Panera Bread Reviews 

1,355
•
TrustScore 2 out of 5

1.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 227 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many customers frequently complained about poor food quality, specifically mentioning stale or cold bread, missing ingredients, and surprisingly small portion sizes that left them deeply disappointed with their meals. People also noted frustrating issues with inaccurate online orders, long wait times at the counter, and unhelpful staff members during busy hours. Some reviewers were happy with the friendly staff, noting professional service and a clean environment throughout the restaurant. A few other people also felt that certain items tasted great, appreciating fresh ingredients in specific salads and positive interactions with dedicated employees.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with product, pointing out that while some meals like soups... See more

Quality

People report negative experiences with quality, expressing deep disappointment over cold drinks, stale... See more

Order

Users describe ambiguous interactions with order experiences, frequently reporting missing items and... See more

Service

Consumers find service to be ambiguous, with some reviewers reporting extremely poor experiences marked by... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

This place on State Bridge close to HomeDepot used to be clean and reasonably priced. Now, it is not worth eating in as there is no consistency in the size of plates or coffee volume. Also, the music... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

We have been on vacation and decided to drive thru since we were so tired. We pulled up to the menu board but nobody greeted us so we said ‘Hello?’ A disembodied voice of a black lady replied ‘read th... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Usually, Panera is better good with my orders. Lately though not so good. I order online so the fact that they can't get my order right is amazing. Picked up my order for today. They got the order... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

$15 for a sandwich that had large holes in the bread and very little chicken on it. Mostly filler lettuce and then I found out that the lettuce they use is from the farms that have been causing all th... See more


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1.8

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

1k reviews

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1.8

All reviews

(1,355)

218 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware location front counter associate had the personality of dirt. They were out of avocado on a Friday and when I asked for a substitution she said we offer pretty much nothing. WTH. Then again our order was incomplete as it is 50 percent of the time. We stop an inspect our order every time. We try to like you and support but it is hard. Looked like a new staff again.

14 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The place was disgusting

The place was disgusting. The floor in the corners are full of cobwebs. All of the tables had little pieces of food still on it. Obviously no one cleans the tables. Our food was sitting out for 5 minutes. My friend finally just went and took it. One and done. Yukky

13 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I would not recommend it

I would not recommend it. Instead of a cranberry chicken salad sandwich, I got mostly bread. There was only one slice of tomato, two pieces of lettuce, and barely any chicken—maybe just a teaspoon. I couldn't even taste the chicken. It felt like I was eating plain bread. The overall value was terrible.

6 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My granddaughter was spending the night…

My granddaughter was spending the night and wanted some cinnamon crunch bagels from Panera. I went over to get them and all they were were cinnamon bagels. I made the remark to them about where was all of the crunchiness on the top and the remark was made that whoever made the bagels that morning just didn't put it on or something happened. Never once was anything said about helping out in this incident. I came and bought those Cinnamon crunch bagels and they weren't even what I ordered. Panera does nothing to correct that! They are at fault. Never. This goes for the Panera in Omaha, Nebraska on about 147th and West Maple

26 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Formal Complaint Regarding Poor Service

Dear Panera Bread Management,

I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment with the experience I had today at your Palmdale location (39403 10th Street West, Store #204225). I have been a Panera customer for more than a decade, and I remember when your restaurants were known for warm hospitality, great food quality, and a welcoming environment for families and friends. Unfortunately, what I experienced today was the complete opposite.

My order number was 253658, and the cashier assisting me was the manager on duty, Gabriel. From the moment I approached the counter, the service was unprofessional. I waited approximately 12 minutes just to place my order because the manager was openly arguing with an employee in front of customers. Internal issues should never be handled in front of guests. It creates an uncomfortable environment and reflects poorly on the store’s leadership.

After finally placing my order—a half sandwich and a cup of soup—I waited nearly 35 minutes with no update, no apology, and no sense of urgency from the staff. At that point, I asked for a refund. The manager processed it, but again, not a single apology or acknowledgment of the inconvenience. This is not the level of hospitality any customer should receive, especially from a brand that once set the standard for quality and service.

The store appeared understaffed, disorganized, and lacking basic customer service. If this location is a franchise, the owner or area supervisor needs to step in immediately. If it is corporate-owned, then leadership must address the issues urgently. Cleanliness, timely food delivery, professional behavior, and friendly service are fundamental expectations—not optional.

Panera Bread used to be one of my favorite places. After today, this location has unfortunately fallen onto my personal blacklist. I hope this feedback reaches someone who can take meaningful action to restore the standards that once made Panera a great place to dine.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely, Gary

5 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Another terrible drive thru experience today

We have been on vacation and decided to drive thru since we were so tired. We pulled up to the menu board but nobody greeted us so we said ‘Hello?’ A disembodied voice of a black lady replied ‘read the menu until we’re ready to take your order’ in a brusque tone like we were annoying her. We eventually got to place our order and she mumbled something that neither of us could understand so we asked ‘What did you say?’ And she said louder ‘Pull around to the window’ still sounding put out. When we got to the window, she told us the price (no Hello or even a smile) and we gave her our card and she closed the window for a minute or two then handed us back our card. We waited several minutes and she eventually reopened the window and she handed us the bag and said in a rushed monotone ‘Haveaniceday’ and shut the window. I’ve seen this location go thru lots of ups and downs, but this was a new low. One more experience like this and Panera will no longer be in our consideration set. She was a terrible employee so good luck with that.

2 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ate in at #202356 in Westover

Ate in at #202356 in Westover, Wv on 08/01/26. There were numerous problems with the meal. We waited 20 minutes for order with 1 other couple in cafe. Also we had one wrong sandwich, no cheese or croutons on French onion soup, one order with no soup (I went back up to get it) and one order had an extra bag side, but the other did not. We ate what we had because we had an appointment to get to and we were afraid we would have to wait too long again. Very disappointed.

1 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

PANARA'S is missing Ashley

PANARA'S is missing Ashley. She has been the only one who makes sure all goes well.
Today the tables and chairs were not cleaned. They don't have water. They have a lime bubble drink. Many people can not have any carbonation!
Ordered a chicken with cranberry and nuts. It came with just chicken. Most disappointed, as I come here every week sometimes twice a week. I expect it to be as anyone would for the place to be cleaned and Order correct.

21 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Low Quality of food and how it’s prepared now!

Quality of food and how it’s prepared now is so bad. I blame corporate not the franchise owners as much.Saying that the franchise owners should step up together and realize that corporate is not always right.For them to except all your baked products coming in frozen now instead of freshly prepared and baked.Turns your company into a join the bad club of all the other fast food chains that relies on bad food.Now that Panera gets pre frozen prepared food your prices should be lower because no overhead anymore to prepare. Nope! Price for the low grade food you now serve went up. I get a kick how corporate is making all the franchisees have a brand audit done by corporate and gives most shops subpar ratings when corporate itself is making low rated quality food now. Every customer should search for local coffee/smoothie shops that serve fresh baked food and drinks. And way more friendly customer service (because they are not under a bad corporate rule umbrella). Plus the prices are better. Put it this way for every Panera location there are 3 local fresh shops that are 100% better. This site makes me put a date of experience but it’s been a ongoing issue since the switch to frozen foods that is like chewing bubble gum and taste like cardboard.Corporate should instead of investing money on bad audits and decisions on food quality, should put money where the mouth is and use to eat the fresh prepared food.

25 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

$15 for a sandwich that had large holes…

$15 for a sandwich that had large holes in the bread and very little chicken on it. Mostly filler lettuce and then I found out that the lettuce they use is from the farms that have been causing all the stomach issues going on. Haven't been there in a while and don't plan to go back.

20 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

TERRIBLE

TERRIBLE
My first time at Panera Bread in Metairie Louisiana.
SO BAD !!
I ordered a cheesesteak -
It was horrible !
No flavor. Cheese was tasteless and tough.
Folks have to work hard to mess up a cheesesteak !!!
I picked a little meat off the sandwich but basically - It went in the garbage.
I will never go back
The ambiance is horrible !
No hand held menus ????
No Table service !!!
How does this place stay in business ???

23 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Suggested Panera change their breakfast…

Suggested Panera change their breakfast hours between six and 830. Because when I come in, they’re all out of frittata‘s or their soufflé’s. And I’m not getting my receipt back with my order today I believe I purchased two frittatas and only got one. It’s like the customer or something that interrupts their conversation with each other. Do not feel like I’m the target of their business Austin Landing.

22 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Tuesday July 21

Tuesday July 21, Mequon, WI, At 1:15 pm I ordered via the Panera App, 2 lunches at 1:15 pm. I arrived 1:39pm to find that my RPU order was not ready. I asked the Mgr DJ if he knew how much longer it would be? His reply was "We have lots of orders, I don't know when". Never asked my name or the order. I asked him to see if he could look it up to make sure the order was even received. His manner, attitude, tone and body language clearly was that of someone who didn't want to help me and he basically treated me as an undesirable problem to his day. DJ said he would check in back, but didn't go anywhere to look. Kept on talking to workers, unrelated to my situation. Many customers arrived after me and with orders (later order numbers) fulfilled before mine. Finally, 20 minutes, later I received my order. 1 salad bowl and a pick 2. [#6051716141603313] Very disappointed with how I was treated. DJ never even tried to make the moment right. No apology. No actual effort. No pushing the order through. No checking back with me. No customer-forward service. All of this in front of other workers, including a first day worker who wanted to help, but apologized for not knowing how, especially after observing that the manager was of no help. DJ was thoroughly dismissive. To a regular customer. Ruined my meal. My experience.
As a franchise and as part of a greater company doing business in our community, you are free to address this matter internally as you see fit. In regards to my patronage now and in the future, I sincerely ask what are you going to do to win back the possibility of my return, and to try to make it right, following the awful experience of today?

21 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

3rd time is no charm

This is the 3rd time I recieved poor sandwiches being made from the fairport, NY location. This recent experience I recieved a bacon turkey bravo half sandwich that was flopped together. The bread was mismatched in size. The smaller slice of bread( almost a heal) was stale. Upon further inspection the meat and bacon fell out of the sandwich. I did not eat this sandwich. I get that employees have many orders to fill but rushing encourages sloppy food. I will refarin from eating from your company. Also your menu is too busy. Too many options. No clue whats represented on your menu driving up to the drive thru.

19 July 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

A contract should actually mean something

I am deeply disappointed by Panera's decision to unilaterally change the terms of the Sip Club subscription after customers have already signed up and prepaid. This isn't just about losing the "unlimited" benefit, it's about the principle.
If a company can take a customer’s money for a prepaid annual subscription and then cut the benefits mid-term with zero option for a prorated refund, it makes the entire concept of a "contract" completely meaningless. It’s an incredibly greedy and anti-consumer practice.

1 June 2026
Unprompted review

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