About Panera Bread
Want to become a part of the Leisure, Sports and Recreation industry?
What are people saying about working at Panera Bread?
Panera Bread Reviews
Free food but monotonous work with tough customers
04/01/2026 - West Lafayette, IN
Pros
Easy and lots of free food
Cons
Monotonous, difficult customers, no raise opportunities
Friendly staff but can be very busy
04/04/2026 - Arlington, VA
Pros
The staff and management were friendly
Cons
Can get super busy at times
Supportive management but limited annual raises
04/21/2026 - Hopkinsville, KY
Pros
Super easy as a manager lots of support
Cons
Only able to get 1 raise a year which didn’t even meet normal cost of living increases
Training is straightforward, but expect busy rush hours
04/25/2026 - Hummelstown, PA
Pros
Food-handling is easy to learn, training on the job
Cons
Can be busy, must be able to work through rush hours, closing takes approximately 1.5-2 hours
Great colleagues, but expect to be overworked
04/13/2026 - null
Pros
Great people to work with
Cons
Not enough employees to cover every shift so you’re over worked
Good food, but lunch rush can be tough
04/21/2026 - null
Pros
- Good food at Lunch time
Cons
- Lunch rush was tough some days
Fast-paced environment but very stressful during busy hours
04/18/2026 - Bayside, NY
Pros
GM at this location is very on top of things, because it's the busiest Panera in Queens. Consistent hours. Shifts go by very quickly, especially in the morning.
Cons
Location is extremely busy so it gets very stressful, especially in the morning when someone is out / there is no second cashier scheduled so the single cashier in the morning has to clean the coffee counter, refill coffees, make drinks, stick bagels in the oven & serve those bagels, check and bag up RPU/delivery orders, get bakery items for barista screen, and ring up customers. It can get really intense when many people come in, which is most of the time. You will be running back and forth like crazy. Customers can be impatient, rude, demeaning, and nasty when the line gets too long. Not recommended for people who are sensitive, with high anxiety. As for Panera the company, this chain keeps making bizarre and difficult changes to the menu, all of which make employees' lives harder and harder. With every change comes strange, dismaying, and borderline impossible expectations for frontline staff that cascade down through management who cannot do much to alter the hard policies. You can tell the company is struggling greatly to keep itself relevant with the younger crowd (a solid 80% of customers are old people). The CEO and everyone making company decisions at Panera is extremely out-of-touch. EXTREMELY. With every nonsensical menu & operations adjustment, you can tell these people haven't actually worked at a food service job in like 40 years.
Free meals can't make up for long hours
04/28/2026 - null
Pros
Free meals after working certain hours
Cons
Usually asked to stay past your time
Great place to work within the sector
04/04/2026 - null
Pros
Good hours, people, food, training
Cons
Long time on my feet
Positive team atmosphere but low wages
04/09/2026 - Reno, NV
Pros
good teamgood vibesgood atmosphere
Cons
low on wagehard working
Panera Bread Line Cook
04/21/2026 - South Burlington, VT
Pros
Discounted food, good management, tip share
Cons
Lack of pay, no individual tips
Great entry level cooking
04/06/2026 - Ottawa, ON
Pros
Great staff good balance training
Cons
Low pay fast paced food waste
Review
04/04/2026 - Fort Myers, FL
Pros
Not a bad job on the side. Depends on location, but the one I work at has good management.
Cons
It can be a bit busy at times.
Flexible hours and friendships, but pay is low
04/14/2026 - Oxford, MS
Pros
Flexible hours and making friends
Cons
Low pay and other stuff
Good pay and opportunities, but expect long hours
04/30/2026 - null
Pros
Good Pay, Lots of opportunities to work, Free food
Cons
Long hours, has to manage a lot of tasks, late night shifts have tedious cleaning
What are popular careers at Panera Bread?
-
Team Member
Team Members serve as the backbone of Panera Bread. They help prepare food and drinks, greet customers, and ensure a clean environment.
Find Team Member jobs
-
Server
Servers focus on delivering excellent customer service. They take orders, serve food, and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Find Server jobs
-
General Manager
General Managers oversee daily operations. They manage staff, handle customer complaints, and ensure the store runs smoothly.
Find General Manager jobs
-
Caterer
Caterers prepare meals for events and special occasions. They work closely with clients to meet specific dietary needs and preferences.
Find Caterer jobs
-
Cashier
Cashiers handle transactions at the register. They process payments and provide excellent customer service during checkout.
Find Cashier jobs
-
Shift Supervisor
Shift Supervisors manage the team during their shifts. They assist with training, ensure tasks are completed, and maintain high standards.
Find Shift Supervisor jobs
-
Barista
Baristas specialize in preparing coffee and other beverages. They focus on crafting the perfect drink and providing a welcoming atmosphere.
Find Barista jobs
-
Interviewer
Interviewers conduct job interviews for various positions. They assess candidates' skills and fit for the Panera Bread culture.
Find Interviewer jobs
-
Catering Manager
Catering Managers oversee the catering department. They manage events, coordinate with caterers, and ensure all catering needs are met.
Find Catering Manager jobs
-
Baker
Bakers prepare pastries and bread. They follow recipes precisely to ensure high-quality baked goods that meet Panera's standards.
Find Baker jobs
Where is Panera Bread hiring?
-
Tampa, FL
The Tampa area offers a warm climate and a bustling city atmosphere. Working in Tampa provides a chance to serve many guests in a dynamic environment.
Find jobs in Tampa, FL
-
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater provides a peaceful setting by the water. Job seekers can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while serving visitors and locals alike.
Find jobs in Clearwater, FL
-
Orlando, FL
Orlando attracts a diverse crowd year-round. Working here offers the chance to meet and serve a wide range of people in a vibrant city.
Find jobs in Orlando, FL
-
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati combines a small-town feel with big-city opportunities. The area provides a friendly environment and a growing demand for quality service.
Find jobs in Cincinnati, OH
-
Largo, FL
Largo offers a suburban feel with easy access to Tampa's attractions. It’s an excellent place for those who want a mix of community and city life.
Find jobs in Largo, FL
-
Saint Petersburg, FL
Saint Petersburg boasts beautiful beaches and a rich cultural scene. Employees enjoy serving both residents and tourists in this lively city.
Find jobs in Saint Petersburg, FL
-
Columbus, OH
Columbus has a growing economy and a diverse population. Working here means being part of a city that values community and progress.
Find jobs in Columbus, OH
-
Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas Park offers a laid-back environment with beautiful waterfront views. It’s an ideal place for those who want a serene work setting.
Find jobs in Pinellas Park, FL
-
Dayton, OH
Dayton provides a strong sense of community and a mix of urban and suburban experiences. It’s a great place for those who enjoy variety in their work environment.
Find jobs in Dayton, OH
-
Tarpon Springs, FL
Tarpon Springs has a unique charm with its sponge docks and rich cultural heritage. Working here means being part of a distinctive community.
Find jobs in Tarpon Springs, FL
What are similar companies to Panera Bread?
-
Starbucks
Starbucks is a well-known coffee company with locations all over the world. They serve a variety of coffee drinks, tea, and snacks. You can find Starbucks in cities across the United States and in many countries around the globe.
-
Cafe Zupas
Cafe Zupas is a casual dining restaurant that offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. They focus on fresh and healthy food. Cafe Zupas has locations in many states in the U.S., including in cities like Denver and Seattle.
-
Au Bon Pain
Au Bon Pain is a bakery café that offers sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. It’s known for its fresh bread and baked goods. The company has several locations in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S.
-
Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen is a fresh food company that serves salads, grain bowls, and soups. They use locally sourced ingredients and emphasize healthy eating. Sweetgreen operates in various U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston.
-
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is a popular Canadian coffee and doughnut shop with locations across North America. They offer a range of coffee beverages, doughnuts, and sandwiches. You can find Tim Hortons in the U.S. and Canada, especially in cities like Toronto and Miami.
-
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is known for its Italian-American subs and sandwiches. They offer a variety of subs made with fresh ingredients. Capriotti’s has many locations in the U.S., particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.
-
Creamistry
Creamistry is a casual dining restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch options, including waffles, sandwiches, and salads. They emphasize using high-quality ingredients. Creamistry has locations in a few states in the U.S., including Pennsylvania and Ohio.
-
Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe offers a menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. They focus on fresh, homemade food. The company has locations in several states, mainly in the Midwest and Northeast U.S.
-
Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger is a sandwich shop known for its fresh, made-to-order food. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages. Pret A Manger operates in many cities across the U.S., including New York and San Francisco.
-
Quiznos
Quiznos is a sandwich shop that specializes in subs and sandwiches. They use high-quality ingredients and have a loyal customer base. Quiznos has locations in many cities across the U.S. and internationally.
