Stressful college job - Restaurant Associate Panera Bread Employee Review

1.0
Feb 23, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The restaurant gave us a substantial discount on food (65% off). There were always plenty of hours for everyone who wanted to work.

Cons

Almost no chance of becoming a shift supervisor. Definitely must become a friend of the other supervisors to have shot. When something goes wrong, whoever can take the blame except the supervisor will be blamed, even if they did over and above already. Washing dishes is dangerous and back of the house work occasionally requires lifting 40lbs. Shift supervisors verbally abuse employees and let employees talk behind each others backs.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
Feb 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible hours/scheduling, straightforward work, and a great work environment.

Cons

Pay could certainly be a little higher for associates but besides that its been a pretty solid experience working for Panera Bread.3

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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