I love Panera! Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This one is in my GPS as a favorite. Never disappointed with the food or wait times. Well run, clean, good wifi. Better than expected for a chain. read more

This is by far the worst customer service i've had. I'm usually not one to complain and am really understanding when your order isn't perfect while the place is busy, but there was no orders when i came in. I ordered a smoothie, and I waited 10 minutes before the blender even started. There were plenty of workers, but no one seemed to want to make it I'm guessing. My smoothie came out almost 15 minutes later and it was only 3/4ths of the way full and literally liquid. It didn't even look like how it usually does. It looked like they just poured in some type of mix into the cup. It didn't taste like what i ordered either. I ended up just throwing it away. read more

I love panera. We were there a week. All staff were very friendly and nice. Foods were delisious and good ckooked

Slim pickings for bagels at 11:30am on a Sunday. Really slow service. The four-cheese grilled cheese was more like cheese toast. Hardly any cheese. Had them remake it and it wasn't much better. Go somewhere else. read more

This place has gone down hill. There was only dark roast coffee available, everything else was empty. No urgency on anyone's part to make new coffee either. Got the ham, egg, cheese sandwich in a bowl and the egg was barely cooked. My husband got a bagel and it was cold with garlic crumbs. Not very clean. Probably won't be back read more

This Panera Bread in Gainesville, VA has REALLY declined over the years. They are really at their lowest point. The customer service is absolutely terrible. Their cleanliness has really gone down as well. I found a hair COOKED into my four cheese soufflé from Panera Bread at the Gainesville, VA location. This is very disgusting and unacceptable. The crew members need to be more careful and wear hairnets when cooking. This was my favorite thing to eat at Panera and now I won't be able to enjoy it anymore. I'm going to post this to social media and show my friends. I'm very disappointed. This is not the first time something like this has happened. I always buy soufflés from Panera for my baby cousins as well and I definitely will not be doing that anymore. read more

Panera Bread - As you can see a dark curly hair is BAKED right into the four cheese soufflé meaning they were not being careful when cooking it - Sandwiches Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

I love Panera Bread but this one is....does not have the feel of the usual Panera Bread restaurant. The bathroom are disgusting, there was only one open and it was dirty and the walls were peeling. The only thing that save my experience was getting my food fast and it tasted semi similar to what I usually get back home (I'm on the road). read more

The customer service at the Gainesville Panera just got so much better! MEREDITH IS HERE! (Okay, it got better 2 years ago, when she came to this store, but I had not encountered her here in Gainesville until this morning.) Meredith is a customer service *powerhouse* that my wife and I encountered at the Centreville Panera years ago. She was our absolute favorite! We ordered for pick up all the time, and Meredith was so responsive. The one time we had the tiniest issue, she was so quick to fix it --sometimes I made mistakes on my order, and she helped with that, quickly, and with a reassuring smile. She is so kind all the time, it feels like she is our close friend. While my wife was pregnant with our 2nd kiddo, we were going out of town for a trip very early in the morning (technically before the Centreville Panera opened). My wife had a huge craving for Panera breakfast that morning. Meredith took our order and had it ready the moment the store opened--i know, because I was there right at that moment. Over and over again, our to-go or eat-in orders were ready in record time (honestly, like, ridiculously fast) and she always (always always always) had a kind word or a smile. When Meredith was pregnant, she and my wife swapped pregnancy stories --but we knew she was going to be home for a while with her baby, and we would no longer have access to her amazing kindness. We were SO sad. And now she's HERE, in Gainesville! The sun is shining, the day is brighter, and the only thing that could make this day better is if gold bars or corvettes fell out of the sky in front of me :-) One thing I notice about Meredith is that she seems to always be the one to bring the food to your table with a smile. And she is the manager! I always felt like she must have so many more important things to do, but she always always makes time for her customers. It feels like she genuinely wants to be the one to make you smile. If there is an issue, she seems to rush to make it right. I've never heard her get onto a fellow employee when something wasnt perfect- she just fixed it quickly with a smile and an apology, as though she made the mistake herself and took full responsibility for it. You can't buy this kind of service. Meredith has a passion for her customers, she is kind, she takes responsibility, she goes over and above, she appears to take on even the tiniest jobs that other employees may not want to do, she makes her customers smile every single day. Come to the Gainesville Panera and experience the legend that is the manager named Meredith-- she will really Wow you! read more

Simple clean, fresh and delicious. Classic Panera. Better than the average panera, the line moved quickly and our order was filled before I could even fill my cup at the soda fountain. Love the healthy sandwiches, salads and bread. Plus, it's the only brewed coffee I'll drink. Enjoy! read more

This is the dirtiest one I've ever been to. The food was ok, but was getting cold. The lemonade was so sweet I poured it out. Dishes piled up on tables, crumbs on all the others. Food on the floor, food on the windows. A little girl in diapers running in and out of the kitchen area. Looks as if the Gateway is going downhill?? read more

I think they need new service educational classes. I stopped by this morning for coffee and wholewheat bread with Ham, egg, cheese to go at 7:56 am 4/15/'18 to go. Cashier was very unkind. When I got my sandwich, good thing I checked before I leave. There was no egg. I went in to add egg and employee added egg and no sorry or smile or nothing. I couldn't believe there service. Worst place to go. I love Panera, but not this place. read more

Last night my boyfriend and I went to this Panera. It had been a while since we'd been to this location and as soon as we walked in I noticed the place had been redone. So far it looked nice. We ordered our food and decided to dine in. While looking for a place to sit I was astounded by the amount of filth and dirtiness. Every single table was dirty and had crumbs and food on it and the seats looked like they hadn't been wiped down all day. There was also trash all over the floor. The trash cans next to one of the larger booth seats was so full you couldn't even put more trash into it and was smelly when you walk by. I feel that the employees should focus more on the cleanliness of their restaurant. read more

I ordered a grilled cheese assuming it would be a GRILLED cheese little did I know it would be a lukewarm cheese. I told them about it and they advised me to microwave it and if anyone knows how to make a proper grilled cheese you know that you can't microwave them. The only reason I gave them a 2 star is because Grace is awesome. read more

I have found very little in the past to be unhappy with at Panera. This was my first experience at the Gainesville location with a client. We both had the bacon, egg and cheese on Brioche. The egg was luke warm and the cheese was ice cold. It made for an unappealing breakfast. There was nothing good about it. I will not visit that location again. read more

I love their coffee (it's the best!) and the food is usually very good also. Although those who work there are friendly and seem to be trying to do their best, they are apparently short-handed - at least it appears that way to me when I've gone in there and the line is so long that I have walked out a couple of times. Also, I agree that the music is so loud it makes having an ordinary conversation difficult. My suggestion: hire some extra part-time wokers during the busy times. And, please keep the volume of the music down or better still no music at all. read more

Posted several reviews in the past. So I will post again as the others seemed to get their attention. This store is totally mismanaged. They two guys named Tyler that seemed like good managers. They are gone. Why? Of their own need/will? Forced out? Who knows but if you let good people go says something about you. But that is not all that is wrong. Over the last two months, they routinely are out of ingredients. The last two weeks it was "No sausage available" or "No pickled onions". Then over the last two months (keep in mind what their name is) they didn't have from morning to closing several different types of bread. In the past it was bagels or bagel cream cheese. Today I arrived for curbside pick up as I usually do. Had to wait 15 minutes. I called twice only for the call to drop. I thought the issue was that I had to part in front of the shoe store as people were parking in the pickup spots (going in and staying in there not just to run in and out). Several cars were still there when I left. I told the girl when she finally came out and found me. I just got that flippant insincere "Have a good one". I called back a third time and got "Juan" who said he was the manager. All the offered was "I'm sorry". That was it. This place is just a disaster. read more

Terrible. Ordered my tomato and mozzarella Panini which is the same at every Panera and this one didn't have any basil on it. Also ordered balsamic dressing on the side when I got home it wasn't in the bag. We wont be back ! read more

This place has horrible serving sizes for the to go mac and cheese, truly pitiful. Filled up half of a small for five dollars. No thank you. Even the larges are a major rip off. Will be taking my business to potbelly across the street from now on. read more

I really like it here! I usually get a chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl, but tonight I just felt like getting a cup of coffee while my boyfriend is meeting up with someone nearby. read more

Stop by last Thursday a little after regular lunch hours. I waited to be helped for several minutes why a group of employees stood in the back having what appeared to be a heated gossip session. Eventually was able to make my order (to-go). The food was fine, as most Panera's usually are. But was missing a side of bread or chips. Overall, I may return here.. but I won't be expecting great service. read more

I asked my wife if she could purchase a bread bowl from Panera Bread? She ordered a bread bowl and two soups. By a bread bowl, I mean the bread bowl alone. No soup, just the bowl. This is not a complex order. Rather simple, just three items. They managed to not put the bread bowl in the bag. The messed up on the simplest item, a bread bowl. We have been to this location a few times and they have messed up our order a number of times. I would suggest that you do not spend your money at this particular location. If you make a purchase at this location, make them read back your order so that you can confirm your order. When you arrive, always check your order to ensure that they do not mess up your order. When I complained, the manager said that she would cancel my wife's order. I told her that I would prefer and would wait however long I have to wait for them to deliver my bread bowl. Unfortunately, I am out of delivery range. read more

This is the kind of Panera I'm used to, love the East Coast! Great food, EXCELLENT service, etc. Got my stuff to go, but they reminded me why I love Panera. read more

The dirtiest Panera I've ever been to. Very nice employees but it is disorganized, messy, dark, dirty. The floors are always filthy, the order counter is cluttered and dirty, employees always dropping things. Food is good but store needs some work! read more

Three stars might be generous. We stopped in for lunch, I'm a BLT freak so I ordered the Turkey avocado BLT, it came on sourdough, which was fine, but the sandwich was ice cold and the bacon limp, the only crunch around was the chips! The restaurant, at least this location was filthy and the new kiosks were not yet operational so the wait was quite long. Overall I'd say I'd give Panera another chance especially since my wife loves their soup and if she's happy I'm happy read more

The food here is really good but it's alittle pricey for a place that doesn't even wipe the tables down. The floors are kinda dirty and it just generally seems disorganized. But it's a great place to get work done read more

Four spoons of soup in a bread bowl. WTH? Basically a $5 ball of bread. Pretty watered down smoothie too. I'd avoid this location.

Stopped here for the free wifi, food and restaurant excellent. lots of young families for lunch so not so quite. Reduced one star for seating. read more

Back to reaffirm the 2 star rating. I stopped by on Mother's day to pick up some lunch for a picnic. They forgot a soup. Happy mother's day mom, no soup for you. A solid 2 stars. read more

Poor customer service. Got a take out order and added a bakery item from their kiosk. When I went to the counter to pick up my order I was told by the associate that they were out of my bakery item and to go stand in line to pick something out. The line was long and I wasn't going to wait. I walked out. She should have made a suggestion and went to the bakery section to get an item for me. The sad part is I like Panera's food but I will not go back to this Panera again. read more

i always order to take out...never have a problem with their food... but it quit pricey...their lattes are good more buttery taste if ur lookin alternatives to starbucks... read more

Went here once, first time ever at a Panera. Staff not friendly. Food over-priced. Coffee tasted terrible. Napkins not stocked.

This place is alright. Not bad when in bind but not really a go to restaurant. The food seems somewhat processed. I got the steak and white cheddar which was more of a roast beef than steak. Like other delis in this style like Corner Bakery I feel like sandwiches get too toasted and take away from the sandwich. Not a bad place but not my favorite either. read more

On 22 January, ordered on-line. The selected soup showed as available. Learned when picking up order that the soup was NOT available and I'd have to pick another.Tried to call at 4:50pm on 23 January -- no answer after many rings - two tries. read more

I have been been a few times since my last review. The Chicken Salad was pretty good, but they were completely out of tea sweet and un-sweetened. :/ Staff was a little better, but they are never really friendly (snobby). Still not my favorite place, but I was meeting a friend there...we chatted for a pretty long time and noone made us leave so gave them more stars. :) read more

So sad to see the quality of this location go down. Just finished my visit at the newly renovated Panera bread. The food was delicious as usual but the cleanliness of the restaurant was disappointing. Hopefully they correct this because it's a great location and great restaurant! read more

Have always ordered the ham, egg, & cheese on multi grain bread and the egg was cooked over hard not runny. Today I ordered the same sandwich and the egg Was cooked over easy and runny. I asked the Manager why the egg was cooked over easy and he informed me they recently changed their eggs to over easy. In Fairfax Panera last week the server asked me how I wanted my egg cooked. If you like runny over easy eggs Gainesville Panera is all you. If you like your eggs cooked go somewhere else. In addition you can't email Panera with questions, concerns, or complaints unless you have a My Panera Card... read more

This is the SIXTH time they "forgot" the chicken in my $9 chicken soba bowl. The manager was nice this time when I called, but I'm NEVER eating there again. It has to be on purpose. read more

We live in the area and like to stop in for lunch, but this location is always dirty inside. Food on the tables and ground into the carpets. My wife has brought it up to management's attention on a number of occasions, but it is usually filthy. We would like to continue to eat here, but they need to clean up the place and establish a better process to keep it clean!!!!! read more

When I first moved to Gainesville, I tried this Panera out for a quick, light meal and then back to unpacking. I was underwhelmed by the service and the food quality. Since then, I've preferred not to come back to this restaurant although I've been in the company of others who have suggested it. Each time, it just gets worse. The place is dirty, the service slow and unfriendly and on different visits, they are always out of something - straws, napkins, lids, something. It got so bad that although I've generally had decent experiences at other Panera locations, the memory of the bad ones here swayed me against gambling that a different location would actually be okay. Then, I won a gift card to Panera at an event. Finding breakfast sandwiches generally hard to screw up, I decided to actually try to use it and give this Panera a final chance to redeem itself. Well, it didn't. I visited about 4 times in 4 months and each time, they were unable to process the gift card. Three of those times, I ended up paying cash for something I didn't even really want in the first place but was just trying to use the gift card. On the forth, they gave me my sandwich for free. Finally, I used the gift card at the location in Alexandria on Route 1 and now I have no reason to ever return to this Panera. As other reviewers have stated, you can find much better service and quality in the same tier of restaurant elsewhere. If you still want Panera after all this, go to one that's better managed. read more

This panera just went above and beyond the call of breakfast service for my friends and me. We arrived an hour before they were open on the way through Gainesville and they opened the doors to serve us anyway. The manager and staff were welcoming and pleasant- especially for 6 am. Color me impressed. read more