Panera Bread
reviews and complaints

I evacuated from SW Florida to Jacksonville where I rode out Irma and had limited choice of restaurants and ate at Panera Bread on three occasions from 9/8/2017 through 9/15/2017. On each occasion the staff were very offhand, unhelpful and brusque if not rude. On the 2nd occasion I noticed how poorly the sandwich was made with all the ingredients stuffed in a general pile in the middle of pieces of bread that were no better (perhaps worse) than one can get at most supermarket bakeries these days; I ended up remaking the sandwich before I could eat it. On the third occasion (after being told rather roughly upon ordering a breakfast sandwich " we are finished with that at 10.30") I ordered the same sandwich as the previous day. When it arrived I asked them to make it properly and not just piled in the middle of the bread as on the day before. When it was returned it appeared to be in the same condition so I had to remake it. The turkey was in small pieces and appeared to have been soaked in something (not appetizing at all) . I started to eat the apple and found that the side that was hidden from view had a flat, brown, rotten oozy half dollar area where it had been resting obviously for a considerable time (perhaps weeks but obviously was not fresh). It was obvious to any one that no one had looked at the apple before serving it, at least no one who cared. I asked for the manger and after being told rather rudely where I could find the manager I said she/he could visit me at my table 5. I asked the manager if the apple was of the type and quality he would enjoy eating. He asked me what I would like him to do and "can I get you a fresh one." I considered this very rude, unprofessional, non apologetic and since they obviously did not serve "fresh" apples most unsatisfactory. I asked for my money back and was compensated 99 cents for the apple. While this was technically probably correct I did not know that I could pay less for the poorly made sandwich and not have the apple in the first place!
I tried diligently to find a way to make this complaint directly to Panera but without any success; in fact all I found was answers and prose which were designed to make Panera look efficient, caring and attentive. After my experience and reading some of the complaints I have formed the opinion that Panera is an organization that cares very little for any aspect of the customer except their money and cares arrogantly only about its manipulated bright shiny image and appearance to lure in those customers for its own enrichment. I will not eat at Panera again and will encourage others not to do so either.

1. Purchased 2 fresh warm chocolate chip cookies and was very unpleased the cookie was as hard as can be. If it was a cookie that just came out of the oven it shouldn't be as hard as can be very unhappy with your bakery in Whittier.

2. I talked to a team member at Whittier Panera because the trash can on the outside of the building had an open backpack inside it and hangout oug of the trashcan. Which looked very suspicious. The team member I talked to really didn't listen to what I said and only replied with "it's not their trashcan. I really thought this was very unprofessional.

My name is [removed]. I visited a Panera Bread in Greenfield, WI yesterday, September 13th 2017 at approximately 2:00pm. I had just gotten a medical procedure done and I wanted some hot soup that would sit well with my stomach. Service was decent and the quality of the food was good. However, all I ordered was a bowl of soup and a medium fountain drink; my portion of the order totaled about eight dollars. My guest ordered a sandwhich and a bowl of soup and his part of the bill was about 18 dollars. After paying 26.26 for our meal, I was extremely dissatisfied when we received our order and there was barely half a bowl of soup in it. My guest's steak sandwhich barely had any steak in it.
Because we have limited resources I asked him to try the pick two but he replied that the pick two portions dont fill him up.

The portion size and the price that we paid for our meal made our experience yesterday very dissatisfying. I will not be visiting another Panera for a very long time, nor will I recommend this restaurant to friends.

I am a regular Panera customer and am always impressed by the freshness of the food. Although the last 2 visits to Onalaska, Wisconsin Panera Bread I have been very disappointed. My first visit I sat inside and ordered. When they brought me my food they brought me the wrong soup so had to take my food back and remake it. So I waited for a long time when finally they brought what I ordered. Chicken noodle soup and ceaser salad with no chicken. Then they brought my ceaser salad with chicken on it. So I had to send it back to take off the chicken. But normally with that many mess ups a restaurant would offer you something extra, but instead they were out of bread so I also didn't get that. So a week later I decided to give Panera another shot. This was the time that made me more angry than the first visit. I went through the drive thru and the amount of food they gave me was ridiculous. The salad was less that half full. And the soup wasn't full. My mango smoothie that was almost $5 was not even full to the top. I am a small girl and for $13 worth of food you would think you would be full after eating a meal. I finished it all and was still hungry. I will attach the pictures of my salad and how little amount I was given. I would just like to suggest that they give people more good or at least what they pay for.

9/11 I preordered for 11 people to be delivered on 9/13. Delivered on time but the order was short 3 sandwiches and a cup of soup. I called [protected] who in turn called the 344 SaddleCreek, Omaha, NE Store. When delivered the second time, the order was again short 2 sandwiches. I tried calling Jeffrey, manager at SaddleCreek, was on hold 20 mins. Hung up and called alternate number but line said no VM set up. So, called location line again and finally got Jeffrey. He asked me what was going on. Like I knew. I just said, the party was over and I wanted a refund for our 2 sandwiches we did not get. He sent us (3) 1/2 price vouchers for $25.00. We work at a large company in the area and this service is unacceptable. I don't think we will be using Panera's on Saddle Creek again. Thank You for listening. Also, I have not received my refund for 2 Whole Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwiches yet either.

Went to the new location in Rockwall, Texas for the first time yesterday, September 12. Ordered a salad to go. I was so disappointed in the questionable salad leaves. Some were wet or browning on the edges. I don't serve my family salad like this and really didn't expect it at Panera Bread. I have looked forward to this restaurant opening for quite a while so I'm hoping this will not happen again. I don't want anything except the confidence that I can get a salad without worrying that I need to check it before I leave the store.
Thank you,
Juanita Sharawi

juanita.[protected]@yahoo.com

Panera has ruined my favorite soup. I ordered a broccoli cheddar soup and a salad today and half-way through eating the soup I discovered a small maggot on my spoon. I immediately searched the soup for more, but could not locate any others leading me to believe I most likely consumed other small maggots. This is absolutely revolting and I can never eat this soup again.

Location:
Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI

I placed my rapid pick up order of a frontera chicken sandwich and by the time I got there it was done which was great. 5 minutes later I go to eat it and there is vey little chicken, the cheese was hardly melted, and it was cold! I have never had a problem but I figured there was something wrong when I was there in 5 minutes after I ordered and it was already ready. When they get too busy there is always a problem. Next time I will choose somewhere else.

Love Paneras food, however I'm a vegetarian and I love the fact that I have the option to remove meat/chicken items from all of my selections and add other items.
My complaint is when I add an item I'm normally charged .99 for each added item, however when I remove the meat/chicken item I'm not given a credit for taking meat/chicken off. I know the meat/chicken items cost more than any of the vegetables or cheeses, but it would be nice to see a credit for meat/chicken items removed.
It's a customer service issue my friends not as well.

I WANT PANERA BREAD IN SALT LAKE CITY UTAH PLEASSSEEEEEE ILL GIVE YOU MY MONEY. The closest one to Salt Lake is in Idaho! And who goes to Idaho these days. I have not found one restaurant in the state of Utah with good broccoli cheddar soup and I'm craving it. Just talking about this makes me HANGRY. I would be a regular customer and so would all the hipsters in the state of Utah. If you really value your customers, please consider.

I visit the wildwood Missouri store almost daily and am completely appalled at how dirty and sticky the floors are. It's clear they are not cleaned at night. I have mentioned this to the staff on countless occasions but I have yet to see a change in the filth of the floors in the entryway into the restaurant and the entire tiled area near the register. After I leave the restaurant my shoes are so sticky that I have to wash them when I go home Please take action so I can enjoy the restaurant more

Today on 09/12 I walked to into the Panera Bread near my job for the second time and again disappointment. I placed my order but since I am allergic to eggs I made it clear I only wanted a plain bagel with cheese, bacon and avocado. I added a caramel Latte as well but I wanted a iced one. When I looked at the receipt after standing five minutes I told the lady in the back preparing it to please put avocado that I requested it, she agreed and handed m my sandwich. Then I received my hot latte and walked out because I did not want to make a big deal till I got to work. I opened my bagel to find no cheese and bacon all over the place and the smallest slice of avocado. Why? and my latte wasn't cold, what I get for not saying anything. This is aggravating the first time I went I placed my order and waited 15 minutes and everyone was getting there orders and I was late to my first week of work. Thanks Panera.

I purchased the 2 pack of Mac & Cheese from Sam's Club St Cloud MN on 09/09/17 for $10.49. Nobody in my family liked it, I threw it in the garbage. We love all your soups, so I thought for sure we would love the mac and cheese but that wasn't the case. I am hoping you can either refund me the money or send me a coupon to purchase something else from Panera Bread.
date on bottom says freeze by 10/17/17 080817-3L 655B. I don't have the UPC because I took them out of the box when I put them in the fridge.

I've been extremely disappointed in the portion size of the Mac and Cheese. My family has been a loyal customer of Panera for a long time. We've recently been getting the Mac and Cheese because it's my two year olds favorite! Almost everytime we've ordered it the cup is half full. Our family is on a strict income and we certainly try to eat as healthy as possible. It's very frustrating when you're paying top dollar for Mac and Cheese and not getting the quantity in return. Attached is the photo of our most recent purchase.
Please look up my Panera card by phone number just to see how often we eat here! [protected] and [protected]

Respectfully,
Melissa Jaffe

I order online very frequently. Usually things are fine. Tonight, however, the Turkey Chili I ordered was, at best, only 2/3 full for some unknown reason. I ordered the same last night and it was filled to the top. I feel that I was not provided with a the portion I paid for. I have attached a picture of my total order and a picture of the 2/3 filled chili. Please advise.

Mark Hildebrand

Hello,

My husband and I went to the East Walpole, MA Panera Bread location, Cafe 2104, the evening of Sept 8. Check number: 460972.

The cashier who greeted us was great, and quickly processed our order, but the kitchen operations seemed in disarray and inefficient. We did not wait that long for our order, but when we went to eat it in the car, the sandwiches were thrown together sloppily (see photo of my sandwich, where the bread pieces were not even oriented in the same direction) and not up to what we are used to seeing at Panera.

I have attached photos of the receipt and my Frontega Chicken Panini for your reference.

Please refund these two sandwich items to the credit card used and make sure the staff is trained so that this type of thing does not damage your brand. My husband commented before we saw the sandwiches that the kitchen staff did not see, to be efficient, so perhaps there are operations issues at play.

If you need to reach me, my number is 732.322.0190 and email is [protected]@gmail.com. Thank you.

On 9/8/2017, I was at your Aliso Viejo location - I had bought a small coffee, and l needed to use the restroom. I have a notebook I use for occasions such as this - on it was written "Table Taken - will be back in a minute. Please leave my cup alone! Thank you." There was also a smiley face. I left the notebook (not just the paper, the whole notebook) in a visible area, at the edge of the table, and my cup with a few napkins. I took my belongings with me to the bathroom.

When I returned, I found that the whole table had been cleared, and my notebook had been thrown in the trash, along with the cup of coffee that I had paid for and planned on refilling. Thankfully, the employee who threw it away helped me retrieve it, but my property was damaged, and I had to tear out the note and several other pages, as they were stained. My paper has been wasted, and I miss my coffee.

This is the third time this has happened (at the same location), and I would appreciate it if you could create a policy for occasions like this, and make sure employees clearing up tables actually read notes left for them (provided they are literate).

I have now been to your store in West Chester by Top Golf and the service is horrible and the workers are irresponsible. Last time, less then a month ago I went in and waited 20 minutes for a to go order. No apology at all. Today I went through the drive through and order a sandwich and a cookie. She forgot the cookie and I had to go around and 5-6 minutes due to long order in front of me. Then they all walked around even though they knew I was coming. They were all too busy on phones. So again like last time I was last to where I needed to be. This is the worst store around. I visit stores in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Hamilton all the time but this one is horrible. Will not go back and will let others know of the bad service. Manager is way too laid back and lets staff get away with a lot in a customer service position.

9/6/17
Cafe order 966348

Hello my name is Ashley Klink and I'm writing to complain about the service I received at your location on 23rd and Park ave in New York City. I go to school near this location so I come here everyday for lunch. I always go upstairs first to grab a table so that I can do homework while I eat. Usually I immediately go downstairs to order lunch. This day just happened to be a really hectic day and I needed to check my email first as I have been waiting for an important email from my professor. As I was sitting down, maybe for 5 minutes possibly less, I was approached by two employees. First Emely who said "I believe my manager has already spoken to you before and you need to purchase something or you must leave". I've been eating at Panera for years all over the country and never have I ever been spoken to that way. She was extremely condescending and rude and didn't even give me a chance to speak to explain that no manager had come up to me before and that I was just checking my emails and i planned to go downstairs momentarily to get lunch as I do everyday I have school. Then came over Dinesh who said "Ma'am unfortunately you must purchase something to sit here" He actually gave me the time of day to speak and state that I was just checking my email and I planned to go downstairs shortly. He replied "Oh great thank you no problem". I work in customer service and that is exactly how I would and want one of my employees to handle a situation. Then downstairs when I was waiting for my order to be ready, Dinesh connected with me again and said "Ma'am I apologize for that it's just from 12-2 it's lunch time so it is extremely busy". I replied oh no problem I totally understand how it could've looked like I was just taking up a paying customer's seat. Emely was not far from us and glared and said absolutely nothing. I'm writing this not to get anyone in trouble but to inform you of my dissatisfaction with the service I received from Emely and that this situation will definitely make me think twice about eating Panera in the future. Also maybe your company should coach their employees a little more on the way they speak to customers and ways that they can better the customer experience. Thank you.

I ordered a strawberry/banana smoothie yesterday, September 4 at the Panera on Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA. It was between 1 - 1:30 pm. Thank goodness I was actually standing in front of the counter as they were preparing my smoothie. The first banana they peeled had a few brown spots on it that did not bother me, but the second banana they peeled had several black spots and a huge rotten, mushy black spot on it, and he still continued to put that into the blender. I couldn't believe it. I immediately said I do not want that smoothie and to please replace mine with a smoothie that does not contain bananas. They did, but they were reluctant to throw away that first batch. If you would not eat that yourself, please do not give it to your customers. That was absolutely disgusting. It was not just a normal brown spot, it was rotten. If I had not been standing in front of them, they would have served that smoothie to me without a second thought. I eat at Panera quite a bit and that was a big turn off! They did give me a different smoothie, so I am not looking to get anything; just wanted to make you aware so that maybe better training can occur or something.