Panera Bread
reviews and complaints

I've ordered over 50 times with my online account, the past two times I was charged double on my card, and it's over drafted my card, and caused issues with other bills I've had. I haven't been reimbursed for the first time, or the second, and can't get a hold of anyone to solve the problem, at this point I'm prepared to take legal action. I'll happily exchange photos and emails, receipts, phone records, etc to resolve the issue. Please contact me at my email. [protected]@yahoo.com

Stopping on the Ohio Turnpike at the Great Lakes Service Plaza I ordered 1/2 of a tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat. When we left and I started to unwrap my sandwich to eat along the way I found that they gave me a heel for one of the pieces of bread. It was bad enough to pay $5.50 for only a half of a sandwich but then to have less than quality bread. I used to enjoy this sandwich but will be very hesitant to order again.

I was ordering Panera to go to bring back to school at the Oswego, IL location. I order the same thing about every time at Panera and have ordered it to go before. I get a half Italian & I asked for no mayo since I am allergic. Mayo was on there so I couldn't eat it so I had to throw it away. I order a half caesar salad which was tiny (I know this because I always order this) & my friend got the same order of salad (the half order) but hers was at least 3 times the size of mine. The togo container of my salad was maybe a quarter of the way full. So I was left hungry when usually I enjoy this meal and it fills me up. Seems like a waste of $10 to me

I drove to the 13th street location and placed my order for lunch. I ordered a tuna and avocado on a croissant. Got to work and realized there was no advocado on my sandwich so I drove back. The lady took my sandwich had someone remake it. The pic below shows how they poorly made my food. Not Happy! I spend a lot of money at Panera all the time!

I ordered a half tuna sandwich online with an extra pickle spear. I ordered it for rapid pickup to bring back to work. When I got back and opened my sandwich there was about a table spoon of tuna, not even covering half of the sandwich. Very disappointed . Also there was no pickle spears at all. I run into the pickle spear problem every time I'm at panera. They say I should ask the cashier and when I do they cashier says it comes with a pickle. So now I have taken a half hour out of my day to go grab BARELY a lunch.

I was just trying to improve the experience of employees in the workplace by informing them on world issues, such as the vehicular attack on protesters of a white nationalist meeting in Charlottesville, Virginia, when a manager (named "Zach", I believe) told me I was a nuisance, and I had to take a seat. As I sorrowfully paced back to my seat, I felt my heart begin to burst, because before this incident, I thought this "Zach" character was a very chic, down-to-earth, cute, personable guy. I don't want to be a tattle tail, I just want my Panera experience to be joyous and full.

I placed a to-go order at the 500 West International Speedway Boulevard Panera Bread in Daytona Beach and called as soon as I got home to notify them that the sandwich had practically nothing in Between the Bread I was offered a coupon that was supposed to be placed in the mail. that was two months ago. I have since eaten at Panera several times and it occurred to me upon today's visit that I have not received a coupon. I mentioned it to my cashier, placed my order for the additional sandwiches and she said she would check with the manager to see if it would be possible to offer the third sandwich free of charge. the manager said the only thing she could do is research the issue because I did not have proof or a receipt of the purchase. This exchange went on for several minutes at which time I decided it was not worth any purchase at all and I exited the restaurant.

I am a religiously regular customer at Panera Bread Across the US. I enjoy the environment, food and fast food prep panera is usually consistent with. Unfortunately every time I visit the location at "108 E Blackstock Rd Spartanburg, SC 29301 United States" I have a bad experience. I came in on Aug 14th at around 8AM. I was greeted as I came in the door like usual. But I should have known this would be a difficult morning as the cashier woman coughed severely throughout me giving her my order for 2 breakfast sandwiches. I wish she stepped away and had another cashier help me because both my orders where rung up wrong. It probably would of helped if she repeated my order to me. I'm also disappointed that she forgot to ask me my panera card number. I ordered a sausage and egg on whole grain bread/miche. and a bacon egg and cheese on a french toast bagel. I somehow got one sandwich on a flatbread and the other on a baguette. I returned the sandwiches to the line employee and i told him it's alright if he doesn't toast the breads since i was in a rush ( I said this as he was walking away from me when I was talking) so I repeated myself when he was in front of me. he than told me that he " heard me the first time". I didn't realize me wanting my food done right the first time was such a task. There was major miscommunication between myself and the cashier, than the cashier to the line employee. At the manager could of done was apologize better and offer a pastry. I will NOT be returning to this location seeing they have major improvements to do.

Scene: Panera in Valpo, Thursday evening around 8:30 p.m.

A friend and I are dining in, and there are about four other tables with people scattered amongst the dining room. Not crowded. One of the Panera workers begins vacuuming the dining area, moving tables and chairs around and creating quite a ruckus. She then comes to our table, actually vacuuming right under our feet as we were trying to eat. Annoyed, my friend asks her, "Can you please go do that elsewhere? We are trying to eat." The worker stops for a moment, giving her a blank stare. My friend elaborates: "I don't want junk that you're stirring up in the air getting into my food." The worker replies, "There is nothing in the air. I'm doing my job." She continues to vacuum.

Since when do employees talk back to customers? Since when is it okay to vacuum around people who are trying to eat? There was still 90 minutes before closing time, it wasn't like we were sitting down to eat with 10 minutes to spare. For a $16 meal, I expect to be able to eat it in peace.
I've noticed the Valpo Panera going downhill this past year, in terms of cleanliness (despite the vacuuming!) and food quality (sloppily made food and such). Now, defiant, smart-assed employees?

I went in Friday night (8/11/2017) to get a cup of soup to go. It took 17 minutes to get my order. I never would have ordered anything if I knew it would take so long.
Never again! I even said something to a man behind the counter and he told me to use my receipt to complain. Then I called the main office and explained what had happened and I was thanked and told that they were sorry. What a waste of time. Cafe Order 479279

Dear CEO Schaich:

Approximately,  four hours, ago, my Mother and I went out to lunch at:
Panera Bread
4014 Peach St.
Erie, PA  16509
[protected]

My Mother was visiting me from NY.  We planned on going shopping & out for lunch. 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, over the last couple years. I agree. 

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 bag, 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 the Panera Bread location, we visited, & ask to file a Customer Incident Form over the phone. So I did.

I asked to speak with a Manager,  & was told the Manager was not available. So, I spoke with the Asst. Manager, Chrisandra.  She proceeded to give details & excuses,  about soup temperatures, thermal containers, so their soup is always hot.  More excuses about process & not addressing CS 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!
Iwould like a letter of apology, sent to my Mom.  Obviously, your Legal Counsel will not allow you to directly address the factual details, I noted above.  But, nevertheless, my Mom came to town to enjoy the day shopping with me.  Instead, she ended up sick after eating watery, luke warm, chicken & rice soup, from Panera Bread.  After eating at Panera, our shopping plans ceased!
 
My Mother, is an older woman, who does not like to complain or create a scene.  But, I want this addressed.  This is a complaint, that I'm filing on her behalf. 

Obviously, the other steps, you have in place, have not been able to address this issue, because, none of your employees understand CS policy procedures.

I'd like an apology sent to my Mom & my Mother's money refunded, sent to:

[personal information has been removed]

Regards,

[personal information has been removed]

My name is Elizabeth I visited Panera Bread on 08/11/17 around a little after 2 at 528 Gateway Drive Brooklyn Ny I placed an order which was messed up at the front counter. When I went to the pick up area I was charged for a smoothie which I did not order but was charged for. I asked one of the employees for help which his name was Tim, The manager on shift interviened. she made an offensive remark which as a manager in any business should not have been said. Another employee name Isiah and Tim were the only two people trying to help out. Manager on shift has a terrible a attitude.

Hi there - We had a poor to-go experience and I would like a refund. The meal was missing a sprouted grain role, and the Cobb Salad and Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich were so drenched with dressing they was inedible. Normally I would have brought the meal back, but we were on vacation and without a car, and we didn't open our meals until back at our hotel. Total for the meal was $45.20.

Normally our whole family likes Panera, and we have all eaten these same meals before. This store was not up to Panera's normal standards!

This was on 8/6/17 at 11:05 AM, Check #260608.

I placed an order on 8/8(1 danish roll, 8 souffles and a box of coffee) to be picked up 8/9 @ 6:15 am @ Plaistow, NH location. I arrived at 6:15 to get my order when I was told "the souffle your ordered will not be out of the oven for another 19 minutes, these take about 25 minutes to bake so I put them in the oven as soon as I arrived this morning"."And the danish ring you ordered is not available today, as we only had 1 and it was for another order we have". I asked why nobody could have contacted me about this before arriving or maybe when the order was received letting me know that my requested pick up time would not work due to the items ordered.(people have choices-I could have ordered from somewhere else) I had a big board meeting to get to which is why I ordered in advance and did not have the 19 minutes to wait. I was getting upset and the server asked the Mgr to come out. His name is Tony and he is the General Manager. I mentioned to him that this is the 3rd time I have ordered with Panera and been told the order was not ready. He said yah well you should have called the catering team if this is the 3rd time(with a sarcastic voice and face) I said, oh please do not turn this around to be my fault, I have choices and I came here. I am actually at fault because I knew you were going to let me down and I ordered from you anyway. He said and you ordered a box of coffee and did not even pay for it. I said that is because the website does not give you an option to purchase a box of coffee, so I wrote it in the notes section(which he obviously saw)---and he should his head like I was making this up. He should be aware that this is not an online option. and by the way...you have my credit card for my order. Was he insinuating that I was trying to get a box of coffee for free?! This is my second time having this type of a conversation with this Tony-General Manager from Plaistow. I had reached out about him the last time and did not receive a follow up about my complaint (more like a concern) if he is the GM and he is speaking to customers like this, I can't imagine how he is talking to employees. I am not going to drop this concern about tony. I want to talk to someone about this.
I appreciate your time and Thank you in advance for help resolving this disrespect and disservice that I received for the 2nd time. (The poor woman -server (Tiffany)felt awful) I would like my money back and feedback on what will be done to promote better customer service from Tony. I actually think he is not the face you want running your company locations.
Sincerely,
Wendy Lewis
4 Geary Lane
Atkinson, NH 03811
[protected]@yahoo.com
[protected]

Today I visited the Panera in Glenview Illinois ( Waukegan and Willow Road)
I've never been in a dirtier Panera...ever. The tables were not wiped down the floors were not clean and think drink station filled with litter! The windows were also smeared and the entry was far from inviting.
I hope this is one of your future renovations as this place is far fro. A credit to your company!

payment by credit card and tipping. I object to having to say No to tipping the cashier. Its awkward.

I understand the need to provide the opportunity to tip with so many people paying with credit instead of cash. A better option would be to provide a Tip Button that I can choose if I wish, and a Complete Transaction if I do not wish to tip.

I do not like having to decline the tip in order to finish my purchase. It is very uncomfortable.

I hope Panera considers reworking this procedure.

I've been going to Panera for years. I typically purchase the half portion of Caesar Salad with Chicken and it's enough to satisfy my hunger. My most recent purchase of the same order, was significantly smaller. Not even enough to make a dent in my appetite. Chatted with someone in customer care and not even a refund. Offered pastry, instead. Duped

Yesterday, I went to panera bread to get my favorite salad after working out ! I requested to be taken out! My order was a whole salad with chicken, but I surprised when I got home my order was half and without chicken! I have paid $11 for what ! They must read the orders carefully ! I lost my money for nothing ! The service is really poor and careless!

In past years we & other customers attempted to purchase leftover pastries at the end of the day at a discount & was denied the opportunity with the explanation they were donated to shelters. Later we were allowed to purchase leftover pastries at a discount at the end of the day that was still more than regular prices at the local grocery bakery. Everyday of August 2017 we were denied the discounted purchase & advised he leftovers were donated. Why that may be somewhat a commendable practice, it is not a good business practice to donate product to alcohol & drug abusers rather than sell it to customers. Panera' pastries, soups, sandwiches, breads, & beverages are all highly overpriced! Apparently I need to give more of my business to the local grocery bakers & restaurants. When Panera closes its doors for lack of business, the employees can go to the local shelters.

Every time I have visited in the Porter Square Panera Bread I have been met with nothing but attitude and issues. This evening the issue was adding extra strawberries in substitution of no pineapple because I have a pineapple allergy. I also asked for a large cup for water and was told I can't give you that and not getting fired for no big cup". My soup was forgotten and my dressing was mixed up. I asked to add spinach to my salad and that was left out also. Accuracy matters to you guys but it doesn't seem to matter here.

My workout regimen requires that I consume a little over a gallon of water a day. Therefore, when I'm having water with my dinner I like to have the 32 oz. I never have this issue when I visit the Fresh Pond Panera Bread but there's always something and attitude given with the employees here.

Please do better