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-cafe chain that offers fresh, high-quality food. The company prides itself on using simple ingredients and baking bread daily in each location. Panera Bread provides a variety of menu options, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. The company values community and sustainability, making it a popular choice for those who care about where their food comes from. Panera Bread offers a welcoming environment for both customers and employees. The company provides opportunities for career growth and development. It emphasizes a positive work culture and strives to support its team members. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or a new job opportunity, Panera Bread aims to meet your needs with care and quality.

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What are people saying about working at Panera Bread?

Panera Bread offers a positive work environment with friendly coworkers and flexible hours, but employees often face challenges like inconsistent hours, high workload, and management issues. While some appreciate the opportunities for growth and discounted food, others criticize the low pay 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. 5.0% of reviews are 'Neutral'. 13.0% of reviews are 'Negative'. 52.8% 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.
    Find Team Member jobs


  2. General Manager
    General Managers oversee the daily operations of the restaurant. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure everything runs efficiently.
    Find General Manager jobs


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


  4. Baker
    Bakers create delicious bread, pastries, and desserts. They follow recipes and maintain high standards to ensure every item is fresh and tasty.
    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.
    Find Server jobs


  6. Cashier
    Cashiers handle transactions at the register. They process payments accurately and provide excellent customer service while ensuring a smooth checkout experience.
    Find Cashier jobs


  7. Shift Supervisor
    Shift Supervisors lead teams during their shifts. They coordinate tasks, assist Team Members, and ensure the restaurant meets its goals for the day.
    Find Shift Supervisor jobs


  8. Barista
    Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They use their skills to create delicious drinks and provide friendly service to customers.
    Find Barista jobs


  9. Catering Manager
    Catering Managers oversee the catering team. They plan events, manage orders, and ensure all catering services are delivered on time and to high standards.
    Find Catering Manager jobs


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Restaurant Managers are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant. They manage staff, handle finances, and ensure customer satisfaction.
    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 lively backdrop for professional growth.
    Find jobs in Tampa, FL


  2. Orlando, FL
    Orlando's bustling tourism industry creates a fast-paced and engaging work setting. The city's diverse attractions and events offer a unique backdrop for professional development.
    Find jobs in Orlando, FL


  3. Clearwater, FL
    Clearwater provides a relaxed yet productive work environment. The city's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities make it an enjoyable place to live and work.
    Find jobs in Clearwater, FL


  4. Cincinnati, OH
    Cincinnati offers a blend of urban and suburban work experiences. The city's rich history and cultural events provide a vibrant setting for professional growth.
    Find jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  5. Saint Petersburg, FL
    Saint Petersburg combines a laid-back atmosphere with a thriving job market. The city's waterfront and cultural attractions make it a pleasant place to work and live.
    Find jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL


  6. Largo, FL
    Largo provides a community-focused work environment. The city's suburban charm and proximity to Tampa offer a balanced lifestyle for professionals.
    Find jobs in Largo, FL


  7. Kissimmee, FL
    Kissimmee offers a family-friendly work environment with a growing job market. The city's proximity to theme parks and natural attractions makes it an exciting place to work.
    Find jobs in Kissimmee, FL


  8. Altamonte Springs, FL
    Altamonte Springs provides a suburban setting with a strong sense of community. The city's parks and recreational activities offer a balanced lifestyle for professionals.
    Find jobs in Altamonte Springs, FL


  9. Celebration, FL
    Celebration offers a unique work environment with a focus on community and innovation. The city's planned layout and amenities create a pleasant and productive atmosphere.
    Find jobs in Celebration, FL


  10. Winter Park, FL
    Winter Park provides a vibrant and artistic work environment. The city's cultural events and beautiful parks make it an inspiring place to work and live.
    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, offering a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Locations span across the United States, Canada, and many international cities.


  2. Cafe Zupas
    Cafe Zupas specializes in healthy, customizable soups, salads, and sandwiches. This family-owned business focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Cafe Zupas has locations in the Midwest, primarily in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.


  3. Au Bon Pain
    Au Bon Pain is a bakery-cafe chain offering a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee. It has a strong presence in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. The company emphasizes quality and convenience, making it a popular choice for quick meals.


  4. Sweetgreen
    Sweetgreen is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves fresh, customizable salads, grain bowls, and soups. The company prioritizes sustainability and uses locally sourced ingredients. Sweetgreen operates in major cities across the United States and internationally.


  5. Tim Hortons
    Tim Hortons is a Canadian coffee and doughnut shop chain that has expanded globally. Known for its coffee, doughnuts, and quick-service menu, it offers a casual dining experience. Tim Hortons has locations in Canada, the United States, and several other countries.


  6. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-inspired sandwiches, wraps, and salads. The company emphasizes quality ingredients and a family-friendly atmosphere. It operates in the Eastern United States and parts of the Midwest.


  7. Creamistry
    Creamistry is a bakery-cafe chain that offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. The company focuses on high-quality ingredients and a cozy, welcoming environment. Creamistry has locations in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois and Indiana.


  8. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Corner Bakery Cafe is a casual dining restaurant that serves sandwiches, soups, pastries, and coffee. The company emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Corner Bakery Cafe operates in the Midwest and the West Coast of the United States.


  9. Pret A Manger
    Pret A Manger is a British sandwich shop chain that offers a variety of healthy, grab-and-go meals. The company focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a convenient dining experience. Pret A Manger has locations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other countries.


  10. Quiznos
    Quiznos is a fast-casual sandwich shop chain known for its toasted sandwiches and subs. The company offers a variety of customizable options and a casual dining experience. Quiznos operates in the United States and several international locations.

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