Panera Bread reviews

3.4

49% would recommend to a friend

(18,789 total reviews)
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Paul Carbone

40% approve of CEO

32% positive business outlook

Panera Bread has an employee rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, based on 18,789 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Panera Bread employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Restaurants & Food Service industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

19K reviews
2.0
May 14, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Panera's reputation for community involvement You get a paycheck Some of the customers and employees are extremely nice They close at 9pm so no late late nights

Cons

You have to ask yourself, why are there so many job openings for managers at Panera Bread? Well, let me tell you...it is because managers are quitting, not getting fired (for the most part). Assistant Managers are treated like expendable trash at Panera Bread. We are expected to work AT LEAST 50 hours a week (although they tell you 45 when you interview, don't believe that). If you request time off your GM will give you attitude and grief about it because that means they may actually have to do some work in your absence! Speaking of GMs they are not required to work nights or weekends, so guess who's social life is ruined...that's right..yours! The associates are either treated like crap or royalty depending on how much the GM likes them. So if they are bffs with the GM, which happens often, then they get away with murder but if the GM has some sort of issue with them then they are walking on eggshells no matter how great of a job they do. If you are an experienced manager DO NOT APPLY TO WORK AT PANERA BREAD UNLESS YOU ARE ONE STEP AWAY FROM BEING HOMELESS AND HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS! You only get promoted because of who you know and if they like you! Competance and hardwork are irrelevant! I cannot wait for the day a submit my two weeks notice, it is already typed and ready to go!

1.0
May 8, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great co-workers Great discount (my store gave 70% off) Free soft drinks Free coffee (very helpful on those opening shifts!) At the end of every night, we gave our remaining bakery items (Bagels, breads, and a ton of pastries) to food banks and various charities in our community, which I loved.

Cons

Managers treat you like you are their property. Absolutely no respect for the employees. They believe that your life revolves around Panera and Panera alone. No respect for wanting to get a 2nd job, even if it is to help your family out. Want a day off? "Good luck" (in the words of my former GM). Be expected to stay late even if you can't. If you're injured, you'll just have to work through it. Managers texting and calling on their cell phones constantly, then actually trying to take your phone from you as if you were in high school. MAJOR favoritism. At least 3 new people hired a week. Not caring about family issues and if you need a day off for it. No respect for ones personal life. Lots of talking down from Managment.

4.0
May 8, 2012

Amazing place to work!

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Managment is very communicative, and positive. The team is very helpful towards new employees, and cheerfull. The employees always seem to be well informed about their foods. There are staff meetings called 'Bread Bashes' where staff will meet and discuss and taste new items about to be sold. You can be trained in many stations. Atmosphere is chill but still bright friendly and upbeat! Oh and plenty of free food and drinks.

Cons

Long Training process with orientation being at another possibly inconvenient Panera Bread bakery. Early as 5am shifts if you are opening. No tips.

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Glassdoor has 19,086 Panera Bread reviews submitted anonymously by Panera Bread employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Panera Bread is right for you.