Brand new Panera and it looks stunning. Interior has the newest design and looks great. This is the second Ankeny location but it has a drive thru. Excited that it has a DT. Definitely THE Panera to visit if you don't want to get out of the car in January. Since this is brand new, the crew is still working out the kinks but they are very nice and trying hard. Keep up the good customer service. Update 11/10/2019: Taking away a couple stars from my original 5 star review. Service has gone down tremendously at this location over the past few months. Today was the final straw to make me lower its rating. Walked in with the family and stood there for awhile before someone walked by. She looked at us and kept walking. Then later another person came up and I thought she was the cashier. Nope. She was bringing stuff upfront and had to go get another person. Probably waited 5 minutes before actually ordering. No other customers in line. Then our food was made but they didn't buzz us. What is the point of giving out buzzers if you don't use them. Apparently the food had been done for awhile because the toasted bagels and hot sandwich were no longer hot. The two people in the kitchen were looking at the screen and food trying to figure out why no one had picked up the food and then gave me this look like finally you made. Too bad my Panera food psychic detector was left at home. As I said, not the first time this has happened lately. This was just the final straw. read more

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I ordered the half size chicken Caesar salad. In the past it has been enough if I want a light meal instead of the full size. Tonight I received a salad that had "maybe" a small handful of lettuce and very little chicken. Every other time I've order this it has been about half of the full size. This was about 1/4! And this was only $3 less than the full size! What a ripoff! Guess in the future I'll take the extra time to eat local at Main Street Cafe. No more Panera for me! read more

Panera Bread - My 1/4 (should have been 1/2) Caesar salad which cost $3 less than the full size. - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

It looks like it's been almost exactly a year since my last visit to this Panera, and...wow. Still remains the worst Panera I've ever visited. I asked for extra dressing (in normal restaurants, this would be an additional ramekin of dressing). As you can see from the attached photo, they dumped dressing on top of the salad, AND added two ramekins of dressing. It was soaked, and it was not good. Further, I waited at the drive up window for nearly ten minutes after I gave them my name for pickup. There was no one behind or in front of me. Y'all need to get it together. read more

Panera Bread - Green Goddess dressing with a salad hidden underneath - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Recently visited this Panera Bread store and it was not good. Start with the employee who took our drive-thru order. She did not know the menu, especially with what items came on a sandwich or in a salad. We waited over 20 minutes to get our drive-thru at 9 PM at night. We did not check our food until we got home, which was a big mmistake. Salad was missing 3 items and the sandwich was not grilled. Very disappointe. read more

Orange scones are the best. Haven't found anything even remotely close to them! Character count on yelp needs to be removed.

I have been to many Panera's but this was my first time in Ankeny. It is a new location with a modern design and a convenient drive thru. Upon arriving, I was sad they didn't have the BBQ chicken mac n cheese. That was my favorite for the past few years. I settled and got the "pick 2" and got mac n cheese and the BBQ chicken sandwich. It was good, but nothing spectacular. They had a few tables available, but most were closed for social distancing. Some of them appeared dirty and I saw customers cleaning it themselves before they sat down. The food was quickly made. The portion sizes aren't huge, but it filled me up. read more

Horrible service. I typically love Panera, but this one lacks on customer service. We had an order pick up and they forgot one item. Not a big deal I understand orders get messed up sometimes, but what really got me was the lack of service when I went to get the item. They said they would remake it no problem, but then it took a good 30 minutes for them to make one flatbread. I understand it takes time to cook, but I stood there for a little and then finally heard someone say "oh has anyone made that flatbread yet"...then someone started to finally make it but did it so slowly cause they were all just standing and talking. And when the guy handed me it no apologies or anything just here's your flatbread. Will not be going to this Panera location again. read more

I'm usually not a fan of Panera, as this American likes his food portions huge. I came here for a quick stop and got the avocado, egg white, and spinach breakfast sandwich. The preparation took a bit but I guess that's the price you pay for fresh food made to order. The sandwich itself took 5 bites to finish, but surprisingly, it was really good. The bread was good and you can taste the butter that they put in there. The sandwich had fresh spinach and the overall flavor was great. Color me surprised. read more

Panera Bread - Avocado, egg white, spinach sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Panera is a staple of mine during my travels! My hometown Panera is just as good and there are always friendly smiles to greet you and an abundance of those, "yum yum" choices for you to devour! Note: you can no longer purchase a drink and get a cherry pastry for $.99 as the only option you have now is a cookie! That's a darn right corruption going on! Who is running this racketeering squad?? read more

Panera Bread - Drive thru lane looking at front entrance - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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Lord have MERCY. That was tasty, so good. I must preach about the service, superior. All of the employees were the best. Super nice. Super friendly. I miss the old manager Doug, he was chill. The drink was pretty goated with the sauce. I even had a ham sandwich and with the a request the employee added his secret sauce. Overall I think Grant McIntosh is the best employee and deserves a raise. read more

Panera Bread - Absolute bomb of a drink. - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Terrible. Grabbed breakfast before ball games close by - we didn't get our order 20 min after we were scheduled to pick up, then some of the food was cold and others not made right. Asked to them to remake and they said we'd have to wait until all other orders were done. Finally got our food and it was completely up AGAIN!! One egg sandwich didn't even have an egg on it! They were completely out of coffee and not a soul in the entire restaurant. There was a local that walked in and said he doesn't know why he keeps coming back because they always screw something up. Manager's excuse was they are short staffed. I completely understand that challenge however, you had three employees in the kitchen that that just needed to do the job that they were hired to do. read more

Figured I'd swing by for an iced tea on the way home. Got tea from the drive thru. Immediately notice it looks really weak/transparent in color. Thought how bad could it be and drove home, didn't want to wait or invest any more time. Get home, take a sip and immediately spit what I didn't swallow in the sink. Tasted like someone poured water into a mostly empty coffee urn. There was no tea taste at all. Pure garbage and a complete waste of time. read more

Just ordered this chicken noodle soup for my sick spouse. The soup looks like it's just broth. It's also not even filled up. $6 for this? Thanks for reassuring customers that the 2.5 star rating for this location is not a joke! It truly reflects the quality and level of service here. read more

First I'm a big fan of Panera Bread but this place seems to be a bit on the cheap side. I've ate here a few times and don't seem to get the quantity of food a normal Panera puts out. This was my Frontega Chicken sandwich today. Hardly anything on the sandwich. read more

Panera Bread - Frontega Chicken - all bread and no chicken or anything else for that matter.... - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

This is a long one... This is in regard specifically to the 1800 N Ankeny Blvd location in Ankeny, IA. Five days ago (from this posting date), I ordered 2 breakfast sandwiches - one specifically without cheese (my spouse has a dairy allergy) and one normal sandwich for me. I've had order accuracy issues with this location before, so I always check my food to make sure it is accurate before I leave the parking lot. Of course, my wife's breakfast sandwich had cheese on it (even though the receipt specifically stated "no white cheddar"), so I had to have them remake it. Fast forward 30 minutes later (after the sandwich was made I arrived at home), I opened my sandwich, took my first bite, and discovered I was eating paper! Yup - you've got it, the sandwich maker did not remove the paper from my cheese. When I took the paper out of my sandwich (which is a normal task, said no one ever!), the paper took the cheese with it. I immediately attempted to call the store directly, and found they do NOT answer the phone - I tried repeatedly for nearly 30 minutes, and it just rings and then goes back into the phone menu. I emailed Panera's customer care, explained the situation and received a customer care reward for my bad experience less than 24 hours later. Fast forward to today...I decided to use my reward for my lunch. The reward states sandwich up to $12.50. Instead of a single, full sandwich, I want the 1/2 sandwich/pick 2 (which is actually less than half the value of the full reward). I went through the drive thru to see if I could do the 1/2 sandwich, pick 2. She asked for my Rewards number, confirmed with her lead and was told I could, so that is what I ordered. Since she had my phone number, she had access to redeem my reward. When I got to the cashier window, though, I was told I owed $5.50 (which happens to be the full cost of the 1/2 sandwich, pick 2). I explained to her 3 times that she had just told me that the reward would cover it but she refused to correct it or seek advise from her leader on how to make it right. Since I had a line of cars behind me (btw, this cafe is INHERENTLY SLOW), I relented, paid my $5.50 and went on my way, knowing I was going to immediately call the cafe. When I got home, I reviewed my My Panera account, AND MY REWARD HAD BEEN DELETED! I immediately went to task to call the cafe to speak to the manager and explain the situation. Guess what?! After 20 more minutes of my time wasted, THEY STILL DIDN'T ANSWER THE PHONE!!! I ended up calling their Panera's Customer Care number and explained the situation. They had my previous complaint still on record from a few days ago it is tied to my phone number. The rep I spoke to told my reward would be restored and that a corporate manager will contact me directly. The rep I spoke to seemed genuinely sorry for the experience, but that doesn't change my perception of the local cafe. I've enjoyed Panera in the past, but I REFUSE to return to this specific cafe location due to repeatedly poor experiences. I highly advise the public to avoid the Panera Bread location at 1800 N Ankeny Blvd location at all costs! You will leave a little lighter in the wallet for food that you didn't order and a horrible experience. read more

The low ratings at this goat rodeo of a Panera are accurate. Waiting 70 mins for 6 sandwiches and 4 smoothies is not something I ever considered possible. It appears to be very poorly trained employees who seem to be oblivious to the standards that other Paneras hold themselves to. I'm definitely a 1st time last time customer at this location. read more

Ok this is the second time we went through the drive they and the second time they have forgotten to place our complete order in the bag. I feel that if you want Panera go to the south side one where we have always had good service and nothing missing. read more

I am so happy to have a Panera a mile from home, this is both good and bad because I love Panera!!! I love that their products are fresh and don't have any artificial colors/preservatives! The inside of the store is beautiful!! The flow where you order and then go to the window is nice! They have a great choice of drinks and I love the fast pick up area! Makes it super convenient. Which speaking of convenience, the drive through! fantastic!!! The staff was super friendly and even though we just stopped in for a quick drink and a snack we were on our way right away!! Super impressed with the location, quality, and staff!! Glad to have a location so close that isn't just your normal fast food!! read more

I recently ate inside, and it stunk. The soda machine area had a bad stench, which was mopped, but still remained smelly and sticky. On my way out, I told one of the workers that it was still nasty, as she was behind the counter. In response to my concern she laughed straight in my face. I asked her what was funny and she said "We know it's sticky, why are you telling us again" in a very agressive tone. We will not be coming back, and nobody should unless they want the sticky smell to follow them out. read more

This is a new Panera and I do love the new Panera menu but to be honest, the service here is lacking. Both Paneras in town have been disappointing. There's some local restaurants that do this better. read more

Horrible service. I walked in and the girl behind the counter looked at me and stared. I took a step forward to the counter and she looked down and messed with the register. I wasn't sure if I could be helped orrrrrr??? So I said "Hello?" And then she just looked at me and waited for me to order. There was another girl behind that was just standing there staring. No hello. No "how is your day going" no SERVICE. When they finished my order at the counter, they just tossed it up there without saying my name. I stood and looked over the counter, questioned if it was done, and the worker confirmed it was. Last time I visited this place, I waited 15 mins beyond my scheduled pick up time, called them and had the phone ring for 10 mins, then still waited 10 more mins and they never came out. Short staffed everywhere, I get it, but I'd highly consider closing this location. The rep that the company is getting based on the service at this one is not worth the effort to keep it open. read more

I like Panera for their healthier options but it would be nice if they carried just plain ranch dressing. I font care for their dressing choices. The cinnamon bagels are delish! Soups ate also very good. read more

I have tried this Panera three times as it is close to me. The first time I chose Rapid pick-up. There was a note in my cubby saying one item was not available. I had to stand in line and wait to get that order replaced and then I had to wait while they made my other items. It took me longer than if I had just gone in to order. The second time our order through rapid pick-up was incorrect. Today I sent my husband. My order was supposed to be ready at 10 til 5. At 5:15 he was handed an order. When he got home it was someone else's order. He went back to get the correct order and they no longer had an item I had ordered. Needless to say-I have given them 3 chances and have yet to receive the correct items or decent customer service. We won't be back. Way to go, Panera. read more

Really disappointed. Ordered a chicken avocado sandwich and I think they may have accidentally scraped the avocado and had a piece fall on my sandwich. Soups are always good, but the sandwich falls way short. read more

Panera Bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

They do not keep their coffee filled. Came in twice to find empty pot. Their response, "seemed not to care " Management claimed defective pots. read more

Despite my strained relationship with Panera overall, this location is a decent place to spend a few hours working at while I'm on 'vacation' at the inlaws house. Pros: - Nice (albeit small) lobby with a good group work table that has a couple of adjacent outlets - Not too crowded Cons: - Slow internet (it must be DSL or something - not fast at all) - Staff that clearly would like to be somewhere else - All the standard Panera bs (carbs for miles, expensive food, slow-as-molasses service) If you love bread and service from people who enjoy working slowly, you're going to love it. For everyone else, this is an acceptable option for what it is. read more

Not very happy with my visit here. Customer service was very poor. Front desk worker was very rude when asked questions about different items on the menu due to allergens. My order was then also messed up and when going back to ask if it could be remade I was given "attitude" again. I would say customer service needs to be improved at this place. read more

Made it to this Panera Bread on their first night open. It is really nice on the inside here, kind of cozy, and the drive thru is a nice touch...parking could be questionable though if there is a long line. The manager greeted everyone there and said to be patient for their 1st night which is understandable. The wait was a bit long for the food, but it was spot on. Got a Bacon Turkey Bravo and a bowl of tomato soup, great you pick 2 option. We also got a roasted turkey/bacon avocado with broccoli cheddar soup also tasty. The wait was kind of long but it was nice and calm in there so didn't really mind the wait. The location is great vs the other one in town with much better parking too. read more

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I have realized that Ankeny seems to have a pretty sharp divide between eating establishments that usually get orders correct, provide good service and are able to keep employees and establishments that just don't seem to care. Both Panera s in Ankeny have been sliding towards the don't care side of the spectrum but today took the cake. Line in drive thru, knew they run slow so walked in. Short staffed so they only took orders via kiosk. Ok, kiosks were blended in on shelf with no identifier but eventually found it. Placed order ok, then time to pay. Swiped 3 different cards. Apparently the chip reader didn't work. All 3 times the kiosk said something went wrong use another form of payment. At this point I had seen one employee who said one sentence to a different company. So I left with no soup. I notice that the restaurants where management seems to care aren't having staffing issues and systems not working. So at the present, I wouldn't risk it. read more

I have never met grumpier workers in my whole entire life than the workers I encountered at the drive-through today at Panera bread. I am from California and then I'm used to being treated with respect when I am at eateries. I was treated so poorly, worse than I have been treated in a very long time. read more

I have never had a bad experience with Panera before but I got delivery tonight and this is what their grilled cheese is apparently now. read more

Panera Bread - This is their "four cheese grilled cheese" - Sandwiches Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

We usually have a great experience with rapid pick up but today was disappointing. The extras we added to our salads didn't get added and it cost us $4. I got the SW Salad with more avocado (salad comes with avocado) and the wasn't any! read more

I love Panera but I consistently have problems with rapid pick up at this location! I've gotten an avocado breakfast sandwich with no avocado (seems to be a common occurrence here) and today I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and got no cream cheese. Luckily, I learned my lesson and checked my bag before leaving. Double check your rapid pick up at this location!!! read more

Door handle and window were dirty when entering (giant greasy handprint). As we were walking in, instead of being greeted, she pointed at a kiosk and said "order there." I wanted to order at the counter since we had a gift card and she walked away. The kiosk didn't work so the manager came out and said to order at the counter and the employee then rolled her eyes. They got our to-go order wrong. I informed them and was told they would fix it- it was still wrong when we got home to eat. The employees and manager were swearing in the kitchen loud enough (minor children with us) that we could hear it while waiting. Third time going there and all three experiences were similar. Will not return. read more

I'm assuming it's the manager that was rude to us. Mumbles a name over the speaker that food is ready. Sounded absolutely NOTHING like my husband's name. A couple minutes go by and she gets back on the speaker and with an attitude lists off everything from our order. "I have a kid's Mac and cheese here....." Like she's seriously annoyed and inconvenienced. My husband goes up to get it and she just glares at him. Well, speak clearly the first time, lady! Not our fault you're a miserable woman with poor communication skills! Maybe go work somewhere else if you can't be bothered to speak clearly and have patience? Lots of places hiring right now. It wasn't even busy either. read more

Where does one start? I guess I will start by saying well after a year since the Covid pandemic began, this location is still ill equipped to serve customers. Upon going into the store we were greeted by an employee that told us we had to order from their one and only kiosk in the store. We were fine with that. We stood and studied the menu board to determine what we wanted before tying up the kiosk to place our orders. Meanwhile an older couple came in and they were told they needed to place their order on that one and only kiosk. Since they did not bother to study the menu board, they went straight over to the kiosk and scrolled through the selections many times over while we waited. After determining this couple were nowhere near ready to place their order, my my wife and I decided to go somewhere where our business would be appreciated. Apparently the management of this store does not know how to make it safe for their employees to take orders from their registers. It would be simple to put up plexiglass and put out card readers so the employees and customers have no direct contact so they can operate as close to normal as possible. Here my wife and I stayed in isolation for over a year until being vaccinated and it didn't take me long to figure out how this store could be bringing in more customers and money, but unfortunately management hasn't figured that out, or else they simply don't care. I know we won't be coming back to this location. It is one poor excuse of a restaurant. It makes no sense to keep customers waiting while their employees up front walked around doing nothing. How pathetic! read more

I understand it being busy & having to wait which is not an issue for me. But my friend & I had been waiting for our buzzers to go off, & after about 25-30 minutes we looked on the counter & there are our two orders. The lady asked if they looked like ours & i said yes well our buzzers never went off. Her apology was not very good, she replied "oh, sorry" & continued on with her life. Our soups both had a film ontop indicating theyd been sitting there a while. No one bothered to figure out whose order it was so we got luke warm soup & luke warm sandwiches. read more

I had to wait over 5 minutes just to get someone to come and take my order. She looked like she was super out of it. The staff acted unprofessional and I had to ask for a lemon because they were out on the drink bar (something I've never seen at a Panera). And even then the girl I asked didn't even say anything when I asked her and she wasn't friendly at all. By the way, she never came to refill the lemons. Too bad because it's a nice location and the inside is nice too. read more

I am a big fan of the soup, sandwiches and salads but this location needs a little better management. Tables were all still dirty from breakfast and the tea and other beverages were all out. Not something I would expect from a Panera! read more

Completely out of everything and when did soup and sandwiches for 4 cost over $70.00! Drive through didn't even know our order, and taking forever. Not a covid issue just a poorly run outfit tonight!!! read more