Company
Overview

About Panera Bread

panerabread.com
Leisure, Sports and Recreation
21000 Employees
Type: Company - Private
St Louis, MO
Panera Bread is a well-known bakery-café chain. It offers fresh, high-quality food and beverages. The company values its employees and strives to create a welcoming environment. Panera Bread serves a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads. It focuses on using natural ingredients and promoting healthy eating. The company has locations across many cities, making it a convenient choice for many people. Panera Bread also emphasizes community involvement. It supports local farmers and sustainable practices. The company offers opportunities for career growth and development. Panera Bread aims to provide a positive work experience for its staff. The company’s commitment to quality and community makes it a great place to work and shop.

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What are people saying about working at Panera Bread?

Panera Bread offers a friendly work environment with flexible hours and opportunities for growth, but employees often face challenges like inconsistent hours, high workloads, and management issues. While some praise the benefits and team culture, others express concerns about pay, corporate changes, and stressful work conditions.

Panera Bread Reviews

Overall Great Experience

04/18/2025 - Blacksburg, VA


Pros

Availability to grow within the company.Discounted food.Warm and positive work culture.Friendships built customers and staff.


Cons

Can have inconsistent hours.Stressful, fast-paced environment which is not for everyone.

A lot of work for not much pay

04/18/2025 - Concord, NC


Pros

The store sells Good food


Cons

The employees are not paid well

Fast Paced, but Fair Job

04/19/2025 - Indianapolis, IN


Pros

The tips are really nice and you will always stay busy.


Cons

It can be a little overwhelming for a beginner and you might be asked to do extra tasks that are out of your job description.

Decent Workplace

04/20/2025 - Springfield, MO


Pros

We got to take free food at the end of every shift.


Cons

Training is not the comprehensive and you can find yourself working at multiple stations throughout the week.

Not bad

04/21/2025 - Los Angeles, CA


Pros

Was a nice first job.


Cons

It's a minimum wage job.

Good first job

04/21/2025 - Lagrange Hlds, IL


Pros

Easy to learn and good food


Cons

Lot of management for one store

Nice People but disorganized

04/22/2025 - Ithaca, NY


Pros

Great coworkers, good benefits and if you like interacting with people you should enjoy it


Cons

Can get very busy, and you are expected to do more than what you are hired for many times. But it is mainly due corporate, not the managers.

Panera Bread was good until it ended

04/22/2025 - Hamden, CT


Pros

Good pay and was a good place to build a career


Cons

Too many changes leading towards lack of care for both staff and customers

Mid

04/22/2025 - Glendale, AZ


Pros

Decent coworkers.. get hours y want


Cons

Horrible customers lots of high schoolers etc etc

Great

04/23/2025 - null


Pros

Long hours and overtime. Great place


Cons

Nothing bad to say about panera

It's okay

04/23/2025 - Plainfield, IN


Pros

- ways to move up fast - great culture - very organized- open communication with management


Cons

- hard to receive pay increases- some days, you will have to stay later- you work all positions - very fast paced at times

Unprofessional

04/23/2025 - Ewing, NJ


Pros

Opportunity for raises by the “cents” can get up to 17/hr with tip


Cons

Have the tendency to leave you off the schedule and “voluntarily resign” you. Not to be mistaken with terminating you.

Huge workload

04/24/2025 - Tallahassee, FL


Pros

Good payFlexible schedulingPTO after 1 yearBenefitsIndependent work


Cons

Management communication Lack of accountabilityHuge workload, you bake all of the product for the day by yourselfGeneral cleanliness of restaurant

Good Job

04/25/2025 - Midlothian, VA


Pros

Played music in the back. Relaxing role


Cons

None really. Got free food occasionally

Private Equity goals are at odds with those of the customer or employee

04/26/2025 - Saint Louis, MO


Pros

The people that remain from the halcyon days are excellent to work with. They do their best for the brand and everyone around them despite the constant pressure to deliver more with less.


Cons

The mantle of the brand has been tossed out like day old bread. Family Reunion 2016 was essentially a funeral for mother bread as she was lain at the feet of owners who either don't know or don't care what made it a brand with loyalty similar to brands like BMW to begin with.It feels like they stuck a straw in her body and are slowly draining her life blood as she becomes more and more desiccated with reviews like "overpriced hospital food."Management seems to think Jack Welch was business Jesus. They do not seem to understand that the only thing that creates value is labor or that you cannot cannot cut your way to innovation, or good morale.



Page 1
Pie chart of the distribution of reviews for Panera Bread. 5.1% of reviews are 'Neutral'. 12.9% of reviews are 'Negative'. 52.7% of reviews are 'Mixed'. 29.2% of reviews are 'Positive'.

What are popular careers at Panera Bread?

  1. Team Member
    Team Members work in various roles to ensure the restaurant runs smoothly. They help prepare food, serve customers, and keep the dining area clean.
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  2. General Manager
    General Managers oversee the daily operations of the restaurant. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure the restaurant meets its goals.
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  3. Caterer
    Caterers prepare and deliver food for events and special occasions. They work closely with clients to meet their specific needs and preferences.
    Find Caterer jobs


  4. Baker
    Bakers create delicious bread, pastries, and desserts. They follow recipes and ensure the quality of baked goods meets Panera's standards.
    Find Baker jobs


  5. Server
    Servers take care of customers by taking orders, serving food, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. They are friendly and attentive to guests' needs.
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  6. Cashier
    Cashiers handle transactions at the register. They process payments accurately and provide excellent customer service to ensure a smooth checkout experience.
    Find Cashier jobs


  7. Barista
    Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They use various brewing methods and ensure the drinks are made to perfection.
    Find Barista jobs


  8. Shift Supervisor
    Shift Supervisors assist the General Manager by overseeing the team during their shift. They ensure tasks are completed efficiently and staff is well-managed.
    Find Shift Supervisor jobs


  9. Catering Manager
    Catering Managers lead the catering team. They coordinate large orders, manage resources, and ensure timely delivery of catering services.
    Find Catering Manager jobs


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Restaurant Managers are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure the restaurant meets its financial and quality goals.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs

Where is Panera Bread hiring?

  1. Tampa, FL
    In Tampa, the vibrant atmosphere offers a dynamic work environment. The city's growing culture and diverse community provide a unique backdrop for professional growth.
    Find jobs in Tampa, FL


  2. Orlando, FL
    Orlando's bustling tourism scene creates a lively workplace. The city's energetic vibe and constant influx of visitors offer exciting opportunities for career development.
    Find jobs in Orlando, FL


  3. Clearwater, FL
    Clearwater provides a relaxed yet productive work environment. The city's beautiful beaches and friendly locals make it a pleasant place to build a career.
    Find jobs in Clearwater, FL


  4. Cincinnati, OH
    Cincinnati offers a balanced work-life experience. The city's rich history and vibrant arts scene provide a fulfilling backdrop for professional success.
    Find jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  5. Saint Petersburg, FL
    In Saint Petersburg, the coastal location adds a unique charm to the workplace. The city's cultural attractions and warm climate create a pleasant work environment.
    Find jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL


  6. Largo, FL
    Largo provides a welcoming and supportive work atmosphere. The city's suburban feel and community-oriented culture make it a great place to thrive professionally.
    Find jobs in Largo, FL


  7. Kissimmee, FL
    Kissimmee offers a vibrant and family-friendly work environment. The city's proximity to major attractions and outdoor activities enhances the overall work experience.
    Find jobs in Kissimmee, FL


  8. Altamonte Springs, FL
    Altamonte Springs provides a professional and engaging work environment. The city's suburban charm and strong community ties make it an ideal place to advance your career.
    Find jobs in Altamonte Springs, FL


  9. Celebration, FL
    In Celebration, the innovative and forward-thinking atmosphere creates a unique work experience. The city's planned community and modern amenities offer a refreshing work environment.
    Find jobs in Celebration, FL


  10. Winter Park, FL
    Winter Park offers a vibrant and artistic work environment. The city's cultural attractions and lively downtown scene provide a dynamic backdrop for professional growth.
    Find jobs in Winter Park, FL

What are similar companies to Panera Bread?

  1. Starbucks
    Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain known for its wide range of coffee beverages and pastries. It operates in over 80 countries, with thousands of locations worldwide. Starbucks offers a welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy their drinks and relax.


  2. Cafe Zupas
    Cafe Zupas is a restaurant chain that specializes in soups, salads, and sandwiches. It has locations in several states across the United States. The company focuses on providing healthy, fresh, and delicious meals to its customers.


  3. Au Bon Pain
    Au Bon Pain is a bakery-cafe chain that offers a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. It has locations in the northeastern United States and Canada. The company is known for its high-quality bread and pastries.


  4. Sweetgreen
    Sweetgreen is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves salads, grain bowls, and other healthy meals. It has locations in several major cities across the United States. The company focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in its dishes.


  5. Tim Hortons
    Tim Hortons is a Canadian coffee and doughnut shop chain that has expanded to the United States. It offers a variety of coffee beverages, doughnuts, and sandwiches. The company is known for its quick service and friendly atmosphere.


  6. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-style sandwiches. It has locations in several states across the United States. The company is known for its high-quality ingredients and made-to-order sandwiches.


  7. Creamistry
    Creamistry is a frozen yogurt and dessert shop that offers a variety of flavors and toppings. It has locations in several states across the United States. The company focuses on providing a fun and interactive experience for its customers.


  8. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Corner Bakery Cafe is a bakery-cafe chain that serves sandwiches, soups, and pastries. It has locations in several states across the United States. The company is known for its high-quality baked goods and casual atmosphere.


  9. Pret A Manger
    Pret A Manger is a British sandwich and salad shop chain that has expanded to the United States. It offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and other meals. The company is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and quick service.


  10. Quiznos
    Quiznos is a sandwich shop chain that offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It has locations in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company is known for its high-quality ingredients and made-to-order sandwiches.

Want to become a part of the Leisure, Sports and Recreation industry?