This has nothing to do with the food at Panera, which I do enjoy. I come here frequently to get a coffee and pound away at my computer. Lately I can't help but notice the management of this particular location. She has a tough job. I know, because I own a business with 3 locations. This manager (I don't know her name), handles staff, customers, and the general operation of her location with efficiency and a smile. The employees seem happy, and she clearly has instilled in them that she is willing to dive in and work right along side them to keep the Panera Machine running smoothly.....And she seems to enjoy the challenge. She is excellent.
Laptop users BEWARE! There are only 3 plugs and they are strategically placed in more difficult to access areas, one of them not even at a table you can comfortably eat at as well. Other than that, this is the first location I've found that has new "Charged" teas which are loaded up on sugar and caffeine instead of the traditional ones (they seem to have gotten rid of both the Hibiscus and Prickly Pear as well). I'm hoping this is not the new movement of Panera - lots of sugar (even if it's a natural ingredient) is definitely not a good move in my opinion. They however do have soda water, which is a plus.
I love their soup. Kids soup is not available on their ordering menu and also not on the self ordering kiosk. Would be nice if there could be representative present at front desk for quick ordering. Overall I see a good quality food and will be visiting again.
I would give it a zero star if it were possible. One of the worst experiences I have had in a long time. Super rude staff, not very vigilant with the food or the orders. I bought a tub of cream cheese and when checked at home it was half eaten! When contacted the branch, one of the staff told me that perhaps my food had shrunk! The manager agreed to refund the purchase. However, selling half eaten food in the middle of a pandemic is not exactly a good sign!
This is a pretty standard Panera and I always order ahead and I just walk in easy. Parking is usually busy but I always find a spot. I’ve come here about 12 times and I think they greeted me when I walked in twice. Not a big deal but when I was greeted for the first time after being ignored over half a dozen times I did say thank you to the person working in a genuine way because it did make me feel better about going here. To be fair pretty much every single Panera bread I’ve ever been to all the staff looks absolutely miserable working so I get it, I wouldn’t want to work there either. However to be fair when I did ask questions they were always really nice.
Great location. Plenty parking, friendly staff and quick service. Not the best to do work. Very few outlets and some of the slowest internet access I have seen
I used to like Panera, but after the last couple of visits I'm having a hard time remembering why. Their weird layout--ordering from one very slow line, then wandering to the back to try to find your order. Their inability to toast a bagel without turning it into a charred cracker. The coffee that is lukewarm. Basically, I paid 7 bucks for a root beer, which I put in my cup after I dumped the coffee. Was not going to stand in line again to complain. I only came here today because it was close. I'll drive a little farther next time.
I bought my girlfriend a small cream pasta, small macaroni cheesh, and 2 stale cookies for $18.00. Do not come here; it’s a money trap and food is mediocre, similar to cafeteria food. The cookies had been stale from sitting out all day. The soup and pasta were so small; strange why they cost so much. Will not be coming back. It’s called Panera bread and yet for $18.00 they don’t even give you a piece of bread….? Not sure how this business model will survive.
Went to Panera on Balboa in San Diego. Looked up the menu prior and the cinnamon rolls were listed at 8.99. Went and ordered and included the cinnamon rolls. No where in the store was the price listed. When I looked at the receipt I was charged 13.99. I called them in it and they said that every store has a different price. Just think if there is a discrepancy there should be a orice range and if different than their website, the prices should be posted.The service was confused. The girl behind the cash register was fiddling with things. There were a couple of women in front standing. The line was getting long. Finally, someone yelled is anyone going to order. The two woman realized they were standing in the line. The cashier never asked anyone to order. We finally placed our order. Then when we got to the car we realized we didn’t have our cinnamon rolls. Went back in and had to get into line once again. They acted like it was our fault. The cashier was suppose to give us our rolls.I appreciate people when they work hard. But honestly the cashier was standing idle for over a minute unaware of what was going on around her. Normally I tip a hefty tip for the workers, but today I was totally frustrated! Will not go back to this location ever again.
Be a coffee club member at $8.99 a month. One coffee each day...best deal in town