Panera Bread Employer Reviews

The people were great, managers were understanding, and generally nice people. Some aspects of the job were really difficult, though.

I worked at panera for almost a year and I knew from the second day I started it was going to be rough. Training was fast-paced and if you didn't learn something what they deemed quick enough, you were to be overlooked when it came to scheduling. In the beginning I got 2-3hour shifts, twice a week, with pay barely at minimum wage, it wasn't even worth – more... the 20min drive over, couldn't even fill my gas tank. Although some of the assistant managers were nice and really cool, the general manager was possibly the worst person ever, she said things that normal people wouldn't say, she was shady & rude & all around a terrible human being. If you can't handle snobby people then I don't recommend this job because the worlds most snobbiest, stuck-up, and vile people come to panera, and they complain simply because they can. The discount can only be used by you, if you worked a minimum of 4hrs that day, and the before price cannot exceed $10, so it's kind of dumb. You rarely get breaks if you are over 18, I once worked from open to close without a break, then when I asked at the end of the night why I'd hadn't gotten a break, the manager shrugged and said "oops we forgot." Panera was my first job and anyone one thinking of applying at panera, here's some advice: DON'T. – less

happy, smiling, helpful, thoughtful
I learned that people enjoyed workting with me cause of my careness about their job and how thankful they were for my help
I got alone very very well with all co-workers we laughed, worked hard, helped and guided one another
the hardest part about the job when I get sent home early cause of lack of work
most joyable – more... part about the job is being able to help everyone and see the smiles on their face as we are working hard and thanking one another for help – less

enjoyed working as a front line production employee. and also to experiencing the new and improved manager chain of command..

Great company that gives back to the community. Exciting fast paced environment, with a family feel with the rest of the staff.

I was the opening manager three days a week, which had me counting drawers for the cashiers, and supervising the staff. It was a long time ago, I don't really remember much about it. I enjoyed the people that I worked with and the management team, including myself was flexible and outgoing.

You spend your time working with getting guests their needs as a priority. You are cleaning otherwise. Because they hold you to a higher standard with guest interaction, you learn to offer your best services. Managers are what make and break the place. There were some who lead exemplary crews and loved what they did. Others didn't make it that far. – more... Co-workers were a reflection of the manager staff. The hardest part of the job is its fast unpredictable pace. The best part of the job is having the opportunity to work with great employees – less

They Promised hours that they did not have and they also not really nice to emplyees

-clean area (usually bakery)
-take orders
-help others clean their areas
-close bakery at night

Management is very motivating and helpful. This company's core values is inspiring. They have a lot of good customers for the most part which is enjoyable.

good job for college students looking to pay rent/loans, no benefits to PT workers, pay starts out low but can be upped after about six months, work sometimes hectic, some managers are helpful/some managers simply aren't good at their job, customers can be very rude, breaks must be at least 30 minutes, depending on your GM work can be laid back or strict

My specific store had management that didn't value personal life as a teenager. I was expected to cover my shifts when I was sick with doctor's notes, and either I had too many hours or not enough. If I had worked at a different store I'm sure I would have enjoyed it much more. I worked there for a little over a year and saw a continual decrease in – more... fun and enjoyment. – less

I worked for Panera bread as a baker but did not like the night shifts so I stopped working for them, they said they would pay me the money owed (for 64.5 hours of work), 5 weeks went by of continuous contact and phone calls to head office and the district manager trying to get my money... I had to file a complaint with the Labour Board before finally – more... getting some attention!!!! Even then, the lady in the payroll department was rude and disgusting to deal with!!! I am glad I filed that claim because hopefully they will get fined!!! I still have not received my cheque but at least the labour board has contacted me and guaranteed me that one way or another I will get my money - and if Panera does not pay it willingly they will be compelled by law!!! This is an afull company to work for that does not value its employees and breaks the law by not paying them for months at a time!!!!! TERRIBLE!!!!! – less

I enjoyed my time at Panera Bread. It was very fast pace so adjusting to the place and knowing the menu was a must. Employees and Employers were great to work with.

My review is specifically for the store I worked for in Worthington, Ohio. I enjoyed working at Panera and was happy to be able to work as often or as less as I wanted since it was a part time job in addition to my full time job.

I was disappointed to find out that my store would not train me for a shift supervisor when I requested it so I would have – more... an opportunity to continue working with Panera upon my move to Wisconsin. The management did not feel it was beneficial to them to train me when I was leaving. This is very understandable but I was thinking of the bigger picture and how it would benefit the company as a whole.

Also we had some recent management changes that I did not think were the best but I left shortly after the changes and was not able to see how they panned out. I left because I no longer needed the extra money from Panera.

Overall I very much enjoyed working at Panera and the fast paced atmosphere. I was able to train in all areas which made every day different because I wasn't always working the cash register. – less

It was a very pleasant experience working here and meeting a lot of new people, but the management sucked once they started sending the good managers to different stores.

Panera Bread is a great company for the community. They say one thing and do another thing. They are not consistent with their Culture and Values. Job Security and Advancement are a joke. GM's are locked into a GM role for 5 years. So moving up is not as fast a other companies. I would not recommend working for Panera Bread as an associate or manager.

My job at panera bread is temporary and primarily to help pay for my final months of graduate school and rent. Overall the job has led to friends and an eye opening experience into customer service.

Many of the managers are disrespectful to employees, mostly talking down and just being rude overall. It is incredibly disorganized with people being called in on their off days due to the managers' neglect to schedule people. The one where I work has so many people getting upset at the treatment and leaving that they're bringing in new, very unprofessional – more... people, but they can't afford to fire them when they are rude to customers, don't show up, etc. Overall, it's really not the best place to work. – less

I had a great time working there. It was good for me to work there while I was in High School. Everyone was super nice and great to work with.