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 bread, soups, salads, and sandwiches. The company aims to provide a welcoming environment with high-quality food. Each location serves items made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Panera Bread seeks to create a community feel, making it a popular spot for both quick meals and relaxed dining. The company values transparency and quality. They focus on using natural ingredients and promoting sustainability. This commitment helps Panera Bread attract a loyal customer base. Their mission is to nourish people and the planet, which resonates well with many patrons. This dedication to quality and community makes Panera Bread a preferred choice for those seeking a pleasant dining experience.

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What are people saying about working at Panera Bread?

Overall, employees at Panera Bread enjoy a friendly work environment, flexible hours, and team-oriented culture. However, some express concerns about inconsistent management, workload, and pay, particularly in light of corporate changes.

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'. 13.1% of reviews are 'Negative'. 52.5% of reviews are 'Mixed'. 29.3% of reviews are 'Positive'.

What are popular careers at Panera Bread?

  1. Team Member
    Team Members play an important role at Panera Bread. They help make food, clean tables, and greet customers.
    Find Team Member jobs


  2. General Manager
    General Managers lead the restaurant team. They manage daily operations, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle staff scheduling.
    Find General Manager jobs


  3. Caterer
    Caterers prepare and deliver food for special events. They work closely with customers to meet their event needs and ensure high-quality service.
    Find Caterer jobs


  4. Server
    Servers take orders and serve food to customers. They ensure a pleasant dining experience and assist with special requests.
    Find Server jobs


  5. Baker
    Bakers create delicious bread and pastries. They follow recipes and maintain high standards of quality and presentation.
    Find Baker jobs


  6. Shift Supervisor
    Shift Supervisors oversee the team during their shift. They provide guidance, assist with tasks, and ensure smooth operation.
    Find Shift Supervisor jobs


  7. Cashier
    Cashiers handle transactions at the register. They provide excellent customer service and ensure accurate billing.
    Find Cashier jobs


  8. Barista
    Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They create custom drinks and ensure high-quality service.
    Find Barista jobs


  9. Catering Manager
    Catering Managers oversee the catering department. They coordinate large events and manage catering staff to deliver exceptional service.
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  10. Restaurant Manager
    Restaurant Managers lead the entire team. They focus on customer satisfaction, team development, and operational efficiency.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs

Where is Panera Bread hiring?

  1. Tampa, FL
    Joining Panera Bread in Tampa offers vibrant energy and diverse experiences. With its lively atmosphere, it provides ample opportunities to connect with a varied clientele. Warm weather makes the work environment pleasant.
    Find jobs in Tampa, FL


  2. Orlando, FL
    Panera Bread in Orlando provides a chance to work in a bustling city with tourists and locals alike. The dynamic environment ensures a lively work experience. The area’s growth presents excellent opportunities for career advancement.
    Find jobs in Orlando, FL


  3. Clearwater, FL
    Working at Panera Bread in Clearwater allows for a friendly and welcoming community feel. The relaxed pace and beautiful beaches nearby make for a pleasant work-life balance. Being a part of a smaller city enhances teamwork and personal connections.
    Find jobs in Clearwater, FL


  4. Cincinnati, OH
    At Panera Bread in Cincinnati, employees enjoy a blend of urban charm and community warmth. The city’s rich cultural scene offers unique experiences. The diverse customer base provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  5. Largo, FL
    Panera Bread in Largo combines a close-knit community with suburban charm. The area’s growth means steady business and opportunities for career development. A friendly environment enhances teamwork and job satisfaction.
    Find jobs in Largo, FL


  6. Saint Petersburg, FL
    Working at Panera Bread in Saint Petersburg offers access to a vibrant waterfront and a diverse customer base. The city's rich cultural attractions add to the lively atmosphere. The coastal location provides a pleasant and refreshing work environment.
    Find jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL


  7. Kissimmee, FL
    Panera Bread in Kissimmee offers a unique blend of family-friendly charm and tourist activity. The area’s growth means consistent business and opportunities for career growth. The warm and welcoming community enhances the work experience.
    Find jobs in Kissimmee, FL


  8. Columbus, OH
    At Panera Bread in Columbus, employees enjoy a mix of urban excitement and community closeness. The city’s vibrant cultural scene provides diverse experiences. A diverse customer base keeps the work environment dynamic and engaging.
    Find jobs in Columbus, OH


  9. Altamonte Springs, FL
    Working at Panera Bread in Altamonte Springs means being part of a vibrant suburban community. The area’s growth offers steady business and opportunities. A friendly and supportive work environment enhances job satisfaction.
    Find jobs in Altamonte Springs, FL


  10. Pinellas Park, FL
    Panera Bread in Pinellas Park offers a lively community atmosphere with beautiful beaches nearby. The work environment is friendly and welcoming. The area’s steady growth ensures consistent business and opportunities for career development.
    Find jobs in Pinellas Park, FL

What are similar companies to Panera Bread?

  1. Starbucks
    Starbucks is a well-known coffeehouse chain with locations worldwide. It offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and snacks. This American company has stores in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and China. It provides a relaxed and comfortable place for customers to enjoy their beverages and food.


  2. Cafe Zupas
    Cafe Zupas serves soups, salads, and sandwiches. This family-owned business started in Philadelphia and has grown with locations in several states. They focus on healthy, fresh food made with high-quality ingredients. Cafe Zupas is a great place to get a nutritious meal quickly.


  3. Au Bon Pain
    Au Bon Pain is a bakery and cafe chain offering sandwiches, soups, pastries, and coffee. It has locations in the United States, mainly in shopping malls and airports. Au Bon Pain is known for its fresh bread and pastries, making it a popular spot for a quick, tasty meal.


  4. Sweetgreen
    Sweetgreen focuses on fresh, healthy salads and bowls. The company started in New York City and has expanded to many cities across the United States. Sweetgreen offers customizable salads with a variety of toppings and grains. Their mission is to make fresh food accessible to everyone.


  5. Tim Hortons
    Tim Hortons is a Canadian coffee and doughnut shop with locations across North America. It serves coffee, tea, and a range of food items like sandwiches and doughnuts. Known for its quick service, Tim Hortons is a go-to place for a hot drink and a quick bite.


  6. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop specializes in subs, wraps, and salads. It is a family-owned business with locations in the United States, primarily in the East Coast states. Capriotti's uses fresh ingredients and offers a variety of sandwich options, making it a good choice for a tasty lunch.


  7. Creamistry
    Creamistry is a dessert shop offering ice cream, cakes, and cookies. This company operates in several cities in the United States. Creamistry focuses on creating delicious, homemade-style desserts with unique flavors. It is a sweet treat spot for anyone with a sweet tooth.


  8. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Corner Bakery Cafe serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. It has locations in various states in the United States. The cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with an emphasis on fresh and wholesome food. Corner Bakery Cafe is an excellent place for a casual meal or a quick coffee.


  9. Pret A Manger
    Pret A Manger is a British cafe chain with locations in several countries, including the United States. It offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and drinks. Known for its healthy options and fast service, Pret A Manger is a popular choice for a quick, nutritious meal.


  10. Quiznos
    Quiznos is a sandwich shop with locations across the United States and in several other countries. It offers a variety of subs, sandwiches, and sides. Quiznos is famous for its “Never-Frozen” meats, providing fresh and high-quality ingredients in each sandwich.

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