Company
Overview

About Panera Bread

panerabread.com
Restaurants
39518 Employees
Type: Company - Privately Held
St Louis, MO
Panera Bread is a well-known bakery-café chain. It offers fresh and tasty food. People love their bread, soups, salads, and pastries. The company focuses on making healthy and delicious options. Panera Bread cares about using fresh ingredients. This helps them provide a great dining experience. The company has been around since 1981. It now has many locations in the United States and other countries. Panera Bread employs a large number of people. They hire for various positions in bakery, customer service, and management. This company values its employees. They offer training and opportunities for growth. Working at Panera Bread can be a rewarding experience.

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What are people saying about working at Panera Bread?

At Panera Bread, employees appreciate the supportive team environment and flexible schedules, though they frequently cite issues with low pay, demanding workloads, and inconsistent management. Benefits and bonuses are seen as fair, but concerns about compensation and career growth persist, particularly for lower-level positions. The work can be enjoyable, especially for students, but the overall experience varies widely across different locations and roles.

Panera Bread Reviews

Low pay outweighs the okay experience

08/30/2026 - Houston, TX


Pros

Good culture and great team depending on site.


Cons

Low pay and management can be bad depending on site

Good job for college student

08/28/2026 - null


Pros

Flexible schedule is available to employees


Cons

Better benefits would be helpful

Excellent training, but upper management struggles with new leadership

08/28/2026 - Novato, CA


Pros

Training at Panera is above and beyond, great systems in place.


Cons

Franchise unit…new leadership market president, unfortunately difficult for upper management to work with.

Great staff with no downsides

08/27/2026 - American Fork, UT


Pros

Nice staff and really friendly


Cons

Nothing really good place :)

Good hours, but workload can be overwhelming

08/27/2026 - Charlotte, NC


Pros

Good hours with fine staff


Cons

Overload on work to do.

Friendly coworkers and great benefits, but demanding work

08/24/2026 - Mount Laurel, NJ


Pros

Great Benefits, friendly coworkers, easy interview


Cons

Lots of work, customers can be mean

Good salary and growth opportunities, but long hours

08/24/2026 - Goodyear, AZ


Pros

Good salarymany growth opportunities


Cons

Long hours, often double shiftsPoor management

Strong team support despite challenging customer interactions

08/19/2026 - null


Pros

Great team communication, good help from management.


Cons

Large menu, customers getting angry for their own mistakes.

Decent starter job, but pay isn't great

08/18/2026 - null


Pros

Ok starter job for students.


Cons

not great pay and if its overwhelming and management sucks then its stressful.

yes

08/17/2026 - Allentown, PA


Pros

good hours along with boss


Cons

sometimes is very fast paced

Great colleagues but toxic management and favoritism

08/17/2026 - null


Pros

Love working with the people I work with


Cons

Incompetent managerial staff, constantly understaffed, toxic work place( gossiping about others), favoritism and if you work hard and do the dirty jobs that no one else wants to do, you rarely get any recognition and no one helps out when you are doing truck

Fair pay overshadowed by layoffs, poor management, & lack of direction

08/17/2026 - null


Pros

The pay, bonuses (when applicable) and LTIP are fair


Cons

From silent layoffs to soft layoffs to public layoffs… the company just lays off nonstop.The company treats all its employees like line items. Panera has a clear strategy, but refuses to practice what they preach.There’s no true investment in their workforce.And the list goes on.

Supportive management, but pay and raises are lacking

08/15/2026 - Valpo, IN


Pros

Kind managementFree shift mealsFree pastries at the end of the night if the manager is ok with it


Cons

Low payRaises are poor and not garunteed (1x a year)

A few good coworkers, but pay is low

08/15/2026 - null


Pros

A few good customers and coworkers.


Cons

Low pay. Uneven distribution of work responsibilities.

Great customers but need better support and wages

08/14/2026 - Jacksonville, FL


Pros

Great customers!! Have great people to work with sometimes.


Cons

Store need lot's of Help. Better Wages! For all employees.



Page 1
Pie chart of the distribution of reviews for Panera Bread. 5.1% of reviews are 'Neutral'. 12.5% of reviews are 'Negative'. 53.0% of reviews are 'Mixed'. 29.4% of reviews are 'Positive'.

What are popular careers at Panera Bread?

  1. Team Member
    Team Members are essential to the success of Panera Bread. They ensure a positive dining experience by preparing food and providing excellent customer service.
    Find Team Member jobs


  2. General Manager
    General Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a Panera Bread location. They lead the team, manage schedules, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
    Find General Manager jobs


  3. Cashier
    Cashiers handle transactions, provide receipts, and assist customers with any questions. They ensure accurate billing and fast checkout times.
    Find Cashier jobs


  4. Caterer
    Caterers work closely with clients to prepare and deliver food for events. They manage orders and ensure everything meets the client's needs.
    Find Caterer jobs


  5. Shift Supervisor
    Shift Supervisors oversee team members during their shifts. They provide guidance, help solve problems, and ensure the team runs efficiently.
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  6. Barista
    Baristas specialize in preparing coffee and other beverages. They create delicious drinks and offer recommendations to customers.
    Find Barista jobs


  7. Server
    Servers take orders, deliver food, and provide excellent customer service. They make sure every guest has a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs


  8. Interviewer
    Interviewers assess candidates for various positions at Panera Bread. They evaluate skills and find the best fit for the team.
    Find Interviewer jobs


  9. Catering Manager
    Catering Managers oversee the catering team and special events. They ensure all catering orders are fulfilled to the highest standards.
    Find Catering Manager jobs


  10. Sandwich Artist
    Sandwich Artists craft delicious sandwiches. They use their creativity and skill to make each sandwich unique and satisfying.
    Find Sandwich Artist jobs

Where is Panera Bread hiring?

  1. Tampa, FL
    Working here means joining a vibrant team in a bustling city. The area offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of social events and networking opportunities. The job provides stability and growth potential in a dynamic market.
    Find jobs in Tampa, FL


  2. Clearwater, FL
    In Clearwater, the workplace culture is welcoming and supportive. Employees benefit from a pleasant work environment and the chance to be part of a growing community. This location allows for a healthy work-life balance with its beautiful surroundings.
    Find jobs in Clearwater, FL


  3. Orlando, FL
    Orlando offers a fast-paced environment perfect for career advancement. The city’s popularity attracts a diverse clientele, enhancing customer interaction skills. The job market here is strong, offering many opportunities for professional development.
    Find jobs in Orlando, FL


  4. Cincinnati, OH
    Cincinnati provides a friendly and collaborative workplace. Team members here value community and teamwork, making the job fulfilling. The city's rich history and cultural events add to the overall work experience.
    Find jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  5. Largo, FL
    Largo is known for its warm and inclusive work culture. Employees find a supportive environment that encourages growth. The area's amenities and close-knit community add to the overall satisfaction of working here.
    Find jobs in Largo, FL


  6. Saint Petersburg, FL
    Working in Saint Petersburg means being part of a vibrant and diverse community. The workplace here is dynamic, with many opportunities for career advancement. The city’s scenic beauty and cultural attractions enhance the overall experience.
    Find jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL


  7. Columbus, OH
    Columbus offers a well-rounded workplace experience. Employees enjoy a supportive environment that promotes professional growth. The city’s thriving economy and diverse culture provide a rich backdrop for work and personal life.
    Find jobs in Columbus, OH


  8. Dayton, OH
    Dayton provides a stable and engaging work environment. Team members here appreciate a culture of innovation and teamwork. The city’s historical significance and modern amenities create a unique atmosphere for work.
    Find jobs in Dayton, OH


  9. Pinellas Park, FL
    Pinellas Park offers a serene and welcoming workplace. Employees enjoy a strong sense of community and collaboration. The area’s natural beauty and friendly residents make the work experience enjoyable.
    Find jobs in Pinellas Park, FL


  10. Gainesville, FL
    Gainesville provides an enriching workplace with a strong focus on community. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages growth. The city’s vibrant culture and educational institutions add to the overall work experience.
    Find jobs in Gainesville, FL

What are similar companies to Panera Bread?

  1. Starbucks
    Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain known for its high-quality coffee and relaxing atmosphere. It has locations in many countries. You can find Starbucks in cities worldwide, including the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom.


  2. Cafe Zupas
    Cafe Zupas offers healthy and hearty meals, including soups, sandwiches, and salads. This company focuses on fresh ingredients and customizable options. Cafe Zupas has locations across the United States, from New York to California.


  3. Au Bon Pain
    Au Bon Pain is a bakery-cafe known for its delicious bread, pastries, and light meals. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and offers both dine-in and takeout options. The company operates in several regions in the United States, including the Northeast and Midwest.


  4. Sweetgreen
    Sweetgreen specializes in fresh salads, grain bowls, and soups made from locally sourced ingredients. The company promotes healthy eating with a variety of customizable options. Sweetgreen has many locations across the United States, including cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.


  5. Tim Hortons
    Tim Hortons is a Canadian coffee and doughnut chain that has expanded internationally. It offers coffee, tea, and a variety of quick meals. You can find Tim Hortons in countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.


  6. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
    Capriotti's serves made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and subs. The company prides itself on using fresh ingredients and quality meats. Capriotti's has locations in several states in the United States, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.


  7. Creamistry
    Creamistry is a frozen yogurt shop that offers a wide range of flavors and toppings. It aims to provide a fun and creative dining experience. Creamistry has many locations across the United States, including California, Texas, and Florida.


  8. Corner Bakery Cafe
    Corner Bakery Cafe is known for its soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The company emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients in a comfortable setting. Corner Bakery Cafe has locations in several states in the United States, mainly in the West and Midwest.


  9. Pret A Manger
    Pret A Manger offers a variety of healthy and convenient meals, including sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The company focuses on fresh and sustainable ingredients. Pret A Manger has locations in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.


  10. Quiznos
    Quiznos is a sub sandwich shop that offers a variety of subs, salads, and wraps. It is known for its high-quality ingredients and customizable options. Quiznos has locations in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and various international markets.

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