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. It offers fresh, made-to-order food. The company values quality and health. Customers can find a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. Panera Bread aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere. It strives to make every visit enjoyable and convenient. The company has locations across the United States and Canada. Panera Bread also focuses on sustainability. It uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The company supports community initiatives. It aims to make a positive impact on the environment and society. Panera Bread is committed to providing delicious food and a great experience for its customers.

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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 such as inconsistent management and high workloads. While some appreciate the opportunities for growth and discounted food, others criticize the fast-paced and stressful nature of the job.

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. 5.2% of reviews are 'Neutral'. 12.9% of reviews are 'Negative'. 52.9% of reviews are 'Mixed'. 29.0% of reviews are 'Positive'.

What are popular careers at Panera Bread?

  1. Team Member
    Team Members help prepare food and serve customers. They work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to multitask.
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  2. Baker
    Bakers create delicious bread and pastries. They follow recipes and ensure the quality of baked goods meets Panera's standards.
    Find Baker jobs


  3. Server
    Servers take orders and serve food to customers. They must provide excellent customer service and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs


  4. General Manager
    General Managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant. They manage staff, handle customer complaints, and ensure the restaurant runs smoothly.
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  5. Caterer
    Caterers prepare and deliver food for events. They work closely with clients to meet specific dietary needs and preferences.
    Find Caterer jobs


  6. Cashier
    Cashiers handle transactions and provide receipts to customers. They must be accurate and efficient in their work.
    Find Cashier jobs


  7. Shift Supervisor
    Shift Supervisors lead a team during their shift. They ensure tasks are completed and staff adhere to company policies.
    Find Shift Supervisor jobs


  8. Barista
    Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They must be knowledgeable about different coffee types and brewing methods.
    Find Barista jobs


  9. Catering Manager
    Catering Managers oversee catering operations. They coordinate with caterers and ensure all events are successful.
    Find Catering Manager jobs


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Restaurant Managers handle the overall management of a Panera Bread location. They focus on customer satisfaction, staff training, and sales.
    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 population provides a steady stream of customers, making it a rewarding place to work.
    Find jobs in Tampa, FL


  2. Orlando, FL
    Orlando's bustling tourist scene creates a lively workplace. The city's diverse culture enhances the work experience, making it both enjoyable and enriching.
    Find jobs in Orlando, FL


  3. Clearwater, FL
    Clearwater offers a relaxed and friendly work environment. The city's coastal location provides a pleasant backdrop, making the job both enjoyable and fulfilling.
    Find jobs in Clearwater, FL


  4. Cincinnati, OH
    Cincinnati's vibrant community offers a dynamic work environment. The city's rich history and culture provide a unique backdrop for a rewarding career.
    Find jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  5. Saint Petersburg, FL
    Saint Petersburg's diverse and vibrant community creates an engaging work environment. The city's cultural attractions offer a rich backdrop for a fulfilling career.
    Find jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL


  6. Largo, FL
    Largo provides a welcoming and friendly work environment. The city's suburban charm makes it a pleasant place to work, with a strong community feel.
    Find jobs in Largo, FL


  7. Kissimmee, FL
    Kissimmee offers a family-friendly work environment. The city's proximity to major attractions makes it a lively and exciting place to work.
    Find jobs in Kissimmee, FL


  8. Altamonte Springs, FL
    Altamonte Springs provides a supportive and welcoming work environment. The city's suburban charm offers a peaceful and comfortable setting for a rewarding career.
    Find jobs in Altamonte Springs, FL


  9. Celebration, FL
    Celebration offers a unique and innovative work environment. The city's planned community provides a modern and engaging setting for a fulfilling career.
    Find jobs in Celebration, FL


  10. Winter Park, FL
    Winter Park provides a vibrant and artistic work environment. The city's cultural attractions and community spirit make it a rewarding place to work.
    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 environment for customers and a dynamic workplace for employees.


  2. Cafe Zupas
    Cafe Zupas is a fast-casual restaurant that serves soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. It focuses on fresh, healthy, and delicious food. Cafe Zupas has locations in several states across the United States, providing a variety of dining options for customers.


  3. Au Bon Pain
    Au Bon Pain is a bakery-café chain that offers a variety of bread, pastries, sandwiches, and beverages. It has a strong presence in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. Au Bon Pain is known for its high-quality baked goods and friendly service.


  4. Sweetgreen
    Sweetgreen is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in salads, grain bowls, and soups. It emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and healthy eating. Sweetgreen operates in many cities across the United States, offering a variety of nutritious meal options.


  5. Tim Hortons
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  6. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
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  7. Creamistry
    Creamistry is a bakery-café that specializes in ice cream, pastries, and sandwiches. It offers a unique twist on traditional bakery items with its creative flavors and combinations. Creamistry operates in several locations, providing a fun and tasty dining experience.


  8. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Corner Bakery Cafe is a casual dining restaurant that serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. It emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Corner Bakery Cafe has locations in various states, offering a variety of delicious meal options.


  9. Pret A Manger
    Pret A Manger is a British café chain that offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and coffee. It focuses on healthy, convenient meals for on-the-go customers. Pret A Manger has locations in several countries, including the United States, providing a variety of quick and tasty food options.


  10. Quiznos
    Quiznos is a fast-casual sandwich shop that offers a variety of subs, sandwiches, and sides. It is known for its high-quality ingredients and customizable options. Quiznos has locations in many cities across the United States, providing a delicious dining option for customers.

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