Panera Bread

Decided to try their Flat bread pizza. It was actually not too bad. Bigger than I expected. You get six good sized pieces. Not too crazy about the sauce. Kind of tangy. The pepperoni has a little kick to it. Pizza is very saucy if you like that. Needed lots of napkins. A healthier choice of pizza for pizza lovers like me. Eight dollars and change, not a bad price either.

Walked in and approached the menu/ counter. The person there didn't address me and walked away (I guess he expected me to automatically go to the kiosk to order). I went to the kiosk and placed an order with a drink. Got my cup, taste tested every iced tea flavor then went over to the order puck up counter. One person was busy cutting stuff and another was having a conversation with another employee. Orders piled up for a few minutes when the employee cutting yelled to the other "hey, can I get some help over here? Orders are coming in". Looked at my watch, now at the 10 minute mark and my order wasn't even started.

Didn't get the bread bowl I ordered online. Manager was more insistent about appeasement than solving the actual issue. When I came back for the right food, I just got a larger portion, still no bread bowl. Employees don't seem to know how to problem solve or communicate stock issues. Website apparently doesn't update on food availability. Manager doesn't want to put in the legwork to solve the issue, just offers refunds and free food. I was insisted upon putting my name down for a future free meal, but I doubt I'm ever coming back to redeem it.

Panera. What can i say. Other than their new oitstanding Unlimited Drink promotion (till July 4th), everything else is the same tried and true. Great baked goods, filling sandwiches and delicious soups. Although i am not sure of everything they make, I do know their soups and mac'n'cheese comes pre packaged. Just heat and serve, which is a bit disappointing, especially since they are very expensive. Anyhow you will still see me there (atleast till the drink promotion runs out). And while you are getting your coffee get a muffin too.

Sandwich was the size of an hors d'oeuvre, and soup was also tiny. Even with chips (They were out of bread), it was literally not enough food to feel full, for $12. There were like 2 slices of meat on this tiny sandwich, like 2.5"x2.5". Sad that they let me pay for it. Partner's salad was too small too, and neither of us even eat that much food.

The cashier encouraged us to use their new "rapid order" kiosks, so we did. After waiting with my buzzer for 20 minutes I found out that they were having an issue where orders placed at these kiosks disappeared. They were quick to replace my order. Plenty of seating at this Panera. They do not do table service here, however, so you have to go get 'yer food from the counter. Wish the men's bathroom had more than one urinal.