Panera Bread

Me, at 11:04am: Do you have any breakfast sandwiches left? Lady at the counter: We stopped serving breakfast at 11:00am Me: I’ll take a chicken teriyaki bowl. Why the militant drawing of the line for the cut-off for breakfast? I’m asking as a consumer without having knowledge of kitchen prep, etc. I know, it was late on weekend morning- my kid had a hard time getting out of bed. Note: nothing to mark them down for (still, 4 star) But I thoroughly enjoyed the teriyaki chicken bowl. The cilantro is a perfect touch that carries all the flavors through to your last bite. I ended up helping my wife finish her Fuji apple chicken salad. Ironically, their “Dark roast” was made weak (not enough coffee grinds for the brew) and their Blonde roast was dark- worked for me!

Panera is doing a special on their unlimited drink subscription where you get it free for 2 months. Ends July 4th. They have new “charged” lemonades with caffeine. They’re really good. I got a drink and a pastry. The sandwiches and soups here are great. It’s a bit expensive, but I’ve never had a bad meal. Staff is generally very attentive and friendly. Nice place to chill solo and get some computer work done or for a chill date.

July 1st 2022. (Stuff Happens! Please note that on previous occasions the experience had been a little better!) My mother wanted to eat out for a change, and asked me for a suggestion. I chose Panera Bread. We we're close to it, they have something BOTH of us could eat, and it's on our way home. However, upon entering the building I could not help but notice the very dirty looking glass doors and windows to the restaurant. I also stepped out to get something from my vehicle and reentered through another set of doors, which had not been cleaned in a good while as well. Not cool #1. I ordered their Mediterranean Bowl (V) and *specified what I wanted. The cashier acknowledged my request --> an option they offered, and even listed online. We were handed a disc that lights up when your order is ready. Looked like a cool little spaceship thingy. The cook or prep guy apparently did not get the memo. After returning from the bathroom, I noticed my mother had the device in her hand with red lights flashing. I think cool - I take it from her and go to get our order. I serve my mother first, return to the counter and notice that I was given a bowl with other stuff added; stuff I made clear I did not want in my bowl. Not okay #2 After promptly but politely letting the prep guy know what I had ordered, and that I could not eat what was in the bowl, he seemed confused and really did not respond in a way that I understood what would happen next. So I asked if another could be prepared without those dressings and he said yes and apologized for the error. Ok, so next; meanwhile my mother is munching away- 😂, thoroughly enjoying her bowl and commented on the chicken being tender, and that was a good thing. We are chatting a bit, when she suddenly inquires "where's YOUR food?!" I had noticed there was a bowl sitting up there on the counter. I thought to myself well surely, he would let me know when the replacement meal was ready, so I waited a little longer, not wanting to believe he'd NOT let me know that my bowl was ready. Come to find out the prep guy just had it sitting on the edge of the counter! And other customers had been coming and going to that counter, without letting me know it's ready! He could have handed me that spaceship thingy again after realizing the initial bowl was not as ordered. #3 Not cool. So, I guess at least a star🌟or two is warranted, because my mother enjoyed her meal, which was a good thing... For that I am grateful. And hey, at least the bathrooms were clean! I usually do not write any reviews if I don't have much more than complaints about an experience... my hope is that a manager will do something about any legitimate concerns a customer of theirs has. I think the 1st impression of the cleanliness of a restaurant we go to eat in is important, and that adequate communications amongst staff and real efforts to correct any mistakes made are also vital... so in my opinion, these are legitimate concerns.

I have eaten at many Panera Bread Restaurants. Since I have relocated to Fort Smith I have tried to eat here many times. "Tried" because in 4 orders I have yet to actually get what I have ordered. Trying to reason with the employees about what goes on a sandwich or Flatbread pizza is tiresome. The ingredients are on the menu and all the employees have to do is follow it. I have eaten here for last time.