Without a doubt, the worst job I've ever had. - Hourly Associate Panera Bread Employee Review

1.0
Jul 14, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent first job, for those who need SOME experience.

Cons

Management is an absolute joke; Often show little to no respect for coworkers, play favorites and play the blame game when something goes wrong on their part. More often than not, they are not knowledgeable enough to know how to make certain food items. Unexpected changes without proper warning, such as new food items or line setups. Teamwork is not a value among associates as everyone seems to be on their own agenda, inconsiderate and sometimes rude to others. Incompetent staffing, sometimes with too many or too few associates in their zones. Compensation is not worth the workload, especially for line workers.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Everything is great here! The food, the people, the atmosphere. It’s a wholesome company.

Cons

Have only had good experiences here.

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.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All