I would NEVER recommend anyone to work at this location. - Sandwich Line, Back of House, Whatever Was Needed Panera Bread Employee Review

2.0
Jan 23, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I very much enjoyed the actual work. Things were really specific, and had a set process that was easy to get used to and memorize.

Cons

The location that I worked at had pretty bad management. Everyone was very young (teens-probably mid/early twenties), except for probably two managers (who didn't have as many hours). it was more like a high school. There was no differentiation between everyone because they were all best friends, so no one was giving direction or orders, really. A manager had it out for me in particular (for which I have no understanding of why, I am an extremely hard worker and very obedient) and continually caused issues with me. I was written up for mistakes (I'm human, I make them) that were very unfair and biased against me. Others would make similar mistakes (keep in mind, I made them when I was first learning), but because they were all friends, it didn't matter. I saw some employees go around the guidelines of health, throw away a ridiculous amount of food because they didn't want to properly put it away, it was just sad. The last straw was when they told me to come in or I would be fired when I was sick with a stomach bug and was set to work on the sandwich bar. I came in, stayed in the bathroom the entire time, and avoided the duties because I didn't want to make anyone sick, let alone serve customers their food. I put in my two weeks not long after and wrote a very long letter to the district manager. I received a short response saying they would look into it and never heard anything again.

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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