Panera Bread review: prices, customer service

We had been long-time lunch customers for several years but, for the past year or so we've watched prices go up and up and up by $10 or more. Our order is basically the same: 1 pick-two, 1 half sandwich or panini, 2 lattes and two pastries. Our average check was $20-$23 but, recently it came to $32 and change. That's when we stopped going for lunch.

I do the grocery shopping for my family and have worked for or owned food-related businesses. I do understand about food costs and mark-ups.in my opinion, your food prices are too high for what you offer.

We do go for breakfast on friday mornings and have noticed some negativity from your staff: smiles are rare; customers are ignored at the counter; everyone seems grumpy behind the line and, all in all, it's not a very friendly atmosphere. Until recently the staff was cheerful, very helpful and never grumpy. We were sorry to see such changes. We did enjoy our weekly lunches at panera but there are many excellent and less expensive restaurants in the berkshires for us to try.

Mrs. Jayne church