourist town of Gettysburg, PA. Someone is missing a golden opportunity! All my friends feel the same way as we have either expensive restaurants or fast food, nothing healthy and quick where we can eat. I’m sure all the tourists are wondering the same thing.
This pertains to store 600964.
I wish this Panera was more consistent but it is not. I’m a regular customer there and I often receive great customer service one time and the absolute worst customer service the next. Today I got in line for breakfast around 10:50am. The people working the registers were extremely slow so I didn’t get up to the front until 11:05. I was told “Sorry, you’re 5 minutes late for breakfast.” Then they giggles at me and told me someone else was 1 minute late and they turned them away as well…as if that makes it better. I’m incensed and considering never going back to this Panera.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for understanding why I’m so upset. I’m headed to a funeral and wanted my favorite comfort food, the Spinach soufflé. Instead I received rudeness and insensitivity.
I tried to leave this on panera.com but the submission form is not working.
First of all, you were technically there in time for “breakfast”; and secondly, but important in this case, I would hope the counter person(s) was/were admonished for the insensitivity and rudeness. I would have told them about their poor P.R. – especially in the presence of other customers.
The eggs expire and Panera can be sued if they serve you food and you get sick becausethe food was supposed to he thrown away. Some food sits there for awhile so it’s for customers safety
Hi. We live in Mooresville, NC, 28115. Unlike all the posts I have read below, we LOVE our Panera, which is located in Mooresville, NC, 28117. It isn’t especially nearby, but we eat there EVERY time we are over in that area.
There is a shopping strip plaza very similar to the one the 28117 Panera is located in on Shearers Road, 28115. It is a nice, newer plaza that has advertised an empty “restaurant friendly” spot for lease for 3 years. It has never been occupied. Our area would greatly welcome a Panera in this location!!!
As far as I can tell, this location would be a gold mine for many different reasons. Firstly, the plaza has a nice grocery store (the only one for miles around) that is constantly busy from morning until night. There is a nice gas station in the plaza (the only one for miles around) that is always busy. Also, other than a take-out only Pizza Hut (yuck) and a VERY small, fast food style Chinese food place (with tolerable food), there are no eating establishments for miles around. There are no coffee shops here. We have a high student and business professional concentration here, but there is no free wifi spot to visit. Additionally, Panera is great for many reasons: It serves as a quick coffee spot all day long, a breakfast spot, a lunch spot, a dinner spot, a snack spot, a take-out spot, a dine-in spot (that offers great service, yet “cheap-o’s” don’t have to leave a tip), a business meeting spot, a student hangout/study group spot, a seasonal food menu spot (salads & cold smoothies, soups & hearty breads, etc.), a “craving something sweet” dessert spot, a fast but healthy choice spot, a vegetarian/vegan spot, jobs are needed in this area… I could go on and on!
Please, please, PLEASE have someone seriously look into adding your business to this location. You would have four large housing subdivisions to give you business and another one is being built!
A Panera lover,
Joy Ragusa
Google search: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en&q=business+space+for+1339+Rocky+River+Promenade+lease+shearers+rd+28115&spell=1&sa=X&ei=JrHvU7CzFNfJsQTwxIGADg&ved=0CCIQvwUoAA
I went to the Panera Bread in Raleigh , NC on Capital Blvd I was very disappointed that they ran out of the bread for the sierra Turkey , that’s what I came there for , but the young lady that was ringing me up convencied me to try something new like the BBQ chicken flatbread now that is my favorite , Although I gave her a hard time she did a great job handling it ,ON the receipt the name was Kiajah . But hopefully next time they will have the bread I want.
I order a whole tuna fish sandwich and only got tuna fish on 1 side of the bread. The other have just had onions tomato and lettuce on it. Huntington village location
I purchased a Med.Chicken Wrap today at your Plymouth, Mi. Location. Very disappointing. Had only one piece of chicken on it & two small slices of cuXXXXber. It was practically all cabbage. Ridiculous. Felt like I was eating a way over priced cole slaw wrap with a little hummus. Good way to lose customers. Probably will not be returning to a Panera. Too many other good places to eat where you get what you pay for. Seems a lot of others feel the same. Hopefully with enough complaints, you will change things
The manager at Panera in Nashville – West End. Is horrible. I have seen and heard her cursing the customers. I was eating there when they had a cleaning crew there. She would purposely make messes for the crew. She was crass and very unprofessional. I will never eat there again unless there is new management.
She should be fired – plain and simple.
visited your Plainville ma location on 8/1/14 – my husband ordered the strawberry salad and I ordered 1/2 a grilled cheese with cup of broccoli soup – we were told they were out of the bread for the grilled cheese and also out of the French Baggett – so they cut a slice of French miche to go with my husbands salad and they used a very thin bread for my sandwich – my grilled cheese was about 1/2 inch thick – or should I say thin – not worth $3.69 – why are they always out of bread – isn’t this Panera Bread! This is not the first time this has happened at this location –
Last Sunday I was in one of your Panera restaurants in Long Island City and was advised that I had a Breakfast Treat on my next visit to any Panera. This afternoon I went to the Panera located on 86th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues, New York City. I gave the Associate my card and was told that I could not claim it because it was not AM. After a while she called over the Manager (Female – Light Skinned – spoke with a French accent and she tried her card. But that did not work. There are only three Breakfast Treats – Oatmeal, which I had once before and found it to be not tasty, Parfait and a Fruit Cup. A detailed conversation went on between the Manager and myself. She said that I would have to come at 10:00 AM to claim it. Then I mentioned that I was able to order the Oatmeal at the 86th Street Store in the afternoon.
I asked for her name – (she replied what for) and then said that it was the person on duty at that time (approximately 4:30 PM).
I truly believe that this store is not customer friendly, especially older people.
Another point I wish to make at this time is the fact that they do not serve decaf coffee after 2:00 PM. One time a male Manager explained to me that people do not drink decaf coffee in the afternoon. I noticed another comment above re the Panera at Bowling Green concerning the same subject. One day I had to wait for an iced decaf coffee for about 15 minutes.
Whereas, the Flag Ship store on Fifth Avenue, New York City, does have an urn with iced decaf coffee.
Is the 86th Street store operating Panera’s as they wish. The Flag Ship store on Fifth Avenue had a Manager last year who controlled the temperature at a very, very cold level because that is the way HE wanted it. Later on that Manager was no longer there.
Why is that? Is the
None of the stores ran by corporate are customer friendly they treat their people even worst. Smh try the franchise it’s so much better….
Visiting Hilton Head and stopped at Panera for our morning coffee. This is the worst Panera for customer service. New employees since our last trip and very rude and argued with me over the drink I have 7 days a week back home. What happened to the customer is right. The employee did not even greet us friendly. We will look for another Panera or go to Starbucks when visiting Hilton Head in future
What’s happening to MY Panera? My favorite location in Atlanta, at North Druid Hills is now under a new manager. Previously, the staff was friendly, polite and competent. The new manager is unfriendly, unprofessional and disengaged. Not to mention the place was a mess. The floor was scattered with food, small pieces of paper trash, and an apparent flour spill. Not only was it a trip hazard for the employees, but it was unsightly and unsanitary. I do not want to eat 5 feet away from such filth. And for some reason, they now have a storage problem. There are boxes piled up in the front window, making it look like they are moving. And more on a wall in the dining area, makes us feel like we are imposing on their new storage facility! The remaining original staff members, who are used to a much more professional environment are struggling to keep customers satisfied while they have to deal with their orders being delayed due to mismanagement and poor training of new employees, as well as hazardous work conditions. Panera Bread is a fine company and a tremendously philanthropic corporate citizen. Poor management at this level can cause a serious dent in a company that should be praised and frequented for their contribution and culture of care.
Why is panera bread in cross county so unprofessional they do not care about their employees or anything for that matter only Money Smh
Hello,
Yesterday my husband and I decided to have lunch at your Jensen Beach, FL location. My husband examined the menu, for a chicken sandwich and choose the Chicken Chipotle Panini. The menu board DID NOT indicate that the sandwich contained pork as did some of the other sandwiches listed on your menu. My husband ended up having to spit out the sandwich after he took a bit. He can not eat pork! He asked the staff why the CHICKEN sandwich on the menu did not indicate that there was pork in the sandwich like some of the other sandwiches did? They had no answer. My husband told them that there are many people that do not eat pork and this should be indicated on the menu like the other sandwiches.
This needs to be changed. Please keep in mind that Muslims and Jewish people do not eat pork, so this should be listed as an ingredient in your CHICKEN sandwich on your menu board. like the other sandwiches. This is a big deal for many people!
Due to this incident I don’t think we will be returning to your restaurant. It was very traumatic and upsetting for my husband.
Please think about making a change on your menu, so this does not happen to someone else.
I am extremely disappointed from Panera located in MT Juliet, TN. I went into the store to get soup and they advised me that it was not ready. I am a frequent customer at this location and soup has always been ready by 8:30 am. What is going on?
i was extremely disappointed with my entire food purchase at Panera in Hunt Valley. Md yesterday. i purchased the lobster roll sandwich which was not priced on the menu. At $14.99 it truly was not worth it. The portion was small and did not have much taste. i did not complain because I was more upset with the ham and cheese sanwich i ordered for my 2 granddaughters to share. A piece of tastless ham and even more disappointing a slice of yellow cheese……the processed cheese wrapped in plastic. Thankfully the plastic was not on the sandwich. Will not be going back to Panera.
This is not a complaint, more of a comment. My card # is 70300510XXXXX. I purchase bread approximatly 90% of the time while visiting your store in Deptford NJ. Service is always efficient and courtious. Yesterday it was noted that I could get $2.00 off on a sandwich of my choice. Your system knows my buying history, thus the reward means nothing to me as I never buy a sandwich. I guess my point is to from time to time you might allow my rewards to apply to a bread purchase. Regards, John Laundra
We live in N Myrtle Beach., SC Our councilman recently told us, you have declined to come to our area. We are so disappointed!
Whenever, we travel, we look you up on our iphone. We drive to Fl a lot and are diaappointed that the first Panera we can find off HWy 95 is way off the road in HiltonHead..
Please reconsider-I can get a petition up very easily if it is numbers you want to see.
Nancy Terrell
N Myrtle Beach Sc 29582
Why is it when a employee is being bullied at work and reports it to management AND the district manager, nothing is done about it?
I’ve been wondering the exact same thing.
It’s because they are trying to brush you off I’m having the same issue right now managers are punching out their own employees and then editing their times it’s crazy Panera needs to go back to basics and hire quality personnel I think it all starts from the top
My girlfriend and I visit panera at least once a week, you could say we have a bit of an addiction. Human error is a real thing, but I am not one to cause a problem, being in the hospitality industry I understand how frustrating customers can be. However, tonight after a long rainy day at work we decided to grab some soup. She always gets a chicken noodle bread bowl, and I always get a broccoli cheddar bowl, yum! On this particular night they were out of bread bowls. After several minutes of debating if we should stay we decided to suck it up and just get the soup anyway, after all it is delicious. Service was quick as usual however when I brought the chicken noodle back to complain our visit took a bad turn. The bowl was half full I asked the server if this was really the portion size, a five dollar soup for 4 oz, you’ve got to be kidding me. Instead of correcting his mistake and apologizing, which any hospitable person should, he took it, put an extra ladle of broth and put it back on the counter. He did not apologize for his mistake or give any explanation as to why that would be the serving size. This experience completely turned my girlfriend off from panera. Who wants to eat mostly broth for soup? I am frustrated with my experience steps need to be taken so that all employees understand how to effectively communicate with customers and how to except responsibilities for their actions. My girlfriend and I will be thinking twice before coming back to panera.
I have greatly enjoyed most of my visits to your restaurants throughout the region, particularly those in suburban New Jersey, where I live. Today I visited the Panera Bread at Lexington Avenue and 86th Street in Manhattan, which I have been to on a number of ocasions. I work on 120th Street, so I drive there when I go, and usually pick up food for co-workers as well as myself. There have been some ocasions in the past when orders were lacking one or more items, but I caught the oversight prior to leaving the restaurant. Recently, a checker has been employed at the pick-up counter to check each pickup order for completeness. Despite this, I was back at my desk ready to eat before I became aware that one of the order items was missing. My co-worker (whose order was missing) had to make other plans for lunch, and for me, it was a ruined meal. I had to call the store 3 times to get through to the manager, whose initial suggestion was that I return to the restaurant tomorrow to get a refund!
I am surprised and disappointed that a Panera franchise would be allowed to run this way.
I took my granddaughter (age 10) to the Colonial Heights, VA store last night for a quick dinner. We weren’t starving so only wanted a small meal. The layout and variety of breads and sweets is beautiful. That’s where the joy ended for us. The kids meal items are not much to pick from, but she settled for a grilled cheese. I opted for a select-2, picking a Mediterranean flatbread. They were out of flatbread. I chose another bread and the corn chowder. I was not informed that the special was not really special at all, it was just 2 items selected at full price. The staff was friendly, just not informative. Our total order consisted of: my 1/2 sandwich, bowl of soup, iced tea, and a cookie. my granddaughter’s was a grilled cheese sandwich, an apple, bag of chips, a cookie, and iced tea. She didn’t like the soft bread (not very grilled), the not-so-fresh apple, and the tiny bag of chips. To her, the sweet tea tasted like “dirt” and we were given/charged for an adult drink, when I saw other children (after-the-fact) with child-sized drinks, which I asked for. My sandwich had slaw and that’s the only item i could even identify. The chicken was nearly non-existent and the only other thing on the bread was so slight all it did was color the bread brown. Not to mention, the way it’s cut, it’s not even 1/2 a sandwich, but 1/4. The tea tasted old and the beverage area was so nasty and sticky we couldn’t set anything down in order to get the drinks. It would have been different had the place been busy, but there were 3 individuals scattered in the seating area. My order came to $20.07 and I was floored. I had them take the soup ($4.19) off, which they reimbursed my debit card for. I was so upset and disappointed I nearly cried. For the tiny bit of food we got that we didn’t enjoy at all, we could have gone right around the corner to Golden Corral, spent less, and gotten all we could eat and drink. I learned my lesson the hard way. We will never be dining at a Panera Bread restaurant again. Thank you for your time.
My wife was very upset when we visited the panera store in bowling green, Ohio today. She wanted a coffee and bagel but found out that decaf coffee is not available after 2 in the afternoon. She &I both left without purchasing anything. Why is all 4 Blends of coffee not available all day?
I’m a new employee and need to have my password reset to get into direct deposit. I hope this is the correct way to get in touch with you
I have a real concern of the panera bread location in the lincoln hights shopping center in san Antonio tx , I am handicapped not able to pull the doors open at times even though I can walk I have hard time with my hands and arms and back , by ada standard practice of access to a building your requirements for this is to provide auto doors for anyone that is not able to access the building I am and will make a complaint about this to the bbb and ada assistance field office
My friends and I enjoy going to eat and talk at Panera’s 3 and 4 times a week. The problem is the awful jazz music always playing. We have complained many times to the Manager and staff ( which say they hate it too) but nothing can be done because it is from corporate. Why play music that is only popular by 5% of music lovers?????? If you are trying to make the other 95% enjoy it – it’s not going to happen. Classic rock and R & B are the most listened to. It certainly would make sense to try to please the majority. We currently are trying to find another place to eat that doesn’t play something that sounds like nails on a chalk board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I live in Rostraver Township in southwestern PA. Even tho we have large areas of land available all around us, we have to drive almost an hour to reach a Panera. We’re hoping that with this suggestion, efforts will be made to open a Panera close by. It will be supported by a large portion of the Rostraver Township population…..guaranteed! There is property on Finley Road, Belle Vernon near two Motels available, and large tracts of land off Rt. 51…(North and South) empty and perfect for a Panera. I’ve been discouraged from writing to you, but I feel I have to let your Corporation know that you are wanted….and needed here! Please pass this on to someone, anyone who has the power or position within the company to make this happen!
I am writing this as an employee working at one of the Panera Bread cooperate stores in Florida. As an employee for Panera Bread for a year, I have worked in two different Panera Bread stores and the current store I am working at has the most verbal abusive general manager that I have ever seen or worked for ever. She is verbally abusive towards the other managers and especially her staff. All I could do is warn other people about my general manager Karen Ward and that this is not someone you would want to work for.
I feel your pain. I don’t think you should name drop on a public forum if you wish to see change. Categorize her wrong doings into moral/illegal. Our rule is no jerks; optimism and mastery. If your DM allows this kind of behavior then they are just as guilty for looking the other way. If your fellow associates feel the same, rally and implement change.
My name is Skip Hartlerode, Chairman of the Corvette Generations Car Show on July 26th, 2014 in Birmingham Mi. We are bringing in 120 pristine classic Corvettes for the day in a show that will be an add on to a large city wide retail event. We were dismayed to find that Panera’s in Birmingham was not even willing to provide our 50 volunteers with as much as water, coffee or light snack. Many other businesses have donated items in support of this large undertaking. Many Corvettes are parking right in front of their store where many participants and thousands of spectators will be walking the streets throughout the day. We now understand that your words about community, caring and giving are meaningless. We are asking all our volunteers and show participants only to support those businesses that support this effort. Unfortunately your local business will not be one. A very unsatisfied consumer.
Skip Hartlerode
Chairman, “Corvette Generations” Car Show
Panera does not care what you think, hell my 27 year old has to work all weekends every weekend and has been there for eight or ten years in west Lebanon NH she should get one weekend day off a week. and they freeze the hourly wage at 10:00 an hour new people come in get the whole weekend off. the excuse is, she is good at her job. Panera cost me money when she is late getting out of work. I told her to find something else who would appreciate her work.
Last Thursday was my 80th birthday so I went to Panera in Carmel Mountain Ranch for the birthday special. I have been coming to this location for around ten years. This was a nice blueberry scone. No problem with that. But the problem is Panera Corporate. You would think that along with the pastry they might also provide a cup of coffee also for free. But no. I will try to avoid Panera in the future. I prefer not to deal with cheapskates. Panera can keep their precious mug of coffee.
To whom it may concern.
I am writing this comment to share my dissatisfaction with your various catering policies and pricing.
I am an “outside” sales person who travels to customer locations throughout Florida and typically provide/hold “lunch and learns”. This is where I have lunch delivered to a customer or prospects location and we do a presentation to the staff informing them of new products/services or introduce them to our platform while they eat lunch.
Very often I have multiple “lunch and learns” each week. I also use Panera Bread very frequently for these events, probably spending thousands of dollars per quarter with your company..
This afternoon I called the closest Panera Bread location to my event tomorrow and after taking my order and CC info they informed me that they dont deliver to the address (3.5 miles) away and they would fax my order (and CC#) to another store and the mgr would call me to confirm.
After not hearing from the mgr and concerned that my order was lost, I called the next closest location. I spoke to the manager of location #2 who informed me that they dont deliver to the address either (4.1 miles away) and that my order had been faxed (again along with my CC#) to a third location (5+ miles away)
I then called store #3 and spoke to the mgr who had received my order but had not called to confirm. I was relieved to know they had my order and it was scheduled for delivery but didnt appreciate tracking it down at 830pm.
When I asked about the “delivery fee” I was informed that it was $15 dollars even though it was over 100$. (9 lunch boxes and 2 totes one lemonade and one tea) I explained that I have ordered dozens of times from stores all over the state and the delivery fee is always waived when my order is over $75 or $90 (I honestly forget the minimum b/c its always over).
Anyhow I am upset because I dont understand the varying fee policy regarding catering and would appreciate some standardization or better employee training, especially when I am paying over 10$ for a sandwich, cooking and bag of chips.
(I wont go into the outrageous pricing of a quart of tea or lemonade)
So now that my name, credit card info etc has been faxed around town and I having to pay a delivery fee, I am sorry to say I think I will be ordering future lunch events from your competition.
Sincerely, Evan Kerstein
my experience at the alpharetta store was the worse that i have had. not only one experience but several.one to mention an employee by the name of Juanita Byrd. she is one of the most disrespectful and rude employees i have ever seen..every visit i witness her using profound language and very loud around the customers and even witness her rude and disrespectful behavior to the employees that work on the line with her and the managers on duty Eric, Joe, Jasmine and Dini say or do nothing about it.. every customer has a right to be treated with respect and with this employee the experience is always a very unpleasant one..i have several friends that has made complaints on her and our question the company is why is Miss Juanita Byrd allowed to treat and talk to customers any way that she pleases and still be employed there..after witnessing her very irate and vulgar behavior today, 6/22/14, this will be my last visit to this location.the address for this location is 6480 northpoint parkway. thank you for your time and interest in this complaint
At 8 o’clock on 6/14/14, on our way back home from a family outing. My son’s wanted to stop at McDonald’s to get something to eat. I said let’s try Panera Bread store# 1277 in Indianapolis, IN ticket# 5106-5995-5567-2257-0835-82. We have never eating at a Panera Bread before so this would be the first time. I can now say it was a terrible mistake I made. I do know it will be our last time. I will take my kids to McDonald’s anytime they ask me too. When we walked into the store there was a odd smell in the air. The cashier was rude and acted like we were a problem. Then after ordering and paying over $44.00 of 4 people. The staff in the back starting yelling that they don’t have something. The cashier starts yelling back at them and then looks at us and says we are out Tortellini……do you want something else. We changed it to some other sandwich (it looked and tasted like a bad grill cheese sandwich). We walked back to the drink station to get our drinks and the smell got really bad. it smelled like rotting meat. We decided to eat outside because the smell was making us sick. When our order was ready the pager when off and I (one person) came inside to get the order. The mgr asked me my name and then looked at me and said here is your order. There were 4 large platters on the ledge. 3 had a small sandwich on them and 2 had a page of chips and 1 was a salad. Really everything could have gone on one platter. The mgr did not ask if I needed any help with the food or even ask me if I wanted a tray to carry all 4 platters. I had to make 2 trips to serve my family that I paid over $44.00. The food was not that good at all. I will not waste my money or my family’s time to go back to a Panera Bread. I looked on the check for a website to complain but that website doesn’t have a complaint link and I even called the store the next morning at 9:AM. There was an automated system and if you push #4 – you can talk to the mgr or staff but it takes you right to a fax line. So I looked up this website. It is sad to say that this experience was so bad that I would not even think twice about returning. I can see by the other complaints that I am not the only one!
One and Done
Phil J.
My granddaughter worked at Panera Bread in Westlake Ohio, not only was she having to do the job of three people she asked if she could come in late the one day and cleared it with the shift manager on duty, yet when she got to the cafe they wrote her up. She had to do the dining area, outside area, coffee and tea, dishes, and run food, then they told her she was slow running food because she was filling the coffee and tea. What do they expect from teenagers, just because they are teenagers does not give them the right to work them like animals. I told her to quit and then I go today with a note to pick up her last check and the manage Joe said I mailed it back to Corporate she will have to wait for them to mail it to her, when she had called ask if I came with a note from her I could pick it up, so sad teenagers have to deal with this kind of person I hope they do him the same way as he is treating his employees. Something needs to be done to protect our kids in the work place. PARENTS DO NOT LET YOU TEENAGERS WORK FOR THIS PLACE they do not appreciate them.
I was more than pissed off when heard a female manager at the Lincoln NE , 66th & O St location, has been unprofessional, harassing… calling an employees names. Where in the hell gives her the right to call this employee “fatty”. She might not be a thinnest, but she not like grossly over weight either. This employee has no idea I’m making a complaint, but I think she would not and just take it! She might have a disability, but NO ONE deserves to be called a name, or harassed at the work place! I think she might have a case on her hand, and will check out with local agencies. I will stand up for rights and advise her with information I receive. Too bad you have a manager that give Panera a bad name.
I went to panera bread in matteson illinois,and also the Harlem location I guess its Orland area in Illinois. However I must say I only go to these locations when your baker Alvin thomas is there because I love his bake. I rarely give out comments unless I’m impress. I have tried different items on the menu. And I must say they had me satisfied. I ask to meet alvin thomas just to tell him to keep up the good work. He said thank you I’m just doing my job and don’t forget about bagel Tuesday’s. So now I don’t miss bagel Tuesday’s !!!!!!
Oh, and along the same vein – it would be nice if Panera had a corporate HR hotline like other major companies do, because my daughter was told that she can’t dispute anything on her file written by a manager. Though based on the total lack of integrity at the store, I wouldn’t be surprised if such a number is deliberately obscured from the employees, so they can continue to manipulate through intimidation. I was never a pro-union person, but I’m revising my opinion on unions being irrelevant after all of this nonsense. I suppose with such poor management, it’s no wonder they couldn’t train a replacement for my daughter to let her transfer to a different store.
Is she in a corporate cafe or a franchise. The HR phone number and contact is in the associate handbook she received when she was hired. If she doesn’t still have that you can always contact corporate HQ and ask for that contact information.
Rather annoyed right now. My daughter is trying to resign from her store, which hasn’t let her transfer to a closer store because they can’t get their act together. Twice, she was told she would be able to transfer in 4 weeks to a store closer to her home, and both times it was pushed back because they haven’t been able to hire and train a replacement. She is pregnant, lives over 20 miles away, and her car just died. Instead of accepting her resignation, they are threatening to claim she is doing job abandonment and expecting her to move mountains to get there at 5 am, when they can’t even be bothered to schedule her off for an OBGYN appoint that she gave them over a month’s warning about. Talk about a lack of integrity, down-right manipulation, and a general disregard for an employee’s health. I’m frankly just floored. I thought I had worked for some lousy people before, but refusing a resignation is just unimaginable.
Why in the world would you switch from a roast beef sandwiches( more tender and tastier ) to a steak sandwich which leave me spitting out pieces of fat.
I just don’t understand why you would hurt your sales like that.
My teen daughter works @ our local store, & I find it hard to believe that corporate hasn’t set up a system that allows for employees to log onto a site where they can see the shifts they’ve been assigned for the week. My daughter has to physically go to the store @ the beginning of the week to find out what days/times she has and sometimes, the manager hasn’t had time to prepare the schedule. There are free on-line services such as Sign-up Genius that would work for such a thing, although Panera should be able to provide such a basic service to its employees.
CEO: Ronald M. Shaich
CFO: Thomas Patrick Kelly
COO: Charles J. Chapman
Lets see if these guys care about there business franchise and most important, CUSTOMERS!!!!
When I copy and paste the email from the store manager who is a racist and lying unethical manager, Panera will wish he never hired him. Coming soon from Westminster Colorado and the news media. THIS place is a BS lying manager with bad food who said , “That’s just the way it is”
WOW!!! Corporate needs to respond or the information will be posted from the Panera email store manager.
David D.
the customer service (no, you cannot call it “service” by any stretch of the imagination) at the Apex NC store is horrible! there is an Associate there by the name of Liz whose name tag shows “Trainer”. well, this is one of the big problems. Rude Associates like Liz training the other associates!! no wonder….
there are times when I and my family have left because I want to spend my hard earned $’s at places that actually appreciate my business!
not the Apex Panera store! I have gone so far as placing the entire family’s order and then thought better of it because of the terrible attitudes toward me and my family and turned around and walked out.. my conscience will not let me continue to frequent this location. I have spoken to the manager (or one of them) there. no change at all.. very sad for this Corporate giant..
On Memorial day, yesterday, I met a client at your store in Elk River, Minnesota. We waited a short time and a chubby man with some gray facial hair and a little earring in his ear appeared at the cash register. He began by being rude in his speech. Then after touching the money, and the cash register, he turned and grabbed a muffin, without washing his hands. He was short tempered and unsanitary. I later saw him meandering around, touching various things, as he stuffed something into his mouth, and began chomping like
an animal. His fat belly and his earring will serve to identify this filthy rude man. I won’t be back there thankyou very much.
I used to love going here. Now, the customer service is horrible! The managers are even rude. When I was pregnant 8 months ago , my husband went to the Panera in Glenville, NY. The employees were so rude! It was as if they were doing me a favor. Two days ago my husband went to the one in Clifton Park NY. He called ahead for our order since he had the baby with him and wanted to make it a quick pick up. They didn’t have it ready when he walked in. He said they were so rude and didnt seem to cate about his order. They took other people’s orders while he waited and they got there food first. The manager saw him waiting and asked what for. He told him and the manager didnt apologize. He just through stuff in a bag like he didn’t care. We like the food here, but do we want to waste our money on such a bad experience? I’ve been in the customer service industry for 24 years. I would never treat customers like this. If I ever did, I’m sure I would be fired. I really hope they turn things around. Spend more money in your training of good managers and employee and less on advertising.
I hope you will convey this message to the Farmington, CT store 3903. I just left with my 86 yr old mother and never have I been treated like royalty. Every server, cashier and dining room employees were polite and attentive. They made sure everything was to our satisfaction. One employee was one step ahead of me by noticing I could not finish my salad. Without hesitation, a carry out box appeared at my table. My mother dropped her napkin and it was picked up before I noticed it. Patty, Devon and Becky are to be commended. It looks like they tIMG_5297.pngruly enjoy working for Panera Bread. Melissa is a great manager.
There is one young man I did not get his name. He worked the floor and got me the box. He was always smiling and polite.
Like I said before, this restaurant is superior. Food was excellent. My mother told Melissa she can’t wait to return.
Today Wednesday 05/21/14
@6:am I came in to Panera Bread located @
1035 Elmonte Ave. Mountain View, Ca 94040
placed my order with a Rude Cashier. I order a Cream and cheese Bagel and Rude Cahier reply what kind of cheese? I said what do you mean by what kind of cheese? Cahier said its on the Board. Cahier could have mention to me the different kind of cheese that panera sales.
I was the only Customer that was in the store and my Bagel order took more then 15 minutes toast ( bagel) I had to go back the the Cahier to ask about my order. Paneta Employees dont have people skills.
The cashier didnt even know how to ring up a gift certificate. Bread was hard as a rock and irritated my gums and roof of my mouth it was so hard. The cheese on my sandwich was discolored like it had set out all day. Dry steak asiago sandwich which I had to put packaged mayo on. My sandwich was a cold hard mess. I will never go to the Greeley, Co Panera again!
I used to go to Panera for the delicious toasted Panini’s. Yesterday, a L whole group of us went to Panera in Denver on Colorado Blvd. My sandwich, instead of being on a toasted panini, was served on white bread -which was sold to me as sourdough, but there’s no way it was sourdough. There was one tiny clump of chicken in the middle of the sandwich- which was what our entire group experienced. There was scoops(!) of mayo on everyone’s sandwich but no one recalled seeing mayo listed in their respective sandwich descriptions (!) My daughter’s sandwich smelled bad (she told me after we left, so it was too late to do anything.
What happened?
You lost over a dozen customers yesterday.
Oh, and every single time I’ve tried to access my card points using my phone number, it’s not in your system. I’ve re-filled out the form for a new card three times ecause of this.
Never again will I set foot in your ‘restaurant’ !
I wasted over $50 at your restaurant. yuck!!!
Lauren
I specifically ask the employee to do not add cheese to the salad and she said sure let me remind them. Go’s and tells the preparer (salad maker) no cheese. I then asked the preparer to do not put cheese and she looks at me with a yes no cheese.
I get home and after a bite my throat glands swelled up for a serious allergic reaction. I stabbed a iv pin in my leg and wife rushed me to hospital where I stayed the night since I couldn’t breathe from the Gorgonzola cheese. It seems they put cheese in the salad and then removed it and covered salad on top to make it look like no cheese. I’m extremely disappointed no thanks to your employees at tulsa location (75th and 71st st).
I want to speak with someone because this is serious!
Dear Idiots of Panera,
I am writing a complaint to you because i am very displeased with the outcome of the Baton Rouge location. I was told it was to be opened in April. It is now May 15th and Panera has yet to open. I am now told that the opening date has been pushed back even farther to May 29th. I would appreciate more effort into building the Baton Rouge location. Panera is my favorite and it needs to open ASAP.
thank you for your time
Panera Bread in Vista California has several issues with how it is being managed, or more like how it is not being managed.
1. My family of four have been customers since your company was onlySt. Louis Bread Company, we have visited hundreds of locations all across the country over the past 20 years, I have never seen such a poor representation of one of your Cafés.
2. My two daughters ordered their favorite pick two, my wife ordered the cues cues solid, I had the famous Turkey Bacon Brovo with an apple and a green tea, from the very beginning the customer in front of us was having issues with their order taking too long, then one customer paid with a 50 dollar bill and your employee says she has to go get it checked by a manager and goes into the kitchen leaving the entire front of the restaurant and front desk unattended for at least 5 minutes before returning.
3. Now it was our turn, just placing the order was a big production, it took the cashier way to long to type in our order, we all started thinking right then that maybe we should eat somewhere else, but we where going to see a movie at the theatre right behind your Paner Cafe so we figured it would be faster just to stay.WRONG!
4. after all of the young lady double and triple checking our order as she took it, everything was wrong, every side, two sandwiches came on the wrong bread and my wife never got her solid until I went up to ask for it twice and when it finally came it was not what we are use too..
5. As we sat for over 30 minutes waiting for our order we had a nice long look around the dining area and the longer we sat there the more grossed out we all became, this location in Vista is the nastiest panera bread I have ever been in in my life, crusty dried up food on the seats, a half eaten old sandwich under one of the tables, keep in mind this was at 4 pm not during lunch rush.
5. I called the Vista California location to talk to a manager and I was informed that the young lady that was NOW the acting manager had just been brought over from another location in Carlsbad to help get the Vista location back on track, she ask me what she could do, I told her she could buy my entire family lunch to make up for our horrible experience, she agreed and ask me for my address so she could send out Four free pick two lunch coupon s, this was over a week and a half ago so I guess she takes care of things as good as the rest of the employees at this location.
I am sad to see such a bad representation of your company, as of right now I don’t believe my family will be going back to a Panera Bread anytime soon, until I am reimbursement of my 40.00 lunch. If I wanted to feel like I was eating at a cheap dirty fast food place I would not being eating at a Panera Bread, I have see your company at its best and the Vista California location is NOT it.
Thank you gpr reading my comment
Dusty Ray
Hello Panera,
I have been wanting to write this for months. We are so lucky to have a Panera here in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I am writing this to let Panera know what a fabulous Catering Coordinator we have working here, Chelsea Adams. She is always cheerful, makes suggestions to assist, and eager to help in any way. I can not express how much Chelsea helped me during the holidays. We gave out holiday baskets that looked awesome. With Chelsea help, we talked about what we would like, how to display and the price. She even came to our business to pick up the baskets! I know she spent extra hours on this project to make sure everything was perfect. By starting extra early in the morning, Chelsea had our baskets ready by 8:00 A.M. and that was a real asset. All baskets were delivered by 10:00 A.M. all fresh and beautiful. And not just one morning of all this but two. You should have seen the faces light up when presented these wonderful baskets.
I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the wonderful service and a great employee, Chelsea Adams!
Sincerely,
Joan S.
May 9, 2014
Attention: Ronald M. Shaich, Founder, Chairman & CEO & William H. Simpson, Senior Vice President & Chief Franchise Officer:
My family and I are regular customers at the Panera Bread located in Apopka, FL. My family and I have been going to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner ever since it opened. However, I would like to report mistreatment of the employees from a Manager called Julia on May 9th. I have not seen her there before, I believe she is new. I heard her screaming and embarrassing the employees in front of the customers and the other employees. My husband and I are business owners and we believe in treating our employees with respect and professionalism. This Manager Julia should NOT be working with people, she’s not a people person. She needs to be trained on how to manage a staff. My husband and I are extremely disappointed that a person like Julia is a Manager for Panera Bread. I will be telling all my family and friends NOT go to the Panera Bread in Apopka as long as Julia is working there. I hope that our complain does not fall on deaf ears.
Your cooperation in the above matter will be appreciated.
Dear Panera Customer Service, My family used to frequent your restaurants and did enjoy the variety of menu offerings. However the last two occasions we patronized your store, we developed a severe reaction to the food. The reason I give may be the sulfate or sulfite content used to preserve your bread/pastries. I spent a half hour pulled to the side of interstate with a racing heart- thought as going to have to call 911. Haven’t been through your doors in about 1 1/2 years. Thought you might want to know why my Psnera rewards card is gathering moss. Sincerely, GGO
Below you will find an interaction with “customer care” I am saddened that this was the way customer care would treat the patrons that bring business to a local business consistently…
(My Email)
Hello,
Thank you for the rapid response. I do have a question regarding the rewards. I understand most of the rewards expires after 60 days. I was wondering about the free pick two and the free coffee for the month of may. A few friends mentioned this to me, which is why I was concerned about not receiving emails with rewards.
(The Response Received)
Dear Beverly,
Thank you for writing to us again. Not all My Panera members received the emails about the free pick two or free coffee for May. Emails sent to members are based on many factors and hopefully you will receive an offer in the near future.
Thanks again for contacting us. We look forward to your next visit.
Regards,
John
(My Response)
Yes, thank you John. I find it odd that all of my employees as well as my volunteer team would receive such an email and the employer that sends them to our neighborhood Bread company would not. I spend a great deal of time soliciting my neighborhood Bread Co, with meetings, dinner with my kids, employee lunches, our board meeting breakfast, etc., as I live and work in the community.
So, hopefully yes, they will factor that into account. I am actually disappointed that they did not already take that into account, but since you were so nice to tell me that not “everyone” received these emails, I am of course more at ease about how to proceed forward with my local Bread company as a resource for our business as well as our personal.
Warmest Regards,
I went in to panera today to order my usual breakfast of spinach and artichoke soufflé and Wildberry smoothie. To my dismay they no longer have wild berry. The cashier explained that they are featuring their lemonade. That’s all fine and good if you don’t have acid reflux. The only other choices were mango again if you have acid reflux you shouldn’t drink it and strawberry which is so boring. Last year you took away the peach which was my favorite now this year you took away Wildberry which was my second choice. Quit alienating people and think about what you’re serving people. I used to spend a lot of money now I won’t be buying any more smoothies and you lost a sale.
I ordered a combo meal this afternoon of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Once I drove back to work, I attempted to eat my sandwich to discover that over half my sandwich was too hard to bite in to due to being neglected on the grill. I paid almost $11 for a lunch that I couldn’t eat. I contacted the store I went to and was told “sorry, this sometimes happens.”
Very frustrated, will not be going back to Panera.
April Anderson
I cannot believe you don’t have chicken salad sandwiches!!!!! I don’t like tuna much. even McDonalds has chicken salad wraps. Also why don’t you serve potato soup every day????????? thanks pls reply 1009 Juel St Orlando, Fl 32814
There is a napa almond chicken salad sandwich on the menu! Its been there for a while now, and the soups all depends on an availability and cost ratio! I know they serve it almost 5 days a week. -former employee
I was very excited to learn at my Weight Watchers meeting that you had a “hidden menu” with healthier options. When I went to the Panera in Solon, Ohio on 5/1/14 at 7:15 pm, I was told there wasn’t a hidden menu. When I pursued the issue I was told that it could only be ordered online. After more discussion with Anna, she said I could order something if I knew exactly what I wanted. I had not memorized the menu ahead of time, although I had looked at it online, so after finally asking her to name a couple thing I was able to get something to eat. I also wanted some decaf coffee, which when I went to get it, wasn’t there and then another employee, brought out a pot and acted put out that she had to bring it out. There was no skim milk in the pitcher to add and when I finally did get that and sat down to have the coffee it was full of grounds. I have never been somewhere where it was such an ordeal for people to do their jobs. I will NEVER go back to that Panera again. There is another one nearby and I am hoping for a better experience and if not my family and I will not be patronizing Panera anymore. I also saved the receipt in hopes that you would follow up on it so the number on the receipt for the visit is: 6444-7729-4815-1409-8455-68
The Panera Bread store off of Mid Rivers Drive (SueMandy Rd.) always is dirty and rude you would think with the profits that Panera makes that more cleaning products and also more professional individuals would be hired.
I was so happy to see a Panerra bread come to Fayetteville, Ga, but had a very unpleasant experience on yesterday. I had purchased enough to warrant a ‘two for’ entree and was told it was no longer on my card. I have just visited the day before, had BOTH reciepts and they still would not honor my free purchase. An Ashely said there was a glitch in the system with the cards and my reply was, ‘and you STILL will not honor this evidence right before your eyes?’ I will no longer visit this store, the customer service was horrible on yesterday.
I sent my husband to the Panera by our house and told him “don’t let them forget my soup”. They have forgotten to put the correct soup in our Togo order or just not put it in there at all before. Tonight was the last straw. My husband got home got home and sure enough, no tomato soup. I was furious. He jumped in the car and drove back up there and they had just closed. They said they just had thrown all the soup away. I cannot express how frustrating this is. I myself work in the service industry and I myself check Togo orders before they go out. I think its easy to do and prevent unhappy customers. Personally I cannot say that I will return to Panera after being so dis satisfied. I do hope you can start training your staff to check Togo orders before they go out. Sincerely, Katie Novello
Just visited my local store. I have been a loyal customer for many years. Today I was running short on time so I called my local store and placed my order over the phone so it would be ready when I arrived. The girl who took my order had no problem taking my order but when I arrived, the assistant manager quite rudely informed me that they did not take dine in orders over the phone. Seems like a pretty odd policy but I was most disappointed at the scolding by an assistant manager in front of several other customers. At least my mother doesnt scold me in front of strangers!!!
Never ever eating at Panera Bread again. As a loyal scustomer. I may dine at your establishment 3 or 4 x’s a week. I drink steam soy milk to settle my stomach, the staff is friendly & very happy to wait on me in both of restaurant in.my, but today. I look over many things in restaurant because I enjoy the food. I spend a lot at money with your company. One of my locations had a new manager & demanded I pay & additional 30 Cents for soy mikl & additional charge for adding the honey,vanilla & a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Really, I looked at her very sertn & said, you lost a regular customer for 30 Cents. The honey is seats on the customer counter & the cinnamon, I’ll add them myself. Later for customer service or the concept that the customer is always right.Lansing Mich
ill
I called my local Panera (West St. Paul, MN) to place 8 orders for a corporate event we were hosting and was told it would be easier if I emailed it, so was given an email address. I sent my email (with my MN contact information at the end of the email) with my order and didn’t know it was going to a store in Indiana. I then received a call from the store to obtain my credit card information for the order. My email as well as credit card information all had the Mendota Heights MN address and at no time was the location confirmed, I still wasn’t aware that I was communicating with an out of state Panera. After the phone call I never received and email confirmation or receipt of the total that showed in writing the location of the Panera which would allow me to cancel my order. The morning I was to pick-up my order I received the only email communication letting me know my order was ready which is when I saw in the email that the location was an Indiana address but clearly this was to late to cancel/question my order as my order was already prepared. After much discussion with both the store manager and the regional catering sales manager they are not honoring a refund of my order. I am very frustrated because at what point during the ordering process could I have known what location I was speaking with to allow me to cancel or correct the order. I feel that steps in the ordering process were missed by the Panera I dealt with in Indiana or if it was followed that the process should be drastically changed to ensure this doesn’t happen to other’s that place order’s. This is a huge loss for myself and feel that I was not entirely at fault.
Hello
Today I was at a panera cafe in NE. at the West roads mall. I usually love this panera atmosphere during the day.The employees are usually friendly and very helpful/apologetic if I have to wait for a long period of time,but what do you expect at peak hours at lunch time. Anyway i didn’t get a chance to stop by for lunch. So I figured I would stop by and get late lunch/early dinner(4pm) and OMG I could not believe what in had witnessed. It seemed i was in a twilight episode. The manger (I believe her name was Dani?) was rude and horriable to the customers and her own employees(except the cook)?!When in ordered my Mac n cheese she was snobby to me and she seemed very distracted/flirty with the cook..it seemed she had better things to attend too.As for the rest the most of the employees she was yelling at them calling them “worthless” and saying “why do you even still work here’. I felt so embarrassed/sorry for the young man she said that too.You could tell that the employees were just as embarrassed. I think something like this is unacceptable and something should be done about this. There’s no reason for this out lash or attitude. I mean it wasn’t even busy. Very dissapointed with the professionalism.. Ma
Sorry for the misspellings. Hope this gets resolved I love to stop by and have my lunch there.
Hello…I have been in touch with your Company on several occasions in the past, and now I am back again.My concern then and now is your lack of caring and concern,RE: GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS?? MAINLY your BREAD–excuses excuses run amuck with YOU and YOUR COMPANY.
So I am sharing a story with YOU and YOUR COMPANY….Here goes, We were—
in ECQUADOR..and they made sure that we had GF PIZZA,and BREAD?? Imagine if you can we are traveling in a foreign country? and they have the capabilities to accommodate our needs…YOUR company spoke persons…to expensive to build a GF
bakery for your company….why not hire a GF bakery to HELP YOU and YOUR customers
that have issues with GLUTEN….We in our Family have not been to a PANERA in over a YEAR…We are not a huge family…but our dollars TALK…and you in the past have not listened or even heard us.
I apologize for any spelling errors….and ThankYOU for reading this …Which I sure hope someone does…and that maybe SOMEONE will have the wherewithal, to answer me…
Marsha in Denver Colorado
For someone who eats gluten free products you should then know that simply baking gluten free bread in a facility that also bakes normal bread will contaminate the the gluten free bread. Before you complain, learn your facts.
Went to Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach Il. It was around 9:PM or so on April 10th. While eating my meal I heard a man yelling profanities at someone, he said “get off your f***ing a** and do your job. It really scarded me as I had no Idea what was going on. Later found out it was the store manager yelling at the shift manager. I think that is unacceptable language to use in a restaurant for all customers to hear!!! This was not the first time our group has heard his yelling. Can’t something be done about this man’s behavior?
Hello,
I read with interest today Ron Shaich’s comments about Panera’s slowdown being a result of chaos when ordering. The procedure for ordering or picking up an order has not changed since Panera opened, right? In my opinion, the real problem is the quality and presentation of the food and the cleanliness of the restaurant. Those three things are what has changed. I have been a customer at Panera for some time, eating there frequently and getting to go orders too. Hope Panera gets back to its original plan… Serving fresh, quality food presented in an appetizing way in a clean, bright atmosphere.
Went to Panera this evening in Walpole, MA. Paid $21.98 (wife and I) and left hungry. I had the chicken noodle soup and half Chipolte Chicken Sandwich. The half sandwich was tiny and terrible. It cost $ 4.59 and was worth at best $2.50. The soup was also small and lacked contents. Could not believe I paid $10.00 for a terrible meal and left starving. I could have gone to 5 Guys or even MacDonalds and had a much more substantial meal for that price. Panera is entitled to make a profit, but I firmly believe that for $10.00 I should have gotten a better meal and not left starving!
first time I was at your café my daughter and I were going to try it out Goshen in. suite 1100 there wasn’t a table in the place that was clean. we ask the lady to come and wipe it off but no ne came over we did not see any one cleaning while we were there. one of our spoons were dirty we had to replace it and the bathroom could of used a little cleaning also when we left we were not to happy about our stay.
Hi,
My friends and I have been frequent customers of Panera Bread Company and were recently dismayed to find that one of our favorite items had been discontinued. I’m referring to the Posole soup. It was one of the best items on the menu. When I had inquired as to why it was discontinued I was told that it was a tester item and that it might come back as a seasonal offer. Why? Can you please bring this item back now? We’d really like to see the Posole offered once again and soon.
Thank you,
S. Wolken
Panera Card # 6006 4916 1063 9865 867
Hello,
I am a longtime and frequent customer of Panera Bread. I never had an issue with your company until today.
I went with my wife to Panera at the La Habra, California location and ordered our meal. There was a long line and at checkout, I attempted to use the aforementioned gift card that I purchased. The cashier told me that the card had a $0 balance on it, and it was not activated.
My card had $114.23 on it, as of my latest successful transaction in La Mirada, CA. Since I always provide my rewards card (#817854151005, Reg Code 8134), your company will be able to see how I have previously used this gift card with success.
Getting back to today’s visit in La Habra, I asked the associate to enter the number from the card because I knew there was still $114.23 on it. However, it still did not go through.
Thus, I had to cancel my order and return to my card to try to find a payment so that I could still eat lunch with my wife. I was able to find an spare Mastercard credit card, and return to purchase my food for $22.26. It was very embarassing to have to leave the long line, and then return.
Rather than enjoying my food, I had to call Panera’s corporate headquarters, and they indicated that the corporate office had erased the balance of the card around March 26th or so. The individual did not know the precise reason, but indicated that it was probably due to the card having been reported loss or stolen, and thus the balance was erased.
This was a completely ridiculous reason, as I had not reported it lost or stolen. In fact, the back of the gird card even says, “The value of this card will not be replaced if the card is lost, stoley, destroyed, altered….”
Even though my wife and I were embarssed and I did not get to enjoy my lunch as I wasted over an hour (including time spent on the phone and writing this messaged) for an excuse devoid of fact.
All I want is my $114.23 reapplied to this card. Panera’s corporate office has no right to essential steal money from a gift card that was legally owned. Therefore, please reapply the amount as soon as possible.
Thank you very much.
David
A few months ago on one of my visits to the King of Prussia, PA Panera location, I received terrible customer service from one of the managers. I stated my complaint at paneralistens.com. A few days later another manager from that location called me about the incident and explained that they had numerous complaints that week. This manager took my information so he could send me something to make up for the terrible customer service. After six to eight weeks went by, I called the manager back letting him know I never received anything. He said he was sorry and would try to get something sent out the next day. It is now another two months later and I still have not received anything.
It’s one thing to get bad customer service from one manager but then to get no satisfaction from a second manager who contacted me to rectify the issue is inexcusable. There definitely seems to be some management issues at the King of Prussia, PA location that need to be looked into.
I am sending this for my mother.
My mother is a senior, and received a gift card for Christmas, and thought she would take my aunt out for a nice light dinner at your location in Barrie, ON, Canada.
They ordered 1 chai tea latte, 1 coffee. 2 bistro onion soups and a tuna sandwich.
When the order was brought to the table, my mother noticed her soup spoon was caked on with food debris, and asked if she could have a new spoon, she was told “just use your spoon from your tea”, and it was cold. Then they said the soup was luke warm, and were told “go heat it yourself in the microwave over there”. The sandwich was on stale bread with a “plop” of tuna in the middle, not even spread out on the bread, and the bread broke apart when they picked it up. So they asked to speak to the manager, which they did, and his response was, “thanks for letting me know”., and walked away.
I was appalled to hear of this experience, and was embarassed for them, as this was their first, and probably last visit to Panera. I am saddened that they and had such a negative experience. Word of mouth in our small community goes a long way….and this experience is being shared..
Janice E
Last Thursday I visited my Panera Bread store for lunch with friends but I was very disappointed. Though the staff and service at my store are excellent, you’ve discontinued my favorite salad. I love the steak and blue cheese salad but it is not available anymore and the staff says they receive complaints all the time at its being dropped. They admit it was one of their favorites too. I have called the corporate office about this to no avail. Now they want us to vote on our favorites. How can you if your favorite is discontinued? I don’t want chicken or shrimp and I don’t just want beef added to one of your other salads. I tried that last week but it was not a good substitute. Doesn’t Panera listen to it’s customers? If it isn’t broke DON’T fix it! Now I have to find a new place to meet friends for lunch. Wake up Panera!
I’ve been going to Panera’s in Latham Farms in Latham NY. THE LAST PAST YEAR HAS BEEN THE UTMOST WORSE!!! fOR ONE THING THEY GOT RID OF THE BEST MANAGERS THEY HAD MATTHEW, SINCE THEN THE Panera Latham Farms is so filthy food crumbs etc, Gone in the bathroom & thy are so filthy that I won’t use it. I SEEN THE NEW Manager Bill get into the employees face because he don’t like them so they would get fired and he did Since Steve the baker was fired because of something no one likes and that’s someone getting nose to nose yelling @ you grabbing you. well since Steve has been gone the bakery food is either not there or you have to wait for them. I bring a lot of companies to there but I’m thinking about going else where because this is NO WAY FOR ANY BUSINESS TO BE RAN. & IF THE MANAGER is not replaced I wil not bring anyone there.I have my business meetings there. The GM for this place should be let go of. this is uncalled for.
Your store on southern blvd in west palm beach florida is a joke. I frequently leave there without the carry-out I ordered. I check every order now. My last experience was the “best.” My wife brought me home a greek salad carry-out which was basically a tossed salad with chicken missing all of the greek salad ingredients. Typical experience. The management in this store is indifferent and the trainng of employess is pathetic. Not going back.
What are you going to do about it?
My name is Kim Calkins. My wife Lois and I are frequent customers at a Fresno Panera,
the store is 3590 West Shaw Ave Fresno CA 93711. We were inside having coffee with two friends on Friday (3/21) when the store was robbed. The robber waved a gun around and told us to get on the floor and then went to the counter and held the cashier at gunpoint demanding to get the manager. When he could not get money out he got angry and ransacked the place, he then grabbed by wife’s laptop and fled. I want to file an insurance claim for the computer thinking that under the cirXXXXstances that should be proper. The case number with Fresno PD is 14-204-16
Thank you,
I can be reached at work at 559-486-XXXXX or fax 555-486-XXXXX or Home 559-800-XXXXX
If calling the office just ask for Kimbal,
To Ronald M. Shaich, CEO Panera bread
From Martin Kortyka
Mr. Shaich,
I have a pending patent on an invention that would be perfect for any large restaurant chain. I thought of it while having coffee at Panera in downtown Orlando, Florida. After my next meeting with my attorney I would consider having a meeting with you.
The customers would love it and it (my invention/idea) has not been done before. It would be cutting edge and fit in with Panera’s style of keeping in current tune with what today’s customers desire.
Thank you.
Martin Kortyka
407-967-XXXXX mkortyXXXX@yahoo.com
Today I ordered the chicken tortellini from your location on Poplar Rd in Louisville KY. My office orders lunch to go from this location a minimum of 3/4 days a week. I took a few bites of the chicken and it tasted “chewy.” I then decried to look inside what I was eating. The chicken was RAW! I then called the location and spoke with Kate. She was RUDE! She indirectly called me a liar and acted like in was wasting her time. I spend $30 a week at this location that $1560.00 a year. She demanded that I bring the chicken back in so she could see for herself because it was impossible for it to be raw. If I had the time today (not have to rush to pick kids up from day care) I would drive my unpleasant rear end there and show her and make her eat her words. An apology would have been nice-
My husband and I had lunch today at the Rome, Ga Panera Bread Restaurant as we do often. We were in separate cars and immediately after eating he left to play golf at our Club, I went shopping. He called me about an hour later to tell me he was very ill and had thrown up at the club. He continued to get sicker with chills and sweats and I took him to immediate Care Facility where he was diagnosed with food poisoning. He had eaten nothing today other than breakfast cereal, five hours earlier. I was told to contact The local restaurant to possibly prevent this from hAppening to anyone else. I called, was told the manager on duty was Martha . She was immediately defensive and argumentative. Even told me I should contact the doctor and tell him that food poisoning doesn’t start for 24 hours after eating. I was dumbfounded! She not only lacks in people skills, she was unprofessional. (An understatement)
I’m asking nothing of you (and was asking nothing of her ) . I actually thought I was helping. If calls to your Rome ga restaurant are recorded, check out the conversation I had with her around 7;30-8:30 this evening. She wanted to argue with me and constantly interrupted my conversation.
Just felt you should be aware of this.
Hello. To whom it may concern i was in the hemet california location just a hour ago.i ordered a half and half.needless to say there was no reason why my order should have been wrong i ordered the turkey bravo and asked for the artidan cheese bread extra avacado.than tthe chicken avacado salad.well bread was not right and the sandwich was soogy by time i got it thus my reason for digfernt bread.not happy with the fact the avacado sgell was in it to.than tomatoe was old.than i get my salad andd it was 90 % lettuce and not one chicken i was si upset that i paid almost 12 for basicly same kinda service i would get from big fast food at lunch.when i was there nobody was line in drive
threw.i also called and all they would say ws i could bring it bk but i had already drove unto riverside so was not possible. I just wantrd them to at leasr offer some kinda apoligy and yeahmaybe discount for thhe trouble.byt all i got was there was nothing they could do.i doubt i wull go back now to any location.and i plan invteloing anyone that listens because if u cant do nothing right and think its ok to screw peoples food up that we pay for than i have no desire to eat there again.you shoyld at least understand that we as customers exspect decent food and not messed up oders.if they wre to make it right it would b different.thanks for wasting my money.
Michelle I can not beleive that happen to you. I work for Panera in Dallas TX, and if something is not rite or a order is messed up it is fixed asap. I am sorry that happen to you, You should reach out to the GM I am sure they will take care of this issue. At Panera Bread we pride are self for taking care of are customers needs.
The new Plaistow, NH store SUCKS! I had to wait in line behind an employee for ten minutes, who was a total a**hole, then I placed my order, finally. Well the idiot making the sandwiches decided to clean the kitchen and ignore orders. 30 minutes later i asked for a refund and was told they don’t do refunds. so bing someone that works i had to leave with no food and they stole my money! Never again will I go there, and I will let everyone know what they did!
To whom it may concern
Subject: A Compliant Letter
From: Jabari Yaro
About: A manager at the Panera Store 673 H street Washington, DC, Chinatown
He would not give me his name. He’s about 6’1, about 189 lbs, and bald
headed. He works with Al sometimes, a second manager.
Approx. 09:32hrs, on Thursday, 3/13/2014 in the restroom. After he finish with his business, he wash his hands with soap, he turn off the water with his hands. He dry them with a paper towel. He throw away the paper towel and open the door turning the door knob. I ask him. why you do not use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the door. He response was don’t worry about me, my hands or clean. I told him that customers come in here and do not wash there hands, and they open the door. He said he never seen anybody do that. I ask him do you mind washing your hands again this time please use a paper towel. He stated I washed my hands and I’m not using a paper towel to open some D*** door. I ask him why are you using that that kind of language. He stated that I’m tired of you people coming in here, and telling me what to do. To me thats a racial statement. I’m a African, from Monrovia, Liberia. About four months ago. I had this same conversation with him, and a old employee manager name Reggie, which he is no longer there. On several occasions I would like to bring to your attention the rude and incompetent behavior of his attitude toward me, totally non-professional. Throughout my tenure, I’m always finding faults in almost everything that your employee’s do. The aforementioned incident has brought me mental anxiety. It is my opinion that such behavior does not conform policies of appropriate workplace behavior as set out in Code of Conduct. I feel violated by your managers behavior and believe that I have been harassed. I am aware that lodging a complaint against your manager will require a formal investigation and I am prepared to participate as needed.
I’m also writing to the Health Department about the conduct of your employee’s behavior. It is very unfortunate that I had to write this letter to complain about rude behavior at your at one of your stores. This kind of treatment is never expected from such a reputed business. It is not that I always complain, but when I come across such behavior with high degree of unprofessionalism, I want to make sure this does not happen to someone else. I have been a customer at your food court since the begainning of last year. I hope that such an incident was an accidental, and it will not repeat. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
William XXXXmins
CC. Health Department
Better than using your hand to clean your backside…
This is the second time I’ve had to cancel and replace my Visa card just days after using it at Panera. Visa fraud notified me yesterday that my Visa card used at Panera’s Austin, Texas location had been “captured” and was being used in Canada. Most merchants I frequent are locally-owned businesses, so they would never steal my Visa card information. When I shop on-line with my card I only use Norton secured sites, so the issue is not there. The only variable is Panera. I plan to stop eating at Panera since, in my opinion, their on-line payment system is not secure and subject to hacking.
I went to visit a store in Orlando on international dr. I ordered a chicken Cesar salad with Mac and cheese. There was a young lady and man cursing behind the food counter making my food. My husband grabbed my food and I noticed my chicken was missing. I brought my plate back and that young man rudely slammed the chicken and said “here ya go!” Rudely rolled his eyes and look to the young lady behind him and said “I hate f***ing annoying customers.” I ignored his comment and left to eat as I was leaving the young lady and man was in the parking lot flicked me off and was smoking marijuana! I will never go to that discussing rude store again they allow there employees to smoke? I asked for the names of the employees it was Janine and Stephen. As long as those to disgusting people work there I will never return as well as I will let my whole company and friends know never to eat there again! Employees should always be drug tested!
I went to the panera bread in strongsville mall. The service was terrible. They were out of certain breads and meats. The girl cashing us out, Casey was her name, was rude, barely spoke to us but when she did she answered us with attitude, and she did not give us the cups we asked for. Then as we waited 10-15 minutes, a lady behind the counter who I believe was a manager was so rude to her employees, yelling at them and not even trying to hide it from the customers. They should pull employees in the back room to do something like that. I will never come back to this panera after my experience today.
I have been stopping at the Panera Bread in Perrysburg, OH for a while now on Monday Mornings between 8:30AM – 9:00AM. I usually take my breakfast from there. Last Monday that is on March 3rd 2014 I ordered my usual but this time I ate the chips. I believe it was the third or fourth chip in my mouth when the chip sliced my tongue about 1/4 inch slice on my tongue on the right side bottom. My mouth was filled with blood and blood was oozing out. I normally take the food to go and eat it while driving. It was so frightening to be bleeding and driving, so i had to pull aside and clean my mouth with water. It hurt a lot…when I reached my room I got some antiseptic rinse and abnesol to apply it. I thought this would go away in a day or two, but it’s been 7 days and I still have that blister in my mouth. I have been on liquid diet since then…and though it has reduced a little, but it has not gone at all. I have lost about 4-5 lbs just because I cannot eat like a regular person. I had to go through a lot and am going through a lot because of Panera bread chips… I wanted to bring this up to your corporate headquarters…I have photographs of the cut on my tongue if you need them.
Hello, my name is Mary and I love Panera I go to the in the Columbia mall all the time and all the people and young kids that work there are always nice. Now that has changed there is this one girl who is just the meanest girl I’ve ever encountered. I was trying to order my food from her and she was talking and laughing with another girl why I was talking I think the girl who I was talking to was Abby I really don’t know. But the young girl would not stop talking so then the young lady who always says hi to me in the bakery came out from the bathroom and she told me she would finish my order so I could finally sit down and eat. I told the bakery girl that I would not come back with that girl Abby is working. That isn’t the first time that girl did something like this because I have family and friends who go in there and think she is so rude she this girl really makes my family upset to where we go out of the way to go to a panera that is welcoming.
As a teenager I was desperately looking for my first job, and finally..panera bread called me. Needless to say, I got the job and enjoyed it for the first month. After I was done with training, (which is like 2 days on every station); they threw me on drive thru during dinner rush. I was doing the best i could, and the manager started yelling at me, and made me cry while i was taking orders and cashing them out. I always have a positive attitude at my job, (I also work at another restaurant) and i am always kind and considerate of what the customer expects, and I did what they asked me too, and then the manager pulled me into the office and told me i was rude to the customers and the associates. The only time I talked to associates is when we were not busy, and I was always joking around..and i have never given a customer an attitude, or been rude. I quit my job, because I was tired of the unfair treatment. mind you not, I was the youngest one there and they all treated me like it. The managers there were rude, and disrespectful to me, and I WILL NEVER STEP FOOT BACK IN THE RESTAURANT AND NEITHER WILL ANY OF MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS. they all know what you do behind closed doors, and this goes to the panera bread in muskegon.
Hi Jessica,
My name is Natalie, and I made a comment below about abusive situations at the Panera Bread that I use to work at. When I worked there I did know other people who were working at other Panera Breads and reported they were experiencing the same type of behavior. I tried writing to Panera for the past 3 years and no one has contacted me back. All I wanted was a simple answer as to why they would hire people like that to run there place of business. I am happy to see that you spoke out about your experience. I am sure no one from the Panera Bread corporation will respond back to you. However, if you doXXXXented the situations and you have evidence that you experienced actual psychological issues I would try and take the next step.
Having lunch at the Panera on Peters Road in Knoxville ,TN. Ordered my favorite, French Onion soup. It was always good before, but they cut back on the cheese!! There was just a tiny sprinkle of cheese. It was terrible. Don’t call it French onion soup if you are not going to make it right! Cutting corners is not always good business move.
Hi I would like to say that I love Miami FL and when I went to Panera on South Beach. The people in the production line where very friendly. The Duo I really like is Tiffany and Santia… They Rock when they work together. Akeem, Delva and Shayne they are awesome also I would recommend Corporate or the General Manager to give these five individuals a raise for being fun and appreciating the customers Thank you hopefully they are there again when I come back for vacation in Miami…
I just want to say that we were so excited to finally have Panera Bread in our town. Every week we go there. Now when we go, they no longer carry food that we have always ordered. It seems that every time they no longer carry this soup or that pasta. It is very disappointing. I hope it doesn’t come down to our family not eating there anymore. We love the food, but are tired of them always saying “sorry, we don’t carry that anymore”!!!
Connie Foss
I visted the Panera in Danbury, CT a couple of days ago, and I will not return to that one. Everytime I go to the Paneras in my area, they are friendly and they make the food right. When I ate at the Danbury one, my panini was basically cold, and my salad had no dressing in it; the staff was cracking jokes to eachother the entire time I waited for my food…I don’t think they even care to be working there to be honest. There are a lot of people out there who need a job and will take their job seriously. Even if they do hire a whole new staff, I’m just turned off by your Danbury location completely now.
Please bring back the bbq chicken salad. It rocked my whole and now its gone. Im so sad please bring it back. Sincerely the girl who’s hungry for her weekly bbq chicken salad. P.s. I’m serious. Bring it back
I cant seem to be able to contact anyone in payroll I left Panera and then I moved no forward address given I have not recived my W 2 please contact me so I can give my new address thank you
Today was the first time that I patronized your store & it will be my last. I paid $11.76 for a spinach power salad with turkey breast & it did not fill up the box it came in. I have never seen a salad like this. If I was able to upload the picture that I took I would. DISSATISFIED & DISAPPOINTED Customer.
My name is Andrew W.D. Perryman as of February 21, 2014, I have not received my W-2 for 2013. My grandmother spoke with my Gerard, my manager at the Owasso, Oklhoma store over a week ago about the missing W-2. He responded that he would check on it and call back. I have not heard from him. When I look at comments on this page, I noted others have not received their W-2s. The law states it must be delivered or post dated by January 31st. My next step will be to contact the local network TV news and let them come to your stores for interviews (will be aired on TV). They call themselves the problem solvers (bad PR usually gets a response).
I was a Panera Bread employee in the early 2000’s. The location of the Panera Bread was Southland 623 Clairton Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236. I am writing to complain about how disgusted I am with your management that you hired at that Panera at that time. The management would schedule me for certain times, and then reschedule me and not tell me. I was going to get a manager and because I needed something and he slammed the phone down and screamed “WHAT!?”. One of your employees hit me with an ice scooper and the manager turned and laughed. Your managers called me stupid, and your managers left me off the schedule for a month!! There was no reason why I should have been treated like that.
I worked for Panera bread in west Melbourne. and I am having trouble getting my W-2.I see I am not the only former employee having this problem. If you call corporate it is a joke. Nobody answers the phone or replies back, so why even have a corporate number. The next step to take is to contact the regional and district managers. I suggest anybody having the same problem contact the better business bureau. Or contact your local district or regional managers. I’m sure that if the old man still had control of the company and not the young male family member he left it too, then Panera could get its awesome reputation back, as opposed to all these negative comments I’m reading online…
I went in panera bread to redeem my gift card and it was on my phone the manager was so nasty she made me an my sister an daughter lose our appetite because I was slow with trying to find it on my email , I wasn’t nasty at all but I almost went there but I was trying to teach my daughter who has Anger problem how to to handle it but the manger was off the chain I guess I use it downtown were they have good customer service !
I was an employee and I have tried to contact the general manager multiple times because the number on this website number answers my phone call. I still have not received my w-2 form and I’ve left messages and texted my general managers number. I worked for the newtown square panera and my managers name was Jennifer Cohen in Pennsylvania. I really just need someone to get back to me to make sure that you guys have my right address. I don’t understand, why have a coporate if you won’t answer, even the people that were employed by your company.
Does * not*
I frequent the Milford Ohio location. Now for the 5th time in a month salads prepared wrong on to go orders. Ingredients not correct or missing salad dressing. I pay premium money to eat at Panera. Geez the cheat sheets are right infront of the preparer. It is getting old. Today a worker threw a salad box across the area because he was mad and used curse words. These kids need to realize I work hard for my money I am spending in Panera and they need to do the same for the customers. So wrong. So let’s see how long it takes for a Panera bigwig to give me their attention. They won’t.
We’ll find out after years of loving Bread they have gone bad, got rid of BBQ chopped chicken salad AND the asiago roast beef! I was a loyal customer now I’m not so sure after that and trying the plain “spinach power salad”. With about 2 good ingredients. Ehats up???
I went to Panera Bread for the first time at the new location in Kingwood, Tx. The customer service was terrible and when I returned to work with my meal, it was incorrect. I ordered a $10 meal (chicken tortellini Alfredo) and there was no chicken! Not to mention the container was not even half full. The girl who recommended I eat at the restaurant even told me the quantity is normally no so puny. As a first time customer, I am definitely unsatisfied.
I have very much enjoyed Panera Bread here in Fort Smith Ar. the only thing I would change is the value……..I have been discouraged from frequent visits because I am not getting full, (bill is not commensurate with serving size)…….Perhaps if you got extra of something that isn’t selling as quickly you could do a 2 for one low price, this would also help eliminate the excess at the end of the day? If your giving the excess away at the end of the day could this actually be at the expense of the paying customer?
I would like to continue enjoying your product and professionalism in the future, it seems everything in the store tastes great………. Thank you
Not getting full? We can never finish the salad or the sandwich they are such ample sizes, so we always have half a sandwich to take home and half a salad, plus the chips too which we don’t have enough room to eat! You must really eat a ton if you think their servings are small and not worth the cost, we don’t see this at all. The servings are more than enough and the price is more than fair. We’ve eaten at Panera’s for years, it’s always our “go to” restaurant when we can’t decide what we want, they have excellent choices, great menu and we always love whatever we have, no complaints from us, except wish they’d open one in our neighborhood in Manhattan, NYC! Midtown, Upper West Side needs a Panera badly, I’d eat in there several times a week if one was very close by!.
Food is good. The chambersburg, pa store , a relatively new location. Friendly accept one mgr. I visit 3 to 4 times weekly and store is dirty. Even when not busy, paper and food all over floors. Tables not cleaned, you have to clean them yourself. Managers sit at table with their computers an leave the place dirty. Not relaxing to eat in that environment. This has been going on for at least a year!
My complaint is related to the lousy website for Panera.com For several days I made attempts to register the card given to me at my local store. However, my email address is not being accepted as valid. I wasted enough time and give up. Searching for a phone number to speak to some IT person about this produces NO results whatsoever. What does the company have to hide I ask myself?
Just wanted to let you know about our experience at Panera Bread restaurant on 434, Longwood/Altamonte Springs Florida. It was about 7:15pm and we went in to have a small dinner but to our surprise they were out of all of our choices, Turkey Chill, didn’t have any Sliced Turkey, Didn’t have our bread selections, out of Sweet Tea, Then I had a reward of free drink well they didn’t apply that at the time I checked out so when I went back to get a refund had to wait over 15 minutes for someone to come and refund me the money. As I was standing there waiting for a refund several customers came in and they were told as well out of this out of that I feel this is not a good way to run a business.
I don’t think we will be returning to this Panera anytime soon.
I just slipped and fell as I entered the 4244 N. Harlem Avenue
Norridge, IL 60706 location. Not one employee acknowledged it. When I told the woman at the counter she replied “oh, sorry about that.” The manager standing there didn’t even ask if I was alright. Just for the record, I am not alright, my wrist is throbbing accompanied by a sharp, shooting pain. At least the customers were kind enough to check if I was alright.
On Friday, December 19th, 2013 I slipped and fell on the wet floor when entering Panera Bread on Military Road in Niagara Falls, NY. After lying on the floor for close to 5 minutes unable to get up and being passed by two employees who just kept walking and ignored me I finally made my way up only to be laughed at from the employee behind the counter. The manager (Patty Shanley) then came and profusely apologized for my injuries (severly sprained ankle and ligament damgage) and told me that I would be contacted by Panera about the incident. On December 29th (10 days later) I had not been contacted by Panera and sent Patty and e-mail. She DIDN’T respond personally to my e-mail but passed the message along. On December 30th I spoke to a man at corporate office who apologized profusely about my fall (due to the lack of wet floor signs) and the horrible way I was treated. He said that Panera would like to send me a gift card as an apology (Knowing I could have sued for thousands). Thinking the problem had been resolved I threw out his information and number. I contacted Patty Shanley on January 27th about my concerns, but received NO response from her.
It is now February 3rd and I have yet to recieve anything from Panera……so just how sorry were you. I still haven’t fully recovered from the fall due to ligament damage. CAN’T BELIEVE THE WAY THIS COMPANY IS BEING RUN AND THE WAY IT TREATS ITS’ CUSTOMERS 🙁
I have just taken the time to read over these posts and sadly the the theme seems to be poor service/product. I have been frequenting the Marion, IL location 3-4X/wk since it opened this fall. I easily spend $250-300/mo here. I can’t decide who’s dumber, Panera for their repeated mistakes or me for continuing to go there and expect a different result. I can literally tell you in all of my drive-thru visits their staff has gotten my order correct a total of TWO times. It appears entirely too difficult if you ask for different bread than the baguette or God forbid you should want extra dressing or an extra pickle. My biggest complaint; however, occurs when they check you out without remembering to swipe your “My Panera Card”. I’m always told to “just go online” and add my points through their link. Unfortunately, NOWHERE on their website can you access the “My Panera Card”. As a matter of fact, for months I told EVERY employee this when they asked if I had a card until one employee finally took the initiative and actually registered me for a card HERSELF (THANK YOU!!) so today when I couldn’t use my card b/c the girl rang me up too quickly, the manager couldn’t even resolve the situation other than to say repeatedly, “go online” even after I explained that was not an option. While I have received hoards of free bakery items and coupons in the mail (I call them “dumb dumb discounts”), I would much prefer they learn how to do their jobs correctly…..the first time!!!
I live in Lakeland Florida and I am an outside sales rep and travel to many Panera locations throughout the week,as well as eating at my hometown Panera many times each week. I have ordered the Mediterranean egg white sandwich countless times without any problems from my home store in Lakeland. Today I was in Largo Florida and stopped at the Starkey location and thought to myself I wonder how they’re going to do it seems like a nice location. I order the same and I do not get any roasted tomatoes and the pesto was barely there, the two things that make the sandwich what it is. If I wanted an egg with spinach I wouldn’t ask for a Mediterranean sandwich and I wouldn’t pay $5 for it. So I go to ask for the tomatoes and she grab something out of the back and slaps too cold scrawny tomatoes on my sandwich. Can’t believe it I was already frustrated that I had to tell her how to make the food in the first place and I wasn’t about to go back and tell her how to do it again. So I ate the sandwich with the cold tomatoes and it was very disappointing. I think if someone’s going to have a job they should do it with pride, if you don’t then don’t do it at all and find a new job that you will have pride in.
Dear Panera,
Let me start by saying I love Panera! I’m in outside sales and it’s not unusual for me to visit multiple locations in the same day. I love your Ice Tea, I’m addicted to the Artichoke and Spinach Soufflés, the Brownies are wonderful and the Atmosphere and Staff is top notch.
I frequent your Milford, Walpole, Dedham, Attleboro, Franklin and Stoughton locations the most. About two months ago I asked to speak with the manager of the Milford location. I told him what I’ve shared with you and then told him that the staff at his location is exceptional. The staff could not be nicer or more helpful. That the location ran like a fine tuned machine.
Then about a month ago everything changed dramatically! One of the things I love about Milford is the express order, check out. I just swipe my cards and grab my ice tea, no waiting. But then there was no ice tea, no problem things run out, so I mention to a girl that they are out and sit down to eat and wait. I keep seeing the girl and other staff but no one is making the tea.
Finally I get up and stop the girl and ask when someone is going to make the tea and she says sorry we have nothing to make another batch with. I was surprised so I asked her to repeat herself. Then I asked her how long was she planning on letting me sit there before she told me and she shrugs. I thought running out of tea was extremely odd and I chalked the attitude to her being a new employee without a lot going on upstairs.
Then the next day or two I come in again, no tea, then one evening no lemon. Each time I mention it to a manager, that I’ve never seen before and he seems non pulsed every time. This was very frustrating. I go in again, no lemon again, so I grab one of the kids and ask him to be straight with me…..what has happened to this location? A month ago it was the best now it’s the worst. He explained they had a new person ordering and she keeps not ordering enough stuff and they have a new manager. Now I get it. I pointed to the new one and he said that was him. Every time I have been in that Panera he has been leaning on the window where the food comes out and chatting with the kids. Useless!
I’m taking the time to write because I can’t possibly be the only aggravated customer. My last and final complaint is that there is no regular sugar by the drinks. SO when you make your tea or ice coffee you have to walk back to the front of the store to get sugar at the hot drinks. I’ve repeatedly told someone that they are out of sugar every time I come in lately. The last time I said that a girl said, “Well we don’t have enough room for everything.” So I see a large full container of salt and one of pepper, all the artificial sweeteners have a container, one for folks, knives, etc. Here’s an idea, I would bet that there are many more people looking for sugar than pepper so wouldn’t it make more sense to have that next to the drinks. Why infuriate people every time they walk in that location.
I would just avoid this location but I live in Milford. Please help. Between my husband and me must spend a few hundred dollars every month at Panera. You should see our bank statement. Please don’t force me to go to Dunkin Donuts.
Thank you,
Liz Thomson
Milford, MA.
Elizabeth I love that you took the time to write this letter and hope that Panera appreciates a dedicated customer taking the time to help them right their ship (so to speak).
I was recently at panera bread in augusta ga on Robert c Daniel pkwy.. the manager on duty was extremely rude , smelled like a bottle of liquor and her eyes were very red.. I believe her name was krissy.. as my family and I were leaving, my wife noticed the same lady behind the store drinking liquor out the bottle at a car, a white camaro. I don’t know what kind of people your company likes to employ , but we will never be going back. And we will be spreading the word about our experience there. Horrible !!
Panera bread in norridge Illinois.I walked into this panera they just opened up recently I had a bad experience with a manager named Dawn. I asked to speak to a manager and she was so unprofessional and talked to me like I was nobody. I just wanted her to check my receipt because I had been charged the wrong thing. I ended up walking out because she started to raise her voice at me. Never again will I return there as long as that manager Daw is there.
I visited the Panera Bread location in Lithonia, GA near Stonecrest Mall. I have been there on several occasions to purchase bagels. On Thursday, January 23, 2014, I went there for lunch. I sat down in a booth across from the counter where you pick up your orders. The table was clean but there were food fingerprints on two sides at the top of the booth. It was disgusting! Imagine eating your lunch and looking up to see dried up food on the walls of the booth! I asked for the manager. The manager on duty, Gary Stewart, came over and I pointed out that the booth was dirty. He said that they were going to remodel in six months. I must have looked puzzled because he then said to me “WELL, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT?” Really???????? Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!! I will NEVER purchase anything from that location. He was RUDE and ARROGANT! He was flat out Mean!! I have never had anyone in retail respond to me the way he did. Gary Stewart, CLEAN YOUR DIRTY, FILTHY restaurant. Customers should not have to look at crusty food on the booth walls! That’s what I WANT you to do!!!! CLEAN IT UP!!!!
I had the best encounter at bread company, in at West Port St.Louis with a young girl her name is Nicole. She was so helpful. It was my first time eating at bread company & she was very patient with me. Her attitude is what will make me visit again!! She was accurate with my order as well. I hope to see her more.
i dont know who reads this or if corporate will even see this but you really need to keep you staff trained well because if your cashier is insulting and discriminating against people like they did tonight when my wife went to order you will be out of business really quick i am talking about the panera bread in marlborough, MA if nothing gets done to correct the problem then i can promise you this you will have NO business and its complete BS that you have people working for you like this. i want something done now
My coworkers and I placed a phone order to the Briargate Panera here in Colorado Springs for purposes of a working lunch. When we arrived at the restaurant for pick up, the order was not ready, and the manager insisted the order had not been placed. We checked the phone number we called, and it was the number to this location. The manager insisted no order had been called in. He further refused to fill the order, which had somehow been filled at another location a few miles away. There was no time to go to the other location. The manager was rude and not at all accommodating, and we ended up without lunch that day. While I understand mistakes happen, the manager’s refusal to make this right or offer any option to us was beyond poor customer service. We will not be frequenting this Panera location for a long time, if ever.
Hi my name is Julie I just want to let panera bread about a young man by the name Martin at your redondo beach location he was working in the dining area he is a very polite and very fast at fixing a problem for me I ordered a salad but im allergic to nuts I noticed that so I asked him to please get a manager but instead he took it upon himself to bring a totally new salad and even apologized for the error and I waited less that three minutes and he was right back with my order so I no longer needed a manager I left very pleased and happy customer and for this I will be a customer of panera for life. So great employee that panera has and I think that the company should be proud of having such a dediticated employee working for them.
WeI travel up and down the eastern US quite a bit. While traveling and at home, we rely on Panera to have the same high standards everywhere. However we have found there are vast differences in food quality, cleanliness, and with staff and managers.
For instance . . .
The Best: Savannah (on Broughton) and Palm Beach Gardens (on PGA Blvd) are our favorites. Clean, food nicely prepared, welcoming atmosphere, pleasant employees (PGA even advertises for help “Energetic, Enthusiastic Associates” and they sure are!).
The Worst: Hampton Bays and Riverhead (NY).
The Riverhead one has graffiti all over the bathroom walls – when reported to the manager, his demeanor and comments obviously ‘didn’t care.’
And Hampton Bays:
there formerly was a manager named MaryAnn (short blonde hair) who did a great job – the entire place was always clean, employees respected her, worked happily and diligently for and alongside her. She was always there – early in the morning to open, and late at night to close. She always pitched in – even mopping floors when necessary – and constantly teaching the tips to the staff to do the best job possible. Then she was replaced by a dark-haired man. Now the place is dirty, food smudges on tables, food and trash on floors in dining areas. Food orders are wrong or mixed up; employees do not appear happy or even interested in working.
Latest event:
After a month-long trip eating at Panera’s for nearly every breakfast and some lunches/dinners, we acXXXXulated a bunch of rewards points on our account. Just before returning home, the Panera Trainer at Palm Beach Gardens informed us we earned 2 free Signature sandwiches. We decided to order those 2 sandwiches yesterday (Jan 12th) at Hampton Bays. The most disinterested employee in the world took the order and when we pointed out the rewards on the card, he said “we don’t do that here; all you get is $2 off of one sandwich.” When we asked for the manager we were flatly told he wasn’t there. While waiting for the sandwiches to be prepared you could hear staff grumbling about that disinterested cashier. We were so disgusted we took the order ‘to go’ Got home to find they mixed up some of the order.
This Panera has taken a 180-degree turn for the worse!
Hi, I am an associate at St. Louis Bread Co in Alton, IL. I am a senior in High School and I will be going to SLU in the Fall of 2014. Does Friends in Knead give Scholarships to students? If so, how can I apply?
I would like to sign up for friends in knead And see how to qualify and what I need to do to get assistance and receive help please email me back with info?
Ordered a holiday bread to be picked up Christmas Eve. When I went they told me they never put my order through and they were all sold out! So did not get to have Holiday Bread this Christmas! 🙁 talk about disappointed!
I have the BEST EEXPERIENCE at my panera !
The cafe is in spartan burg sc, I believe it’s on black stock rd.
The team is so friendly and helpful, and it w
Has been nice sseeing some of the same faces every time I visit. They remember me!
And even what I order!
The management team is Excellent and the night manager is so friendly she always comes over and talks to me!
I recently had a bad experience in the drive thru! And it was handled with care and finess.
These people deserve a pat on the back!
Please see that they get it !
Especially the team members
Bethany and Alexandra!
Thanks for your time !
I asked the store number is 1418
Please let then know they are doing a great job !
I used to go to the location at city place west Palm beach for coffee,they were always out so I stopped going. My job stopped making coffee so last week I went back city place panera. This place is pathetic. Always out of coffee especially hazelnut. Today they were out of every flavor. I don’t have time to wait ten minutes for coffee and when you serve it while it’s brewing its too strong. You guys really need to address this store it makes you look very low quality.
I am a frequent Panera customer. I have recently started ordering from the Union Ave location in Memphis, TN because of the convenient location. Regrettably I chosen to drive farther to get the Panera environment I appreciate. The workers at the Union location are very helpful, pleasant, and customer service oriented. I have witnessed the manager Mary Vo on three or more occasions yell at employees in front of customers. It is very rude, and non-characteristic of a manager. I cannot believe that is Panera protocol for a manager to address employee issues. I have voiced my concern to one of the other managers & yet her behavior continues. I’m sure if you survey your employees to see whether or not she communicates effectively you will find she needs more managers training. Employees should not be subjected to work in an inferior environment for fear of being written up.
Thank you,
Concerned customer
Today, I went to the panera bread at city place in west palm beach. I have been to several paneras and the food is always good. While I was eatting lunch today I realized why I don’t come to this Panera. Because the food at this location honestly sucks every time. When I lived in a different city I went to panera 2-3 times a week. If I had never been to a panera before and this were my first experience I would never come back. This panera is the worst one I have ever been to.
Today I had the most horrific service at Panera in a Hampton Bays, NY. I ordered a sandwich & I noticed the bread had a dark large spot that seemed like mold. The manager on duty was very polite & told them to make another sandwich. The employee in the prep area “Debbie” was very nasty & seemed upset bcuz I ordered white bread. She answered me back with a nasty tone that the original sandwich was on white; I insisted that it had a black spot. So, she made another sandwich but was talking bad about me to the guy next to her helping her as I stood there. Debbie has a nasty attitude either in the front register(s) or making the food. I really don’t appreciate rudeness especially when I don’t feel comfortable feeding my child a sandwich that has a black spot! Please, talk to her bcuz she really doesn’t deserve to have your loyal customers upset. There are great staff Mngrs & Members that are pleasure to talk too. But Debbie needs to be reminded on Hospitality Food Industry Rules/Manners with customers.
My 18 year old daughter has worked for this Panera Bread for almost 2 years. She is a hard worker and has worked her way up to being a trainer (which is a big deal there). The management team is THE WORST I have ever experienced in my long running years in business. They yell at their employees in front of customers, they are condescending and rude and downright horrible. Although they are lenient with work schedules, (as long as you give them lots of notice), my daughter badly sprained her ankle and was scared to death to call to tell them she wouldn’t be able to work for the next 2 weeks. They were extremely rude, made her feel guilty and horrible remarking “Well you know, the dinner rush will be horrible tonight. Great. ” That was bad enough but today took the cake. We are currently in the middle of a 3-6 inch snow storm to be followed by freezing rain. There have been numerous accidents with closed highways, etc. When she called in to “call off” because there is no way we should be risking our lives if they are planning on sending the kids home early anyway, she was told that if she didn’t show up – she would lose her job. Really? You want a bunch of teenagers on the road in this weather? Do they really feel we should all risk our lives for a minimum wage job. I am so disappointed and would love something to be done. There are many other petty complaints but this to me is clearly a show of how much they do NOT care about their employees – or their families.
Forgot to mention that this is in regards to the Panera on Fruitville Pike in Lancaster, PA
I was at your location earlier today. Usually don’t have any issues at all but an ordered item was missing one of the main ingredients. I attempted to sent the following message at least 15 times over a 5 hour time frame.
“Ordered the Turkey & avocado BLT and upon eating it noticed that there was NO BACON put on the sandwich. For the price paid one would think that it would at least include all of the ingredients advertised. Then when I went to their website to contact a person about it there were technical difficulties. So incompetence at the local store and through the national website. VERY unhappy!”
Using the link provided on your site. Got forwarded to a page with the following message every time.
Error Message
We’re sorry. We are experiencing some technical issues. Please try again in a little while.
Needless to say it just made a bad situation that much worse! I also attempted to contact the store by telephone but there was no answer for some reason. Usually the location is pretty good. Could somebody please respond to this message so that I know it has been received?
How is it possible for a bread Company to be out of bread three out of the last five times I went there. I love the restaurant but I’m giving up if I can’t get bread with my soup or salad why should I go back. Cobblestone muffins also seem to be a rare commodity if you can find one
Just saw your commercial that you donate leftover bread each night. Happy to know that. Also support that you are closed Thanksgiving so employees get to spend the day with their families.
Happy to eat at Pan eras
Laura
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
It is because we are Black?
Please I will like to bring this to company attention. If the company can’t live up to their logo of OASIS they should let customer know, and give us some time posted on a wall how long to consume the food. I was at Panera bread of 8541 Georgia ave, Silver Spring MD. 20910 this morning eating breakfast when the head manager Mr. Anich, or what his name was came to my table asking the guy sitting next talking to me. If he is going to buy food, or not, or he just came to hang around in the cafe. I told the manager that the guy just finished drinking his coffee, and we were just talking. The manager said the guy didn’t buy any coffee. The guy told the manager he got the wrong person, that today was his first time of coming to Panera of Silver Spring MD, that he heard the manager when he ran another guy in front of us with Starbuck drinks off the store, telling him the place is not library. that he was just talking to me, that he was about to go. I don’t know when Panera start soliciting for nickel, and penny before customer buy food. If anybody can come with food from another cafe to Panera cafe, that meant may be the person want to buy your pastry, or drink, or food while sitting there, and if any one buy coffee sitting drinking. He, or she may still end up of buying food, or pastry later. This managers needs to be couch, or train properly. Some of them are out of way. RUDE! The manager saw me talking to this guy, and I am still eating my breakfast he break in our conversation like that, said “Are you here to buy something, or want to hand around” OMG that’s rude! I guess it is because we black, are not white. He will not do that to a white man even if he didn’t buy anything. Give me a break! This is America. Let them know this not Guatemala that they come from. This is America. Let them know what it cost Panera to get this voluminous customer. People will be leaving and going other way. This food around here before Panera came to our life. Warn your managers. Regard!
Christiana.
I am writing to you because my daughter and I go to your panera bread location in raynham ma at least 3 Sundays a month to have our mother daughter lunch. She is 9 years old and loves your chicken noodle soup. We have them same thing every time we split a chicken frotega. I was very disappointed and quite honestly disgusted when my child pulled a piece of bloody raw chicken out of her sandwich. They offered us another choice but no refund. At that point we had no appetite.
Dear Sir:
I have been a loyal customer of Panera for many years.
The last 8 weeks there is no WiFi at Panera at Yorktown Heights, NY.
I move to Starbucks a block away so I can connect to the internet. I talked to the manager to no avail. Just for your information.
I have been spending $50 a week at Panera Bread due to oral cancer and my inability to eat solid food since August 2012. It has been a real life saver for me. There is just one complaint I have and that is the lack of consistency in your product line. I just love your squash soup and have been buying it in New York. I went down to Rehoboth, Delaware last weekend and bought 2 – servings for 4 squash soups. When I went to eat the soup, half of each container was filled with sqush seeds. Not only was I surprised and disappointed but I had to strain the seeds out and only had a half of the soup left from the container. I would appreciate your telling your franchisees not to deviate from one location to another. In New York, the soup does not contain those ugly seeds. Please let me know if this is just one location or if this is the discretion of individual owner so I can ask before I purchase anymore soup from Panera Bread.
The chagrin falls Ohio panera is terrible. EVERY time I go to this location they are always out of bread bowls! Tonight while placing my order I had to wait in line for 15 minutes because the high school students running the operation only had 1 register open with a large group placing their order. Finally opened register 2 and I asked “do you have bread bowls tonight?” The very unpleasant worker said they only had 1 (I needed 2) I said “ok can I have a large bowl of broccoli soup and a small one but add extra baquet bread in lue of the bread bowl” the woman responsed with “I will have to charge you extra so therefore it will be more expensive” I then asked her if she could charge me for 2 bread bowls since THEY didn’t have what I wanted on a Friday night (which you would think they would have extras made since Fridays are usually busy for dinner) so she then tells me no and its 85 cents per piece of bread. I said fine and went to wait for my order. While waiting for an additional 15 minutes for my order I had the chance to observe behavior from your employees that is unacceptable: Lina the manager had her friend standing at the pick up counter with her arms on the ledge where we get our food, texting with her arms on the counter carrying on some conversation, laughing etc. Then the boys preparing the food decided to get in on the convo! Which was regarding a party they were going to. Terrible experience tonight. And unfortunately they have been out of bread bowls 9 times out of 10.
Joey, the manager at the 28226 location is a wonderful asset to your company. He is always polite and makes you feel so welcomed. He goes out of his way to make sure you’re taken care of and he always puts a smile on my little boys face! Good job on whoever hired him! I just wish more of the managers and employees there were more like him. I’ve spread the word to ask for him if you want great service.
Greeting Dear Ron Shaich,
I Am Steve A. Wilkins, a former committed guest who passionatedly Loved your company, your food and philosophy until I had an experience at the Bowling Green locations which I worked.
Dear Ron it is not my intention of saying anything malice against your company which isn’t True; and I have had a great deal of respect for your organization….and I still do. It’s has been that my experience as an employee at the Bowling Green location was mixed with a lot of “personal” seeming “racially” motivated actions towards my person and Being.
I rather enjoyed my position and was extremely GRATEFUL for opportunity extended to me to work with a company I personally admired so much.
Even though I Am or I was having the experience for a Greater Management Role with the organization, I was happy with the position granted for no position of service is small.
When I first started working with your company on March 30th 2013, I was met with bit of friction from the current staff, comments about my sanity, unfair practices and other things which I vocalized in an email I wrote explaining the current situation and then I was soon fired for reasons I still do not understand.
As much as I would like to say that I didn’t take it personally, it hurt.
Surely Mr. Shaich, managers are human and are subject to their personal beliefs as they were scripted from birth. And surely I understand that We must Be what We are; yet, if this does not align with the True Philosophy of your organization, then it’s not advisable to make such a marriage. Perhaps We wear masks, but what We will eventually show through our actions. It reminds me of a quote that, “What you are speaks so loud, I can hardly hear what you are saying.” But because One is not in that position of authority, they seemingly become disposable????, as in this case of my situation.
Nothing ever just disappears. “Unexpressed emotions never die, they lie domant and come back in even uglier form” ~ Dr. Stephen Covey.
I’m writing Because I still have the countless experiences with Panera Bread which completely out weigh the negative I’ve felt towards me. If by now, you have not made an accessment of me and that I’m “not a jerk” then I would be very fairly surprised.
Mr. Ron Shaich, I know I AM just One Being, and perhaps insignificant in the whole scheme of your business and what is important to you. You can look at my situation as of this moment today, I’m black, I’ve homeless, I’m alone in this area of the world, no one seems to be on my team, and at this moment most will look at me at forgettable (as in the case with Paul, Sean and Gary, your managers at your Bowling Location) as if I do not matter…. Yet something inside still drives me….. inspired me to write this to you. Who knows who I will be in the future telling this same story??? So I think everything matters. I believe how you treat the smallest and most invisible of us, is really how We are. Tell me what you do in the shadow of others sight of you, and I’ll tell you who you are.
I would love to discuss to possibility of working with yout company at a more progressive location (a conscious melting pot)….. as I AM still rebuilding from the core of me. Integrity is of extreme importance. Your corporate offices never replied to my last email I wrote…. the district manager or General Manager had me fired. ( And When I hear of your Manager, Paul in this case, having what I heard referred to as a “Hit List” of those he intend to get rid of, this is very disturbing for the Greater Good of your Company)….
Mr. Shaich, I know I Am just One, but in Truth, do We value the POWER of Just One?
Thank You for reading and sharing my thoughts.
I do hope you will decide to contact me and discuss with me the possibilities of a Brighter Future together vs creating One adversary even if you perceive the other as power less!
In Truth, Harmony and Peace.
Steve A. Wilkins
305.335.XXXXX
BOTH Panera breads in Seattle, Washington and Tukwila, Washington have the absolute worst management I have ever dealt with in my entire life while looking for a job. After reading some other comments, it doesn’t surprise me. Why do you have sex offenders managing your stores!!?? Tell me why?! Please. I have verified that a manager named Eric in Tukwila is a registered level-2 SEX OFFENDER! And he’s your assistant manager! Wow! Get a clue Panera corporate. You are about to be sued. Good luck.
What law is it exactly that they have broken? Were they supposed to notify you and/or ask your permission before hiring anyone? Sorry, I’m not an attorney, but I’m just not following what it is that they had to answer to you for.
I use work for panera take home the bread after working there for over 2 years I decided to quit after being sexually harassed by the general manager. Managers are really unprofessional you have general managers sleeping with employees.this place is a disaster both from the employees point of view and the customers a big law suit just waiting to happen.
..if you are being harassed, why would YOU quit? Why would you NOT file a complaint. You dont really have room to talk about a problem if you stand by and do noting about it. So many place have this issue but yet the same sexual harassment rules apply everywhere and no one does anything. You should stand up for whats right and protect your rights as an employer..definitely say something darling!!
THE NEW STORE 1707 IN CHARLOTTE, NC ON COTSWOLD IS VERY SLOW AND IS ALWAYS OUT OF BAGELS, ESPECIALLY THE PLAIN ONES. tHIS HAS BEEN THE CASE IN THE LAST 1.5 MONTHS. I’VE BEEN VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE SERVICE AND HOW THEY DON’T SEEM TO KEEP ENOUGH STOCK/FOOD READY FOR CONSUMERS. THE STORE IS SO CLOSE TO MY WORK, WHICH IS WHY i CONTINUE TO GO BACK, BUT COMPARED TO THE S. PARK STORE IS HAS A LONG ROAD AHEAD TO IMPROVE THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SLOW PACE OF THE STAFF.
So I bought a 18ok of bagels this past weekend for a function at work. After they sat for 2 days til work, I went to pack them up and noticed they were just “thrown” in a box. I call the store manager to complain that they were not in a bag like in the past and they were rock hard. She informed me the only time they r put in a bag is when requested and she would replace only 6 of the 18! So the past 18moths that ive been buying them, I must have requested they be in a bag. What not make that a standard??? Guess ive wasted $23
Who’s ridiculous idea was it to do away with the big bagel boxes (when ordering a bakers dozen) and just throw the bagels in a open bag?? Trying to save $$? This not only looks terrible, but when you order multiple kinds of bagels, and if you have the cinnimon crunch ones in there, now everything in the bag is sticky. And if theres an everything one in there, now the whole bag is full of garlic. Saving $$ I understand, making your product look unclean and unorganized, sucks. When I called the manager of our local Panera to complain, she sympathized with me but said it was a corporate decision. So I”m complaining to you, not sure if anyone cares and after reading all the complaints, its obvious that there are issues with managment. You used to care about customer service, but now you have lost my business and that of my company because of your unappetizing appearance in your product. Thanks for the chance to air my complaint.
I think it’s safe to say after all the bad complaints about the management and the way your stores are run need to be looked at. I worked for Panera Bread early February 2013. I recently just quit, but one of your general managers filed me under, “Terminated”. I think it’s severely wrong to have put, “Terminated” under my name when RECENTLY I was just named Employee of the Month. I think the way things went out were unprofessional. NO, I did not put my two weeks in, but after being bullied by a local trainer, I found a BETTER job and proceeded to move on. If I put my two weeks in I would just be asking for more torture, so I was not dealing with that.
I’ll explain EXACTLY why I quit, The trainers have an upper power over regular employees, but half of Panera Trainers DO NOT know what they are talking about, or even have a clue on how to do their job, It’s all based on favoritism and who can kiss butt more. Which is wrong. I think it’s severely wrong for Trainers to think they can bully regular employees to the point where they get off work and cry.
But Corporate Panera, Lets not be fooled. The managers are no better than the bully trainers, I had only 2 managers that I could get along with, women of course. The others were severely rude, and you think as a “Panera Bread Manager” they would be more professional but several times I would walk on conversations where they would be talking about disabled employees, and employees they did not like. I get it, we are all people deep down but when it comes to work, they should be professional about their jobs and their title, and I saw none of that.
Working for this company was great for a while, and then they started cutting breaks even though in the Employee Handbook it says, “If you work more than 4 hours, you get a break”. I came directly from school, having no breakfast or food in my system I work near 7 hour shifts, because the trainers bullied me into staying longer or they would write me up?! If I’m not mistakened that’s a potential law suit? I was under the age at the time, and there was A LOT of child labor laws that this Panera could be sued for. Such as, scheduling minors to work past 10pm in the state of Virginia, Not giving breaks, and I could go on and on.
So Panera Corporate let me ask you this,
If you strive on making your Franchises the top in Restaurant service, and you have an ethics of “No jerks” and other fundamental rights, then why does it seem like every employee review is the same thing as mine? I think you’re franchises need to be fixed. How do you expect employees to stay when going to work is like hell because you are torture, I find it sick and disgusting.
If it was just me, I’d say maybe I was being a little over dramatic but I can see truly I am not.
I worked too hard and too long to be paid 7.35 an hour, like seriously, are you kidding me? Because It’s a joke.
Now you see, I have more respect for Panera then putting this company out there in the open for neglagance,
If I am contacted back, I’d be glad to give you the franchise name, number, and franchise owner.
I would like for this to be settled and for things to get better for future employees, because needing a job and wanting a job is two different things. But working for a job that treats you like total crap is not something anyone should go through, not in this day and age.
Thanks.
I just left a phone message at your office as well. I lost my MyPanera card. I went to the local store and was told I could get a new one online. I explained that I don’t know what my number is since I don’t have the card. They indicated that I can probably do it by entering the phone number the account is under. So I went to MyPanera.com. I tried to enter the new number and get the message that the e-mail already exists…of course it does because I have been a member for awhile. So I tried using my e-mail address and clicking “forgot password”. I was e-mailed a link to go in an change my password. When I enter my e-mail and the new password I am told that they don’t recognize me or something to that effect. I tried this several times! I have about had it. You can reach me at my e-mail or my cell phone 563-940-XXXXX. I don’t answer my cell when I am at work but you can leave a message. Susan
Panera food is good – I have been eating there from 2 to 3 times a week for several years. The REWARDS program SUCKS! The clerks tell me its “random” – so you really don’t get rewarded for your loyalty – why not just get rid of it if you aren’t going to do it right.
I have had it with Panera management treating my daughter my crap. Panera is going to learn its against the law to force these kids to work in a hostile environment. I need two others for a class action lawsuit. My phone number is 513-708-XXXXX. Joan Raby
I agree, two of my kids are working there and they are depressed with stress from the management in store they work in. Very unprofessional environment and my kids work really hard for that store and I am fed up. Please contact me to share our experience. Sue
Well I work for them and u r right I notice they are XXXXXty managers in the company they treat their workers like crap.Thats crazy cause it goin on in different states.They also pay white workers more.I think they hire assholes on purpose.I have never felt this way about a place I have worked.They dont hire black agers either even though they do a great job.Oh and they dont like thosr who speak up.Theill try n gt rid of you I hv seen managers sabatoge others they dont like,its a crazy company n they dont wanna pay you no money.
My daughter works at Panera in West Chester, Ohio and is being treated unfairly, bullied and racially discriminated against as well. We would like to join your class action suit.
Joan Raby, please contact me at 513225XXXXX or JXXXXXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com to discuss our daughters’ experience at Panera.
That is funny that I read these comments and the same thing is happening at the store that I’m at. The General Manager really thinks that he is doing a great job when he is not. He had other managers sent away that did their jobs and fired his good employers so he wont have to give them another raise. Before I came to this company I had another job an was going to school and they told me they was flexible and they will be able to work around my schedule as a student and part time employer. Now I’m getting told that HR said he can put people on the schedule for one day if they call in or miss a day at work. And that if they come in that one he can put them on schedule for two days next and so for. This man is playing with people money and think that it is funny. Racial words have been made and not only that, they also have the district manager father working there as a manager and he shouldn’t be there. This store has gotten out of control and is not well put together. I would like to join this as well to have say so on the work experience.
The Sanford location off of WP BALL has the RUDEST CONDESCENDING management I have ever encountered. A lady was in front of me and wanted to order a danish ring. The cashier realized there were no boxes available and asked him if they had any. His reply… just a flat out NO . He made no offer to the client nor offered help to have his own company make a sale!!! The customer complained to him on how rude he was as well and he didn’t even flinch..His name tag was labeled Jeremy.
I work for a corporation with 495 employees that lunch there off an on during the week and I will be sure to share this experience with them. Until mgmt straightens this out, I don’t see repeat business from my end.
Panera Bread on highway 68 in Greensboro, NC really upset me today. I waited in line for 15 minutes only to be told that soufflés weren’t available. So now I have raced to work with no breakfast. I believe if a company has an item on the menu it should be available. I tried to contact the manager and all she(Sandra or Sarah) said was that they have to bake it with an hour and a half wait. This is just ridiculous and she didn’t even try to help me by offering a coupon next time or anything. She suggested that I call ahead. This restaurant is supposed to cater to their customers and it’s clear that they just don’t care. Hopefully your corporate office does.
Thanks,
Stephanie
I saw the story about eating on $4.50 a day. I just want to point out that if you are homeless, there are few places to cook a meal or money for ice to save any food or fuel to start fire. And spices and condiments are hard to keep even if you are living in your car.
Charles Dukes
410-668-9230
9/26/13
Below are comments that I wrote to your company in the past. I decided to visit that cafè (3560 check #173304) again this morning to see if anything had changed. Well, it didn’t. I observed three salespeople/cashers and none of them ever said THANK YOU to a customer. I guess your company just doesn’t care. In fact I spoke to two customers (my background for the past 35 years is in Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations) in this cafè and ask they if it bothered them that they were not thanked for their purchase. Their comments were “Yes they were bothered but they accept it as the way a lot of businesses operate today and those businesses could really care less as long as customers come through the door.” This problem in this cafè is the manager. If this person does not set an example, well neither will their employees. Each time I wrote to your company someone did call me about this, but so far nothing in that cafè has changed.
Panera
8/15/13
I have been visiting this cafe many times over the past several years. But my visits are becoming less frequent due to the fact that the majority of your cashiers DO NOT know how to say THANK YOU. I have many other options as to where I spend my money so I do not have to frequent an establishment that shown no appreciation for my patronage. I have called this cafe several times over the past few years to inform them of this problem….but the situation remains the same…so, I will continue to frequent other cafe’s that do appreciate my business. I also feel that I am wasting my time by even writing this to you.
8/19/13
I last visited this cafe on 8/15/13 and sent you this information …
I have been visiting this cafe many times over the past several years. But my visits are becoming less frequent due to the fact that the majority of your cashiers DO NOT know how to say THANK YOU. I have many other options as to where I spend my money so I do not have to frequent an establishment that shown no appreciation for my patronage. I have called this cafe several times over the past few years to inform them of this problem….but the situation remains the same…so, I will continue to frequent other cafe’s that do appreciate my business. I also feel that I am wasting my time by even writing this to you.
I decided to try this cafe again this morning, only to experience that nothing has changed. This only leads me to believe that the manager of this cafe has no idea what is going on in their cafe.
I can speak from experience since I have had 15 years in the retail store business and 35 years in advertising and owning my own agency.
For a cashier or any one in a retail business not to say thank you to a customer is Inexcusable and should not be tolerated.
I did receive a phone message last Thursday apologizing for this incident, but I cannot understand why this person called since they have not corrected the problem. So, I will frequent another cafe that appreciates my business. If you decide to correct this problem feel free to let me know and I will give this cafe another chance.
Well sorry u doNT knw the crap we deal with.
My son had just arrived in the Boston, Ma. area on March14, 2013, homeless and trying to take care of himself, without looking for handouts he found out that Panera “Cares” in Government Center offered homeless individuals an opportunity to volunteer 2 hours work for a free meal or voucher. My son, Paul took advantage of this “gracious” offering from your company, until the end of May when he was asked to leave, banned from going into the establishment any more. The following reason was given for his being banned;
When he began as a volunteer he was instructed by management that he should not be doing the job of a “greeter”. On a day that he was not volunteering he entered, as a paying customer with his sister and her friend. He and his sister were paying customers on this day and left an extra donation along with their bill. His sisters friend, who is both mentally and emotionally challenged rushed to the counter asking for a “free” meal not fully understanding the process. Paul was approached by one of the several manager who asked Paul why he did’nt inform his sisters friend about the policies, to which he replied that he was not working and that even if he were working the policy was that volunteers were not to directly instruct guests about the process of payment this was the job of the greeters. The long and short of this is that he was banned he was doing what he was supposed to do not for doing anything wrong except pointing out to to Bob who was a manager that he was doing what he was told. Jimmy, who was an other manager on that day is the one who decided to ban Paul from entering the establishment. This, to me begs the question “Where is the “Cares” in Panera Cares if management can just indiscriminately ban a homeless volunteer who is just following the protocol given to him as a volunteer??
what is the reason the panerabread don.t anwser back job application i,m a g manager whith over 20 years experience i apply for several job whith your company no awser what so ever is like we dont care about your application best regard jesse silvarrey
R u black if so thats why my husband tried to n he is a manager nw that put n more work than I hv ever seen the ones at my job do.
Maybe it has less to do with your skin color and more to do with the fact you are unable to actually spell. Yeah you might wanna look into that instead of painting yourself like a victim.
I am an associate at Panera Bread for the 10450 town center Dr Westminster, CO 80201 in Colorado.
I was allowed to take a week off due to my childs birth on 09/06/2013 and returned to work on 09/14/2013, Jason my assistant manager approved me for my absents. I come back to work Saturday Morning 09/14/2013 to jump back into work and Jamal ( GM) told my shift lead (Kris) I do not want him here and to call me that morning. I called him at 900 am Saturday morning and he told me, He would call me back. I waited for his call Saturday but he did not call. I called as soon as they opened Sunday morning 09/15/2013 at 700 am and got Assistant manager Gail, She told me he is off today, but will call him and have him call me asap. I received no phone call from my General Manager the whole day. I am calling him all day today because I need to know if I have a Job with Panera Bread or not. I have Emailed our District Manager Sally Swanson About Issues I have had With GM Jamal and she never got back to me about transfuring stores to get out of the hostile work environment Jamal has created for me at Panera Bread. here are the emails i have sent Sally Swanson……..
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank You
Joseph Briones
Joe V
Sep 2
to Sally.swenson
Hello Sally,
This is Joseph Briones employee at Westminster Panera Bread. I am writing you in regards for a transfer from Westminster to another store. I feel I have to do this to better my work environment. I have become bitter at my job do to Poor Leadership in my management team. What I mean by poor leadership is leak of respect in communication from General Manager Jamal Ahamad. In this I am speaking about his temper to his associates when he is mad about… what we do not know until he snaps, and when he does snap he goes off. Nothing with curse words but snaps at you. A couple days ago about 8/26/2013 I had felt disrespected by Assistant Manager Cory, he snapped at me as soon as he walked in the door about a core in a tomato wedges in a salad he took home. His tone was directed to me and understand the day before i was not at work making it someone else fault but i took the criticism and waited for Jamal to be available to talk to about this issue. Once i got to talk to Jamal, i figured it was going to be a quick addressed conversation, but i guessed wrong. he ended up jumping down my throw about.. MIT Sooner, and claiming Associates have made complaints. My Then today Jamal states ” Sally has came through the past couple of days and you have been over prepping food, and need to cut back!” well on that statement i did not work the past couple of days so i do not know what has been going on. His tone towards me was making it apparently my fault. I then went to Shift Lead Leone for advise on how to approach Jamal on the issue i have with him this morning about how disrespected i felt when he jumped down my throat. She then Tells me..”Just F^^^ Quit!”I then asked for HRS number so i can proceed up the ladder. she walked away making some smart comment. This all happened around 630 am, Then once i was getting ready to clock out Jamal asks to talk. He takes me out side by the dumpster. He then starts reaming into me about mine and Leone’s conversation, and i will get no where with HR due to the amount of complaints from managers and associates in which i did not know about due to lack of communication with management. My defenses went up and we got into a yelling match out side of work. I did curse but not towards him. just at the situation. I felt backed into a corner and has not been the first time by Jamal and Leone both. I know i have an attitude and really have been working on it. Really have been! I am getting written up tomorrow for cursing to Jamal and i do not know if he is going to write that we were outside Panera Bread Store wall having this conversation. I wanted to address it to you now. I am really grateful for the raise and Like the job I do. If I did not care for my job i would have given up and Quit. I want to make my work relationship better with Panera Bread by transferring to a new store. I would like to talk to you in person about the situation but in request i would like our conversation to be in between you and I at hand; Unfortunately, I feel having a conversation with you, Jamal, and I it will not go anywhere and would like to be professional with the situation.
Thank you,
Joseph Briones
Joe V
6:18 AM (16 minutes ago)
to Sally.swenson
I showed up for work Saturday at 500 am and Jamal told Kris ( shift Lead) I do not want him here. I called Jamal at 930 am Saturday morning and he told me he would call me, But he never had the respect to call me back. I Called him Sunday morning at 800 am and Assistant Manager Gail answered. She told me Jamal is off for the day and would have him call me asap.. I have not received any call For him. I an going to call all day today until i get an answer for him if i have a job or not. I need an answer about my position at Panera Bread.
Thank You
Joseph Briones
Baby doNT feel bad this job has changed my whole attitude,I feel mad soon as I walk n the door.U r right it be the managers that keep up stuff and they bias as well as racist,the majority.
Several months ago, corp changed the POS programming to DELETE PB&J as part of a pick 2 in SW Ohio. (not sure about everywhere else).
I made my concern known, then I was informed by a regional office, the issue had been resolved. When I ordered again the next week, I found the issue was not resolved. Another call to a local office was a waste of time. NOBODY seems to LISTEN.
I CAN place the order, but the cashier has to build/modify an existing sandwich, which causes EVERYONE in line behind me to have to wait. All because some bright star thought the menu item was no longer useful on a pick 2. Would it really be difficult to contact the programmers and have this change made?
Could anyone please help me get Panera Bread human resource phone number for Farmington Michigan area?
Thank you
Papa
I work at a Panera bread In FL, And we had a girl quit and she was yelling lots of profanity across the store as she was leaving one of them being for me to go F*** myself. But yet she was back the next day. I was wondering how or who I should contact in regards to this situation. She should not be allowed back at the store and on top of that she’s being trained to be an associate trainer. I’ve worked at this Panera for well over and I’ve never been so upset with how this store is being run. It’s an absolute mess. I believe them allowing her to come back is setting an extremely bad example for the rest of our employees. And this isn’t the first time our GM has allowed something like this to happen and brought the person back. If this problem isn’t resolved I will be quitting. But even if I do I’m sure my GM would be begging me to come back because that seems to be his style.
Have you heard back from Head Office in St. Louis-MO? Have you been in touch with Human Resources of your store or area? Do they have one? What about an employee handbook(if any) regarding handling these type of situations (reprimands or correction actions)
I work at a location in Washington state. I have had many problems with my management at Panera Bread. My General manager at my location is very unprofessional. About a week and a half ago I went to speak with her because I was recently in the hospital. I applied for a charity insurance to cover the costs. But they needed 3 months of pay stubs and a letter from my employer explaining what type of health insurance Panera Bread offers. When I addressed Sherrie (my GM) she replied first with, “What do you need?” in a angry tone. (Might I add she has recently become rude toward me because I can’t work during the day and she has been continuously scheduling me in the mornings and mid-afternoons.Which i wrote to her about.) Anyway, I continued on to try to explain my situation. She cut me off and then began to raise her voice at me for asking. Saying to me, “What do you want me to do about it? Did you apply for the medical coverage Panera offers? You didn’t? That was your choice, its not my fault. Its not my job. I take care of me, you need to take care of you!” immediately wanting to leave at the risk of bursting into tears since NO ONE would help me get the information. I began to nod and try to exit. As I tried to leave she repeatedly asked me, what i was expecting her to do. Also, basically saying it wasn’t her problem. There have been many other altercations where the team I work with have felt uncomfortable. My best friend used to work for the same location. My friend has heart problems, and is not supposed to be put in very stressful situations, but needed to work because she was no longer being supported by family. Once Sherrie yelled at her from across the store in the middle of lunch rush. Another time she bumped into my friend, causing my friend to bump her arm onto the grill. Burning her arm. Then she would not let her go back to apply first-aid on her own arm because it was the middle of the day and the rush was still going on. so my friend had to work with a wound open because of my GM. Not to mention when my friend was sick and throwing up, She would put her in the back to prep food, instead of letting her go home. If we call in, and i don’t know if this is how it is everywhere…but we have to get our own shift covered. Also, she accuses you of lying about being sick. Suggesting that since its sunny (at least from my experience), we are faking it. And these are only SOME of the things my GM has said and done. There are worst things, and much more. I would like to get a hold of a CEO because honestly i think letting her work as a GM is ridiculous. Especially since she doesn’t even know how to make anything on the menu, none the less manage a store with the ability to respect her employees. If anyone can find the number or email to get a hold of a CEO or anyone up in that area that would be great and I have put my email up if anyone needs to contact me.
Also, just if you would like to talk about any stress or feelings I am open for moral support! I always welcome new friends.
Thank you for reading
Panera has the worst GMs I’ve ever seen. They’re lazy and do anything to save their own ass. I’m sick of it. My GM does the same stuff yours does.
So true I agree
I have had similar situations happen to me as well. Where we were forced to work sick and throwing up. We actually had a customer complain (or more like was concerned for our own health) that a girl was throwing up in the bathroom. They told us to use the employee bathroom next time. Really? Why no “let us know if your feeling ill and we will send you home”. We are human beings. Not robots. We can’t just turn off any problems we have because you wanna make money. Sorry but we dont get that big of a crowd during lunch or dinner. If we get hurt we have to go to a clinic where it takes 2 hours to be seen by their terrible doctors. Then we are blamed for getting hurt saying it cost them 1,600 just to send us there. Our management is terrible at my store. We constantly get scolded like we are little children and to cover their own ass we are made to clean everything during audit. And if we don’t clean we get a write up. I’m looking for a new job so I can hopefully quit panera and never go there again. I read customers bad experiences at other paneras fortunately we have a good staff that takes care of our customers. But who takes care of us?
I once had to go to the hospital due to some stomach problems (mostly stress brought on by work) and they told me i had to find someone to cover my shift or i would get a write up. I was in the room with my mother when i was talking to my manager she took the phone and screamed at him that it was not my problem that i need to rest and feel better. That must have done the trick because he found someone in 10 minutes lol.
When I quit I intend to get ahold of the general manager and the HR and get about 10-15 statements from my fellow employees about the stressful conditions that our managers treat us. I understand they are under stress but to try and humiliate us infront of customers and talk crap with OTHER employees really? How childish. Theres one manager I’m going to try to get fired. Even if it takes me a year she will get fired for the crappy way she has treated everyone.
ITS A BAD COMPANY ALL YOU CAN SAY OF IT
I used to work at paradise bakery and I quit last monday. I wanted to know how long does it take to receive my last paycheck? I don’t get direct deposit, I have that check card. I’ve been trying all week to get in contact with payroll and have had no success. Please contact me as soon as possible. I would prefer it if you called.
(602) 657-5098
Thank you and hopefully I’ll be hearing from someone soon
I work at Panera Bread in Erie, PA. I have worked for all three locations here in Erie and I’ve never felt more uncomfortable at the new location on lower peach. The cafe I’m at seems close to the experience of high school. I’ve only had problems with two managers out of all the managers I’ve worked with, and both of those managers work at the lower peach location. You’d think that if I wasn’t comfortable at a loaction I’d ask for a transfer, well I did.
I felt confident at my job and happy when I worked at Yorktown. So when I had my first falling out with Melinda Lopez, the new assistant manager at my cafe, I told my store manager what happened and how she made me feel. My store manager basically said “that’s just the way she is.” I asked to be transfered back to Yorktown because I didn’t want to be treated the way she treated me anymore. My store manager told me no. At that point I realized that things weren’t going to change and I pretty much had to deal with it, so I did.
Melinda has her days when she can be civil and not say things to put me down and other days at least once that day she has to put me down. As an associate it’s almost my job to deal with the things she says, because if I were to say something back or tell her to leave me alone, I feel I’d get into trouble. I’m not here to snitch on Melinda or bad mouth her, but I sometimes feel that she lacks professionalism as a manager. One evening she came into the cafe to help hang new sings; with piercings all over her face, a t-shirt with a penis on the back, and while hanging signs she was standning on our chairs and tables, mind you the cafe was still open and we had customers in the dining area where she was doing this. I was not the only person working who witnessed this. I feel as though if I or another associate were to do something to that extent we’d be written up, but a manager can get away with those things? That is an embarassment to our cafe.
The main reason I’m here is to report an incident that happened the other night, June 17th, 2013. I went into the cafe for a five to close shift and I was assigned to lobby. I’ve done lobby multiple times, so I know what to do. Melinda tells me that I also need to dust the dining area before we leave for the evening. I’ve dusted that area before so I say ok knowing what is required of me. I begin to do my other lobby tasks. While I’m doing things for lobby my name is constantly being called because line needs someone to do table service. We normally have someone assigned to that but our scheduling manager said we aren’t doing that anymore, which is Melinda as well. I stop what I’m doing for lobby to take food out many times. The first time I told Melinda it might take a little longer to close lobby because I keep stoping my own duties to help them. Melinda says to me that we’re slow and it shouldn’t be that hard for me to do both. I say ok and go about my business. What bothered me about this is that each time I’d go up there, Melinda would be waiting for me to come instead of doing it herself or sending one of the line girls to do it who were always no where to be found on line when it came time to serve food. I didn’t mention that I was irritated, I just continued my job.
It got to 6:45 and I asked to go on break because I didn’t want to be on break too late and have less time to do closing duties. Melinda said the dusting needed to get done. I said ok Melinda, I’ll do it now. I began to dust while there were customers in the dining area and got one spot done before a customer gave me a disgusted look and I realized that I was being disrespectful and rude to our customers. So I went back to Melinda and told her I couldn’t do that to people. It just didn’t feel right, I wouldn’t want someone dusting around the area I’m trying to eat at. So she got frustrated with me and said “I don’t care anymore, I better be out of here by 9:30 or I’m writting you up.” I asked why would I be written up for not dusting while we have customers. (Mind you, when closing the cafe, it does not matter what time you get out of there, it depends on how long it takes everyone to get the job done correctly.) She said it would be for not listening and being lazy. I walked away and said ok, I’ll just make sure it gets done beofore we leave tonight. She begins to say things trying to be little me again so I turned back to her and said “yes, because you’re so perfect Melinda.” She demanded me to leave so I put my materials back and gave her a second to calm down and asked if she really wanted me to leave, she put up the peace sign and everyone started laughing at me again. So I clocked out and left the cafe.
I know I was wrong for my sarcastic remark, but the woman has been saying things to me since before she was even a manager. I ignored her, I tried to avoid the situation by asking to be transferred, I even bit my tongue when she said things, I couldn’t take it anymore and felt that saying that would get her off my back. Well instead I was sent home. I called my store manager Corey Kerner the following day, June 18th, 2013, to discuss me putting in my two weeks and tried to explain my side of the story before I brought that up, instead my store manager cut me off and said she already heard Melinda’s side and mine was already the complete opposite. Then she mentioned that she also asked another worker what happened and their story was different from mine as well. Seeing as to the fact that when I told Melinda I couldn’t dust at the moment, there was nobody around except Melinda and I made sure of that because I even waited until the line girls were in the back because I knew Melinda would yell at me and I didn’t want to get laughed at again. I feel as though Melinda told somone what to say or the person does not like me and that’s how she told a sotry different from mine. Their story basically said that I was being disrespectful the whole time and saying rude things to Melinda all evening. I would never do that. I wouldn’t want to lose my job for such a stupid reason, that’s how I know this is falsified information. My store manager said we’d have a meeting and discuss the situation but she doesn’t know when yet. The only reason I did not dust when Melinda continued to tell me to is because, when our cafe first opened and we went over new rues, sweeping the lobby and dining room was a main thing. We were told to sweep small areas and not the whole thing at once because the dirt from the floor could get into the air or at least that’s what we were told. So why would I dust right next to a booth or table where someone is trying to enjoy a meal? Please correct me if I am wrong.
This is my second huge altercation. The first one I could explain if asked to go into further detail but for now, I’d like a response about this situation. I feel as though I’m being targeted by my own manager. Nobody deserves to feel that way at their job. I’d appreciuate it if somebody read and commented on my issuse. Thank You.
Hello, I am an associate at the Panera Bread in Erie, PA. I have worked for this company for almost a year now coming up next month. I have worked at all three Panera Breads in Erie and I’ve never felt more uncomfortable than I have at the new location on lower peach street. The store itself almost seems like a highj school experience and its ridiculous. I can go further into detail about many incidents, but the reason I am here todeay is because of a situation that occurred two nights ago June 17, 2013. I went into work for a five to close shift. I was closing with Melinda Lopez as the manager. I was told that I need to dust because Mr. Covelli is coming in to visitour store this week. I’ve dusted the lobby before so I know that the procedure is to wait to do it until customers aren’t in the cafe. This is because dust can get into their food and simply because it could cause a customer to feel uncomfortable and then they may complain about our cafe. So I continued to do my lobby duties as well as table service because our scheduling manager which is Melinda, said we arent having a person scheduled to do that anymore. I’d be working on a task for lobby and Melinda would yell my name to come up front so I could take out her food, mind yu there were two other young ladies on line who could’ve taken the food out as well as Melinda who would stand there and wait for me to arrive at the counter instead of just doing it herself. After a while Melinda also tells me that I need to clean base boards in both restrooms, so I went and did that almost directly after she told me that. Everytime I wakked to the back of the house, Melinda would make rude statements such as oh shes so lazy and I’ve told her to dust how many times and she still didn’t do it and I’ve gotten six things done since I told her to dust and she still hasn’t done it. She wasan’t talking to me about myself or hersel about me, instead she was talking to other employees about me and then they’d laugh. She even mentioned something about me to another employee in front of customers who also began to laugh at me. This made m feel very uncomfortable and be littled, she is a manager but acts this unprofessional? Why is that ok?
our town needs a Panera Bread, Would you please consider Garner as your next opportunity . White Oak Shopping Center seems new spaces available.
Sincerely Nina C May.
I got hired at the Panera Bread in Hallandale Beach, Florida right after I turned 16 in August 2010. Throughout high school I worked at the same location with primarily the same associates and managers, never having a problem and I felt like we were like a family more so than just employees, which typically has a better connection with the customers because we were all so friendly with each other. When I graduated, I moved only 30 minutes North to Fort Lauderdale for college, so instead of just quitting, I asked for a transfer to the Bal Harbor location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
I worked at the Bal Harbor location until the general manager Hannah Kelly fired me on February 16th 2013for being ‘unappreciative’ of the job. I worked the 5:30 AM shift EVERY MORNING, never was late, and I never called out. That doesn’t sound like an unappreciative employee, especially one that had been with the company two years and a half years.
Now, laid off and looking for a job since I got laid off three months ago. I went into the Imperial Point location just up the road from the Bal Harbor location to find one of the assistant managers Althea Blake, that worked at the Bal Harbor location at the time I got laid off. She too was let go under false cirXXXXstances by the general manager Hannah Kelly, but was able to just transfer to the Imperial Point location. So, I applied there thinking she could help me finally get a job. She told me that the regional manager Rich (I’m not sure of his last name) would call me to explain things the next day. With no call all day around 5 I go to the Imperial Point location and tell Althea I didn’t receive a call. she then told me that she had talked with Hannah Kelly and she refused to let me work at that location or any locations, saying I was always late, had several no call no shows, and that overall I was a bad employee.
All of these false accusations show how unprofessional Hannah Kelly. She doesn’t deserve to be a general manager for this company if she can’t be professional about it.
I want to speak to someone about this and I will not stop until some kind of justice is served. I am willing to take legal action against her for defamatory.
contact me at either:
(954)668-7106
or
conner_samantha@aol.com
U knw what baby they dont give a crap about the worker only the money.
hi there my name is santiago b holguin jr i work for paradise bakery and cafe in arizona ive worked for paradise for 3 years i like the company alot right now i am in a major crisis my father passed away and i need help to pay for the funeral i would like to know if i could qualify for the friends in knead program i could sure use 1000.00 right now i would along with my family be oh so greatful i just want to say thanks for anything that you can do to help in this crisis take care and god bless you all heart and soul sincerly santiago b holguin jr and family if you have further questions please contact me at 602 814 3079 anytime
Joanne M. Williams
1440 SW 159th Avenue
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
May 13, 2013
Mr. Ronald Shaich
Chairman of the Board
Panera Bread Company
2095 North Calhoun Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
Dear Mr. Shaich:
My son, Bradley Dawnarowicz was employed at Panera Bread in Prince Frederick, Maryland from October 2010 to February 2013 as a dining room assistant. Brad is autistic, but functions at a very high level. Throughout his tenure with Panera he did exemplary work and always got very good reviews from the managers. In February 2013, my husband and I relocated to Florida so my husband could take a new job. Brad, of course, moved with us because he will always need our support.
We moved to the Pembroke Pines area and Brad started looking for a job. My husband and I saw a sign out front of the Panera store that they were currently hiring so I went inside with my son to get an application the manger Kelly Zimmerman she was not in. The assistant manager gave me an application told us to fill it out brig back next day. We went back the next day spoke to manger Kelly Zimmerman for less than one minute. I explained to Kelly that Brad had two and a half years’ experience working for the Panera in Maryland and that he received good reviews from his managers there. She explained that the sign out front had been there for a while and she had just hired five people to work on the day shift and five to work on the night shift. This seemed strange to me as if that was the case, the sign should probably not still be out front. Through a mutual friend in town, we found that their son was hired after we had met with Kelly and he had no previous experience.
I wanted you to know this for several reasons. First, Brad did a wonderful job for the Panera in Maryland and even the customers were sad to see him relocate. All the managers at the store in Maryland could certainly tell Kelly how great Brad was if she had just taken the opportunity to check this out. More importantly, I feel that Kelly made judgments about Brad’s abilities based on his disability, which is unfair and illegal. I am certain that Panera has internal procedures to deal with this type of blatant discrimination and hope you take the appropriate actions against this manager. The whole incident should have never happened and it leaves me with a much different picture in my mind of what the corporate culture is at Panera.
I look forward to your response about this issue and hope that you will take appropriate action so this does not happen again.
Sincerely,
Joanne M. Williams
LOVE PANERA BREAD!! But, about a year ago I had to stop eating glute and there are only a few items I can eat at Panera Bread now. PLEASE consider making gluten free breads and bagels along with using corn starch in your soups instead of wheat flour. The population of
gluten free people is growing. I LOVE the people, food and I miss being part of the Panera family. Thank you!
I just wanted to let you know dont hold your breath on that. I managed and opened new loctaions for 6 years. They are not even looking into the possibility. The trained response the employees and managers give is to give you hope so you keep a eye out and keep coming back, but the truth is they are looking into it,nor sugar free pastries. Very sad..
Unfortunately the reason why Panera will not be carrying any gluten free breads is because of the high risk of cross contamination. Nuts, Dairy Products, and meats can be kept in seperate containers and can be prepared much simpler. Also, these things usually look different unlike many breads and cookies. During a lunch rush, it could be easily mixed up and no one wants that to happen. It sounds like an amazing idea on paper, but Panera is concerned the risks out weigh the benefits.
looking to open a location in Ontario Canada, I have one in mind and would like to speak further in this topic.
You can call my cell 416-452-9311
I just want to put it out there. I work at a panera in Indiana. I am so tired of being disrespected by workers and management. If I make a simple mistake I am yelled at. If I Stand up for myself I am yelled at. There is no winning with the people at work. About two weeks ago my friend- also an associate- brought it to my attention that a manager made a fat joke about me. My reaction was obvious…Take it to the GM. Guess what? Nothing happened. He didn’t get I I trouble or anything. That is ridiculous. Something needed to happen rather than nothing. He is constantly either happy or mad and it’s not professional. I have worked with the company since 2011. It’s my first job and I loved it until all these new managers came in. They hire bimbo associates. I have even had customers who are regulars complain about our managers saying its unorganized. I don’t want to leave this company. Actually was slowly working up to corporate. That was my intentions anyway. I even purchase stock. 10% every paycheck. 3 shares already. If this continues I fear I shall leave. I currently am an associate trainer and am paid 7.65 an hour. People lower than I at my location make more than I. This is degrading to me. Because, I am there when needed on my days off I am certified in all 7 area of the cafe as well. But yet I am treated terrible. If you want to get a hold of me to further discuss this be my guest. I am just so tired of working so hard for this company only to be degraded by those around me. I can’t keep working for 7.65 an hour but, they expect me to want to constantly be there. I was offered a job somewhere else for 9.25 an hour. I took the job but, I just love this company so much. The people representing you is not good here. This company does so much and i am proud to be apart of it. the paneraCare, the end of the day donation, the friends in knead program. all of this were reasons I wanted to be a part of this company but, the people here are slowly ruining it for me.Whether something is done or not I just wanted you to be aware.
I have one last thing to say. I apologize for such a lengthy email. As an example to my situation. I asked the manager during our rush hour if he would grab me peanut butter-not realizing he was starting to talk to another associate- he didn’t seem mad at the time but when he brought it to me he slammed it down and said “I didn’t know this was important enough to interrupt me”
He shouldn’t be so rude. This is one of four incidents. Not only is it me being treated poorly by him. There are others.
And an incident with an associate would be yesterday when making the paninis I accidentally started putting ham rather than the turkey on the smokey’s. realizing my mistake I went back to fix it. Well, the associate back there snapped on me about it. I decided I wasn’t dealing with it and went up front and asked if I could work on production rather than in drive thru. I was given the ok. This was fine with me but, what threw me over the edge was when they began discussing it in the back and decided to make a comment saying”feelings are mutual/made my day 100% better”
I understand people aren’t always going to like you but it’s a work environment it shouldn’t be hostile. I shouldn’t feel like I don’t want to come into work everyday. I have been treated this way since I became a trainer. I am called lay when I am not I have been called other names as well. I just don’t know what to do in this situation. I am not paid nearly enough to be treated this way. I could even go after the people at panera for what has been done. Speaking in terms of suing. You know what though that manager is not the company. He may represent it but, he isn’t the company in whole. I wouldn’t do something so drastic but, someone NEEDS to be aware.
Thanks.
to; CCO: Mr Charles J Chapman Hello Charley! my name is Les an i am a former Shawnee City Councilman here in our nice close knit town an we our now about 65.000 population an a few years back i was also an Acting mayor about the time that Paneras opened their very nice coffee ,etc shop on Shawnee Mission Blvd. an i do stop there every so often for a little meeting or ??? an have always been treated 1st class as customer an those hard-working emloyee’s have always gone above an beyond at times an there has been times that i have been so physically drained of any strength that one of those kind hard working dedicated paneras employee helped me. u c when i was serving my country while in the US ARMY i was exposed to agent orange (bad stuff) an 11 yrs ago they found that i have 4stg terminal lymphoma-leukemia which was caused by the bad stuff. so this time in my late life my whole outlook on life an things that r beautiful an some things that r totally ugly an not so kind to fellow humans. i was in your coffee shop here in Shawnee i believe it was on christmas Eve that i over heard an employee talking with another fellow worker an it was about how you had decided to stop the over-time an a half pay an they were very worried about a lot of things an some had children at home while they thought that they were being payed what had been promised to them when hired. So that hit deep in my heart an so i stopped to chat with some of them an i was totally pissed an it had an has lowered my opinion about you an your very uncaring board members. Wow what a cheap-ass thing to do. if i would have known you people were that low class i would have certainly not have encouraged you to open any doors here in Shawnee at all. i certainly hope that you don’t go after any employees that happened to have worked that day, it seems to me maybe you had even made it retroactive back to thanksgiving time. i have only mentioned this fyi to a couple of former City Councilman an a Mayor who has gone on to a much higher office. an recently on valentines day an i wanted to give a couple of your employees a little tip an i was directed to a box t paneras bread box?? . i only go there because of all those nice kids, an thats the only reason Charley. my cell# is 1 2006 422 2130 feel free to call me charley. ok. ty sincerely, retired City Councilman , Les edvalds
We need a Panera in Downtown Denver Colorado, on or near the 16th street mall. I am frustrated that Corner Bakery is my only option and prefer Panera to them. Just a thought :0)
I worked at the panera bread in Louisville kentucky off hurstborne parkway and i need to change my adress for my w2 form i have moved and my new address is : 800 hull island drive, winter garden, FL 34787 or if you can fax my last paycheck stub to 407-877-XXXXX
or give me a number to call so we can hurry up and get this corrected. thank you for your help,
haley bourland
Its a little late respons not sure ifyou got it taken carre of but you can contact HR and give them the information or contact your previous cafe and they can tell you HR number.
I am attempting to contact the corporate office. My name is catherine cooper. i worked at panera bread in chicago, on 95th and western for one year. From 5/2011-5/2012. this year i was fired. there was a manager ( verinda hubbert) who had a personal problem with me and was antagonising me for serveral days, treating me unfairly, and with much attitude. she was bullying me, becasue she did not like me personally. i tried t reconcile with her, attempting to talk with her, and she walked away from me. then i had enough and stood up for myself and i got fired for that. recently on 12/1/12 i was in the store with my friend. we arrived inside and sat down at around 7:45 p.m. stayed there until closing time. at 8:55 p.m. verinda walks up to our table and says “5 minutes until we close” we both said ok. i was having a conversation with a police officer who often frequented panera when i was still employed there. at 9:00 p.m. verinda walks up to our table, and has a very nasty tone and says, we r closed and you need to leave.i was trying to head to thew bathroom at this time, there were aeound 8 individuals still inside the store,when verinda yells at me ” cathy, you need to leave. very angrily, she did not address anyone esle, then she proceeds to tell the police officers standing near by to go in the bathroom and remove me from the property, because i was a “disgruntled ex-employee, and i was was causing problems, and harrasing her” this was clearly a bold faced lie. i was simply a customer like any other. She harbors angry feelings towards me, i dont understand hy. i feel as if i was singled out that day, and treated extreemely unfairly, and i was embarrased in public by her. she treated me unfaire and singled me out calling me by name, while there were 7 other customers in the store. she lied to the police and she was trying to get me arrested, when i was simply standing there talking, and about to use the restroom and then leave. she casued a fuss over nothing, and treated me with discrimination, and unfairness. this is not the first time, and i hope something can be done about this.
Would love to know how corp. handled this complaint. I am having an issue like that with Patty at the store in Omaha on 179th and West Center. She is discriminating against my special needs child that works there for the past 7 years. Patty has only been there for a few months.. Her job coach and I have both tried to address the issue with Patty. Our problem is Patty threatens and intimidates all the employees. So the other staff is afraid of lossing their jobs so they will not back up the complaints. Patty tries to blame it on my child that they are lying? My child is High function special needs meaning they just need a little more support then the average adult that works there. That does not make them a lier or give them the rights to walk all over them and treat them so disrespectfully!!! I am a smart Adult with common sence and when I talk to Patty I can see her for what she is. I have 30 years customer and Management experience. Patty needs a lot of public and employee relations training or a new JOB.