I love working here - great first job! - Associate Panera Bread Employee Review

5.0
Jul 21, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This was one of two food places I chose to apply to for my first job (here and Starbucks), and while I was rather dissapointed at first when I didn't get an interview in retail, I have loved every minute I work and have honestly grown to love every employee I work with. My managers are the best people I know and do their job perfectly. They are the perfect balance between professional while still wanting to keep a sense of family while we work. I very much look forward to work and would not change where I work in a heartbeat. Plus, the free food and discounts aren't bad either!

Cons

I really have none. The most that I can think of is that you can't really advance in the company for at least a year, but I am rather satisfied with my position now.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Free food, just getting free food

Cons

Actually your discount to free food hits your p&l

3.0
Apr 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

GM at this location is very on top of things, because it's the busiest Panera in Queens. Consistent hours. Shifts go by very quickly, especially in the morning.

Cons

Location is extremely busy so it gets very stressful, especially in the morning when someone is out / there is no second cashier scheduled so the single cashier in the morning has to clean the coffee counter, refill coffees, make drinks, stick bagels in the oven & serve those bagels, check and bag up RPU/delivery orders, get bakery items for barista screen, and ring up customers. It can get really intense when many people come in, which is most of the time. You will be running back and forth like crazy. Customers can be impatient, rude, demeaning, and nasty when the line gets too long. Not recommended for people who are sensitive, with high anxiety. As for Panera the company, this chain keeps making bizarre and difficult changes to the menu, all of which make employees' lives harder and harder. With every change comes strange, dismaying, and borderline impossible expectations for frontline staff that cascade down through management who cannot do much to alter the hard policies. You can tell the company is struggling greatly to keep itself relevant with the younger crowd (a solid 80% of customers are old people). The CEO and everyone making company decisions at Panera is extremely out-of-touch. EXTREMELY. With every nonsensical menu & operations adjustment, you can tell these people haven't actually worked at a food service job in like 40 years.

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