I love my job and my co-workers. - Baker Panera Bread Employee Review

1.0
Feb 12, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have worked for Panera since 2008. I like the people I work with and it's fairly close to home.

Cons

The things Panera's web site says how wonderful it is . How they have benefits , 401K, dental, vision, advancement opportunities , bonuses etc...what they fail to also say on that website is that when u apply on line and a neighborhood store calls u and it's not a corporate store you will get none of that. I am a baker I have dedicated 7 years to Panera that is franchise owned and in 7 yrs I have gotten a whole 2.00 raise. I never call in sick. My caliberations are anywhere from 92-94. And from what I understand you can not apply at another store without owners permission . I need and like my job but stuck with no hope for advancement. The cost of living goes up but our pay checks never do. And not our pay rate.i

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

very flexible and accomodating to my school schedule

Cons

was very unorgaized at times which made things difficult

3.0
Apr 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

GM at this location is very on top of things, because it's the busiest Panera in Queens. Consistent hours. Shifts go by very quickly, especially in the morning.

Cons

Location is extremely busy so it gets very stressful, especially in the morning when someone is out / there is no second cashier scheduled so the single cashier in the morning has to clean the coffee counter, refill coffees, make drinks, stick bagels in the oven & serve those bagels, check and bag up RPU/delivery orders, get bakery items for barista screen, and ring up customers. It can get really intense when many people come in, which is most of the time. You will be running back and forth like crazy. Customers can be impatient, rude, demeaning, and nasty when the line gets too long. Not recommended for people who are sensitive, with high anxiety. As for Panera the company, this chain keeps making bizarre and difficult changes to the menu, all of which make employees' lives harder and harder. With every change comes strange, dismaying, and borderline impossible expectations for frontline staff that cascade down through management who cannot do much to alter the hard policies. You can tell the company is struggling greatly to keep itself relevant with the younger crowd (a solid 80% of customers are old people). The CEO and everyone making company decisions at Panera is extremely out-of-touch. EXTREMELY. With every nonsensical menu & operations adjustment, you can tell these people haven't actually worked at a food service job in like 40 years.

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