It's the worse job I've ever worked... - "Associate" Panera Bread Employee Review

1.0
Nov 10, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are maybe a handful of regulars that come in to my Cafe that make me smile. Other than those few people and the fact that I have a steady paycheck every two weeks is what keeps me there.

Cons

Minimum Wage is only a few cents under what most 2-3 year are making, Genrally you make about 10 cents more. No raise for advancement to trainer. They are a multi-million dollar corperation who won't purchase basic name tages for employee's. No hiring management from with-in.. And many more

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
Mar 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work environment, management was great

Cons

Tips were not consistent every week

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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