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
1.0
May 4, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are always openings (both for management and regular employees) due to the huge turnover. Its a very easy job to get. Managers eat for free, and employees get a discount.

Cons

Ive been in food service management for many years, and being a Panera GM was the WORST experience I ever had. As a former General Manager, I speak from my position and from what I observed. Employees are treated like equipment. One of the first things a GM is told, is to get 3 (bad) "write-ups" on EVERYONE (in case you want to fire them). You are supposed to drill into their minds that "Its all about the bread" , and have the employees get in a group and chant "Bread is our passion, soul and expertise!" Quite embarrassing for all. If the day's business is slow, you have to send people home before they finish their shift (with no regard to the fact that these people need to make money). As a manager, expect to work 70++ hours a week, and spend more time making sandwiches and clearing the dining room, than running your "restaurant". Forget the bonus, the system is structured to make it impossible. As an employee, expect very little gratitude. You'll be expected to learn ALL positions, make minimum wage, adjust YOUR schedule to fit theirs, get written up, and pretend you're have fun. One of the main reasons I resigned, was how I was expected to (mis) treat the employees. Its nothing more than a fast food place, with a few decorations.

2.0
Apr 30, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Can be fun for high school kids, Met some friends, Good food ( still love the food ), great discount while working, You are not selling the customer bull everything at panera is just as you see it fresh and you can take pride in that

Cons

YOUR LIFE IS EXPECTED TO BE PANERA BREAD, Low pay, management is extremely poor, work your behind off with no recognition, could be very unprofessional at times

Viewing 18508 - 18510 of 18,789 Reviews

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.