Family like atmosphere - Cashier/Food Runner Panera Bread Employee Review

3.0
Jun 29, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I like working here because of the family like atmosphere. The managers are decent, and for the most part are understanding. They like to promote from within. and they donate all leftover bread, pastries, and sweets to homeless shelters every night. Lots of training to prepare you.

Cons

Just like with any family sometimes you don't get along with everyone all the time. They don't let you have any breaks, and you have to stand your whole entire shift. The old GM was very rude and has said some very unprofessional and hurtful things to me. He has now been promoted to DM. Also they don't start everyone off at the same pay.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
Jun 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Easy to get hired as a high school student Flexible hours if you communicate well

Cons

You’re expected to be super “yay Panera!”

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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