If you want to work like a dog with hardly any recognition, then this is the place for you! - Associate Panera Bread Employee Review

2.0
Apr 3, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

*The training system is great, I caught on very fast and became one of the best workers on the food line at a very early stage in my employment. *The 65% off discount on the food isn't too bad! *If you are good at your job, you will get a lot of hours and have job security.

Cons

*The work is STRESSFUL to say the least. You will be on your feet for 8-9 hour shifts and will be busy the whole time. *The managers expect TOO much out of you when you are only getting paid $8.00 an hour! I have worked at several other jobs, and this has by FAR been the hardest job I have had- mentally and physically. The mental side of it is a battle of its own because of all the rude customers and constant expectations to make food as fast as you possibly can. At the end of my shifts, I would come home in a bad mood, and it impacted my family life (and my friends consider me one of the most positive people they know... I swear, Panera Bread DOES stuff to people! BEWARE) *Managers are unprofessional. During rush hours, they would sit in their lovely air conditioned office while the people working on the food line were struggling to make food as fast as they can without receiving snotty comments from customers or messing up orders because of the high stress. My manager was also so hypocritical and would actually EAT the food on the line while we were all struggling to make food and just watch while we suffer- all of our employees were angry about that. *The high turnover rate for people who work at Panera Bread should just say something. *Getting a raise is nearly impossible unless you constantly badger the management until they let you get your way.

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

2.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There were some great coworkers and some nice moments, but those can be found in any other food service job.

Cons

Dirty with bugs that weren't given the time of day by HR. The general managers were intense in a way of always being in a pissy mood.

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