Let's start out by saying I am a big fan of Panera. Unfortunately the Athens location has lost me and my family as a customer. My wife and I are both nurses and end up ordering to go on nights we both work. On more than 4 occasions items we ordered were omitted or incorrect. Despite this we still placed an order last night. We received a tuna fish sandwich instead of a turkey avocado BLT. We called the restaurant and they said that I could go in and speak with Brett. I did just that and my sandwich was quickly made and given to me. They did not see my requests for no Mayo. The sandwich was remade. I though that this being the 3rd time the sandwich was made it would be correct. I get home to find out there is no lettuce, no avocado, and the incorrect bread requested for the sandwich. I was offered to have another sandwich made and free pastry's, but I am done with this place. I was shocked to see many others have had the same issue. If the GM reads this please do something. I would love to be a customer again, but will not at this point in time will not be. read more

I love me some Panera but the Athens location never fails to disappoint. I live across the street from this location and it's so convenient, but I have never gone there and had a problem-free experience. The other week I went and they were OUT. OF. BREAD. Panera Bread out of bread. Today I went at 2:30 in the afternoon and 1.) It was packed and understaffed per usual, 2.) They had only two flavors of bagels that I did not want at all, and 3.) I swear no one cleans the tables or floors ever. Since they've switched to make-your-own sweet tea, the simple syrup is constantly empty and never monitored. Salads are usually underdressed. Will I still go there? Out of the sheer hope that each day something has improved, yes. Panera, I love you and I hope you prove me very wrong, sooner rather than later. read more

Pathetic. Most electric outlets on the west side of the building are faulty. Their Wifi is absolutely awful. They use those stupid kiosks for you to ring up your order. I'd rather deal w/ a real person. And they have an 81 (B) rating. That's almost a C. I won't be going back read more

This is a quality Panera location. Tons of kiosks to order from so there is no wait. Lots of seating. And the food is prepared well. Customer service was helpful as well. read more

I've lived in Athens for over two and a half years and frequent Panera about once a month and every time I have gone they literally always seem to be out of something major on the menu. The past few times I've gone they've been out of bread bowls. How are you out of bread bowls?! And the side of bread?? They're out of that too. It's never consistent and I've had my order wrong numerous times. I've been to other ones and have had a great experience, this Panera is sub-par. Don't really know if I will rerun today after this visit. read more

I used to love Panera but I haven't had the best experience with this location the past few times I went. Biggest complaint: I prefaced my order by saying I was vegetarian. I ordered the cobb salad and asked for the meat to be substituted with avocado (ie having extra avocado as the salad already has it on it). I was charged extra for it plus they left the bacon on. They had to take the salad back and remake it. The employee who brought my food over didn't make much of an apology about the mistake. From googling since, if you ask for avocado substitute, it is supposed to be free. Additionally, they are supposed to offer a complimentary baked good when they mess up your order. If I'm craving Panera at this point, I'd prefer to go to another location. read more

Nice restaurant, great food. The servants here are very friendly. Great place for a relaxing meal. read more

I've been putting off writing this review for awhile. I'm from the St. Louis area -- where Panera was originally St. Louis Bread Company. There stores made amazing food, decor was cool and customer service was always great. Lines were out the door all the time. After moving to Athens, GA, of course, Panera would be on my list of go-tos. Horrible customer service, slow as can be. Food is sub-par to say the least. Atmosphere is like an elementary school cafeteria. However, my daughter invited me to meet her for lunch there today, so I went for her. Spent over $10 on a 'steak and cheese' sandwich with the hardest bread ever and a mere pittance of meat, tough & chewy. I had to take the top of the sandwich to eat it (or attempt to) and gave up halfway through that. My daughter had lukewarm cheese broccoli soup. Never again will I let the old memories of St. Louis Bread Company invade my thoughts. Panera is forever buried from my mind. read more

Their food is ok at best. They do have pretty great soups, but that's about it. Jason's is way better. I won't be eating at Panera again though, after getting *deathly* sick on their Black bean soup. I ended up spending my day in the hospital, and going home with a $5,000 medical bill. It was confirmed food poisoning. read more

A nice Panera Bread location. Well-prepared food, adequate service, and quiet enough for a nice lunch meeting. It's sometimes understaffed during brunch times (11 AM-ish), but never to the point where I was annoyed by the slowdown. read more

My fiancé and I got food poisoning. Cramps and throwing up since we have left. Service was pretty bad and my order was wrong as well. Would avoid like the plague read more

Service is always soso on the speed of getting orders out. I just moved to Athens and I've been here twice. Once in the early evening and once a couple hours before closing and they have been out of the French baguette both times. I go to Panera bread for the bread... not chips. read more

I really enjoy going here once in a while. I'd go here more for the breakfast type of foods than lunch or dinner. Their cinnamon rolls are freakin' HUGE and around $3. Definitely try their variety of pastries and rolls. AND BAGELS. Their sandwich's aren't as delicious as a typical deli...(i.e. Jason's Deli). It's not really loaded or anything special. read more

I just walked out without ordering anything. The person behind the counter was busy doing inventory. She was checking off items on a list and didn't acknowledge my presence at all. Other workers in the back were playing catch (not well, he dropped whatever it was). Three or four people that I assume were management briefly came out to the counter talking amongst themselves. One said something to the first worker and I thought he was prompting her to wait on my, the customer standing right in front of her. Nope. Apparently he was checking to see where she was in her inventory list because he took out his own list and began working his way through that. I like their breads, but I wasn't hungry enough to wait around until they showed some interest in exchanging bread for money. Their boss must be a bear on inventory. They'll have a bit more to count because none went out the door with me. This is the first time something like this has happened there. In the past the customer service has been good and the breads were delicious. Maybe management changed. read more

I stopped in for a quick lunch and they redefined my expectation. I didn't finish sitting down before my order was ready and they were all very polite. I can always count on something at least semi-healthy and tasty on-the-go when I eat here. Keep up the good work. read more

Ordered and didn't even have time to use the restroom before it was ready. My order was correct, I got no tomatoes, extra olives on my salad. I almost forgot to take my picture lol. Chicken salad was tasty. Had a Greek salad last night that was a tad better from a different establishment, but I think it was the dressing. Toffee cookie that I got extra wasn't that great but it was soft. Water cups were tiny, bring your own in ;-) read more

Panera Bread - Pick 2: Greek Salad + 1/2 Chicken Salad Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Got food poisoning from the Mac n cheese there. It was horrible. Ate the food then got terribly sick after. I would advice the staff to look at expiration dates of all food items. Also had a sandwich as a side. read more

I'm gonna start by saying I'm very biased when it comes to any Panera. I managed a location in a different city for 5 years so I know what's expected and how everything is supposed to work. Things have changed since I left yes, but the basics are still the same. That being said, this location does an okay job with food quality and presentation. The recent addition of delivery has been awesome for me. I've just had several surgeries and am unable to drive and this panera has made it easy for me to order my favorite soups and salads (so happy the Asian Sesame salad is back) and have it delivered to my door. The order has always been correct and delivered in a very timely manner. Their bakery however needs some work. I know it can be difficult to pan-up the correct number of items without having your bakers do to much, but to run out of so many cookies and muffins before it's even dinner is unacceptable. Not only are you loosing sales and meal upgrades, your customers aren't happy and it just looks bad. I've had several bakery items that were not baked to standards that really shouldn't have been sold, like a cranberry orange muffin that was so flat it looked like a muffie. Also- why do you never use cilantro?!? It's in the recipes for a reason! I will continue to visit this location (despite it not having a drive thru) and hope the bakery gets better. read more

Panera Bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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I usually love Panera and was excited to take my boyfriend here for his first time, but this particular location is terrible and I was embarrassed that I talked so highly of the chain. People come here for the semi-quick service, quality ingredients, and clean environment; but the one in Athens fails to meet any of these. Waited in line 15+ minutes, then another 25+ minutes for our food! The service was slow, and the place was uncomfortably packed and messy. Obviously understaffed. Not to mention, the physical location off the highway is hard to get to, and the parking lot is crammed. As a former "once a week" Panera visitor, I will avoid this location indefinitely. read more

This is the slowest Panera I've ever been to. Two sandwiches took 20 minutes on a Sunday morning when no one was there. Get it together.

I ordered online and my pastry was not in the bag. I told the lady at pick up and she said I had to get it from the front counter. So I waited in line for 20 mins because there was only one lady on register and she seemed new or something. Finally got my pastry and she told me they aren't allowed to give the baked goods to the kitchen because they'll squish them in the bag??? Anyways. Table are always dirty too read more

This used to be my favorite breakfast place in Athens. But since they have so called remodeled it's terrible. It's almost as if they decided to go backwards instead of forward. The place looks rundown on the outside now, it looks like they are going out of business on the inside and the help has gotten slower. All of which are tail tail signs of them being in financial trouble. Don't want to pay for landscaping, don't want to spend the time to put specials on a table up front anymore and only have one person at the counter at 7:30am!! I'll miss you Panera when you go out of business. read more

Very snappy and rude cashier. Was not happy when I asked about how half a sandwich and a soup was $11... (pick two menu)

Overpriced. Terrible inaccuracy issues. Very small portions on simple items like soups and mac'n cheese. $6 for 8 ounces of soup that they typically skimp on (meaning they don't give you the entire 8 ounce serving). Breakfast is a nightmare; understaffed constantly. read more

This Panera is literally ALWAYS out of everything. Bread bowls, baguettes, soups, you name it. The employees at the counter have very poor customer service. I also thought that, being a vegetarian, Panera would be a good choice for most meals. However after specifically asking for no meat on numerous occasions, they never fail to disappoint. There is constantly chicken mixed in my salad, on my sandwiches, etc. AND when i called 6 times to notify them of their errors...no answer. Ever. Such a waste of time and money. Do better. read more

I am from St. Louis where Panera began as St. Louis Bread Company. For years I have lived these restaurants, even when traveling. The company was recently sold and the downhill slide began. Here in the Athens store, they've redecorated the attractive, comfortable plan to turn it into what almost looks like an elementary school cafeteria. Portions and food quality have declined substantially. Today I went with my father, his choice, and they screwed up my order and what I ended up with was one pitiful slice of D grade turkey and stale bread. As I was walking to the restroom I encountered a large cockroach writhing on its back in the middle of the floor. I went and reported it and watched as no one came to address this disgusting sight. I hate, hate, hate to say this, but one of my favorites is officially no more and hopefully, the Health Dept will be checking them closely. read more

Since Panera has gone to the kiosk system in the Athens , GA the service has really gone downhill. On my recent visits the pastry selection has been poor with many items not available. The drinks and coffee always seems to be empty. The food quality and portions have been hit or miss. This used to be one of my favorite places for lunch or a pastry. Now not so much..When you go in to purchase something make sure they have the item available and the drinks available. read more

I ordered my food for rapid pick up and arrived promptly. When I arrive my food is not there nor ready for me to pick up. I just had oral surgery and can not eat much. Exhausted and heavily medicated, I wait for my food that was supposed to be ready. 15 minutes later I'm notified that the noodles for the soup are not thawed. Maybe something they should've called and told previously or said when I first arrived. I was still charged for what I did decide to get even though it was late. If you have places to go or do not feel well Panera in ATL hwy is not for you. read more

The requirement that one can only place a delivery order via online is a serious flaw. When my company did that the other day, and after the delivery was no where in sight and over 15 minutes late, we placed a call and they had no record of the order despite the successful charge to our American Express card. The very nice person at Panera took our order over the phone and promised it to be delivered in 15 minutes. Well, after 20 minutes, they called and told us that 1) they could not find the original order, and 2) they were unable to take an order for delivery over the phone DESPITE the circumstances. The person told us that we would have to go back on line and reorder the individual lunches for our employees and that the delivery time would be about 30-45 minutes after they received it via online. It is sad to think that a procedure is so flawed that, especially when there are serious embedded procedural issues, the employees are not empowered to be creative and act with some semblance of customer service and creativity. read more

Good food but service is insanely slow took over an hour to get one bowl of mac and cheese out with few people in the restaurant

WOW! Although a little on the expensive side , it's the best lunch I've had in a long time. The turkey and avocado sandwich was absolutely delectable. If you're watching your waistline, be sure to stay away from the bakery side. My wife said the chocolate chip cookies are absolutely marvelous and I thought the chocolate pastry puffs were the best. I'm sure they're 450 calories each. read more

I suggest not going at all. I came here with a friend today and we both ordered a chicken sandwich. The meat came raw and an employee stated that it comes like that. However, once we showed the raw, red piece of meat he finally agreed. First time and last time here. Would not recommend. read more

The experience at this location was not good at all. The food wasn't good and the girl at the checkout was rude and not helpful. I normally have a great experience at other Panera locations, but I will defiantly not be coming back to this one. read more

Staff and manager are very rude and short with customers. Tables are dirty while staff chats it up behind the counter. NEVER coming back to this Panera again. read more

Been to this location multiple times and never had as bad of an experience as I did last time. I did the pick 2 with a BBQ chicken salad and soup. Everything was good till I started eating the chicken and found that the chicken was still frozen. When I took it back to the counter and asked for it to be remade the workers looked pissed at me this was including the manager that was standing there. Then when I went to pick it up the new one the girl that made it rolled her eyes at me. Not as professional of people that should be working there. I would understand them messing up a little when it is the lunch rush but this was at 3pm and there were 4 tables of people in the entire place. Panera should reconsider who they are hiring to work in their establishments. read more

I come to this Panera a lot. The food is consistently good and always comes out quickly. It's as good as any other Panera and the soup always makes me feel better. They sell Pepsi products though so I am only giving 3 stars. That's what happens when you sell knock off products in the south! read more

I have constantly had my orders either slapped together or wrong, and today I had to wait 20 mins past the time I set for rapid pickup, finally went to the counter to see where my food was, and before I had a moment to speak, the server snapped "Name?!" at me so rudely I almost walked out. The only thing that kept me there was the fact that I had already paid for my food. They won't be getting my business again. read more

This place is such a trainwreck, I don't know why I keep going back. I ordered two Asian Chicken Sesame salads which are supposed to have almonds. While waiting for my order, I heard the employees discussing that they were out of almonds and would just substitute pecans. They realized I heard them, and asked if that was ok. When I got home, I realized they were out of the dressing for this salad as well. But no one asked me if a different dressing was ok. The tomato bisque I ordered was cold, and apparently they were out of croutons for the soup also. I won't be back. read more

My family and I went to this location last night since my son loves the broccoli cheddar soup with baguette. First of all, they were out of any kind of bread but one kind, even the three sandwiches that we got which were supposed to have different breads, they all came with one sourdough bread that my son didn't like. The coffee was not fresh and when I asked, it took them an hour to change it !!!! The pastry that I got was hard and not fresh at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was the worst experience ever! It is called panera BREAD but no good bread was there yesterday !!!! Nobody was happy when we left and we spend $30 ! read more

Very good and clean. They just remodeled the whole place so it's very nice inside and out. The food is good. It's prepared like every other chain. Little pricey but worth it. They also have great bagels read more