I have mastered all positions and trained over 90 new hires and dozens of managers during my 3 1/2 years - Associate Trainer Panera Bread Employee Review

2.0
Dec 13, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It is a easy job to achieve, and good place to work if you can handle a fast paced environment. The only time you have any say in your hourly wage is when you first start off, never expect any other real raises, so start off with something you are comfortable living with.

Cons

You must be resilient with management and the rate of turnover. The environment can vary greatly between different cafes and between night and daytime staff. About the nighttime staff, Panera is known for hiring a lot of high schoolers/college students, so expect a lot of drama there.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
Jun 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people management treats you well

Cons

Hours inconsistent pay is low

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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