I'm a regular Panera goer. This was my first, and could very well be my Only visit. Tried to order online ahead of time - the menu option for the turkey sand said they were out of some ingredient for the sandwich. I decided to drive to the location and just order the good ol fashioned way. Arrived to a smiling face ready to take my order. I asked if they were out of an ingredient for the preferred sandwich (Per the app) and she said, "nope, that's strange. We are not out of anything." Great! I ordered, added bakery goods and asked for my order to be packaged to go.
I waited near the kitchen, watching some staff serving others waiting in the dining room; some other employees standing at the window conversing (one may just be arriving or leaving and appeared to also be waiting for a meal). Lot of chatter, slow moving kitchen to turn out meals overall. I heard my food was ready as the kitchen staff said my name and was putting the final touches on the bag. I waited a minute and decided to interrupt the three Panera shirts standing at the food counter in front of me, to say, excuse me, I think that's my order?? No one moves, everyone looks back and says, Oh, ok....I have to reach thru them to get my order and said thanks - have a good day!
Upon arriving back at my home nearer Catalina, I opened the salads and was completely disappointed. The "large" salad was not even half full. I'm not kidding there was so little salad, it barely covered the bottom. The chicken and fruit was there, just barely any lettuce. Container was less than half full. My pick two meal, that salad box was also less than half full. Ridiculous. I called the store to let them know I was disappointed. I was instructed to drive back.....sorry, no time for that. Are you the manager? No, I'm the supervisor currently, the manager will be in shortly. Great, will you please ask them to call me? Well, our policy is to have you come back; you don't have to come right now but you need to come in. I'm sorry I really don't have time to come back; I live in MN *like many, many many others in the area, and we are packing to leave. Can you please have someone call me back? Sure......takes number and as I expected; no one ever bothered to call back.
poor service all around (except for smiling gal at the front who was super welcoming and friendly! $25 plus for two containers that would not equal one large salad. I've learned my lesson and will stick with the Panera locations I know I can count on - for food quality/quantity and a staff that understands the value in and how to serve their customers. read more