Showed up today at noon for lunch with some colleagues from work. Sign on the door said short-staffed, drive thru only read more

I absolutely love Panera but the prices have gone up and portions have gotten significantly smaller. This inside of this particular Panera is really messy, often unclean, and uninviting. Im really glad they are taking this location down and putting up a larger Panera with a drive thru on the lot next to it. From the plans I saw online, it will be really nicely laid out. Definitely still a fan of the food, specifically the OG broccoli cheddar bread bowl, fuji chicken salad, bbq salad, and cookies. I also love the new Unlimited Sip club subscription they've put into effect. I think it's $9.99 a month and includes any size soda, energizers, coffee, and tea. It resets every 2 hours so theoretically you can go 12 times a day! The first 6 months was free for us so we haven't had to pay yet. Overall, we like Panera but are looking forward to the new one since the current one has a lot it needs to improve on. read more

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I enjoy Panera. I had the pick two from the menu-the French onion soup and an apple salad and was very happy with both the food and service. I've eaten here before and have never been disappointed. The restaurant is clean unless it gets really busy... then you may have to wipe a table off but otherwise it's kept clean. I would eat here again! read more

This location was absolutely packed during our visit. I've never walked into a Panera with every table taken, a line of customers and a full parking lot. People were literally making their own parking spots in the lot. That's reason enough to avoid this place. However, the line did move quickly and the customer service was wonderful. We were given a number and our order was brought out to us, something I'm not used to. It was nice to have runners bringing out food! Hubs and I split a pick 2. The meal tasted as expected, no complaints with the food. I also like the selection of Fresca drinks, another thing we do not have at our Panera in Ohio. Overall, it's an okay place to stop if you have a quick meeting you need to attend (we did). But to have an enjoyable lunch here? Pass. read more

I Place an order for two bagel packs to take into work @ 6:45. It wasn't ready for 39 minutes. Kiosks were glitchy and staff was totally disengaged. Worst Panera I have ever visited. I will not be back. read more

The kiosk was hard to use and half of the items we wanted were unavailable. Service was incredibly slow and it wasn't busy.

We came to Panera for dinner as we ordered at the kiosk It stated that the baguettes were out. So I tried ordering 4 different sandwiches and they were all sold out. I then tried for broccoli cheese soup and that was gone. My SIL ordered the Asian salad and it was missing several ingredients. They remade the salad for her. When I went up and I got my order, the MOD very rude. I explained that I tried ordering sandwiches and was told sold out she said you shouldn't of used the kiosk. My husband didn't get his baguette bc they were gone. Funny a big bin sat on the kitchen work table. When I said I was writing a review her comment was go ahead. Well, this is last time eating Panera at East Madison. read more

Amazing service! The staff were super kind. The food came out quick and it was delicious. One of the best restaurants that are all around for the whole family of 6. They have a wide verity of food. Panera is Amazin! read more

Horrendous experience with the 40-something rapid pickup order female Hispanic associate. I've frequented this location for over a month straight for my morning coffee, where I run in (mask-free) to get my rapid pick-up order quickly WITH NO PROBLEMS. Yesterday morning I ran in and heard "Ma'am, you need to wear a mask in here." I politely said I was grabbing my to-go order and will be out. The associate said it again...I repeated myself as well then walked outside. She proceeded to follow me to my car and threatened to call the cops on me and deny me service next time. I reminded her the mask mandate was just that, not a law, and the cops couldn't do anything. She stared at my license plate then went inside...I followed her in to confront her and ask what she was going to do with my license plate. She looked down and said nothing. Just as I thought, because there's nothing she can do... I found this very inappropriate behavior and borderline harassment. I've seen multiple customers mask-free ordering at the counter, waiting on their to-go orders, and EATING in this location. There is also another recent Yelp review from someone else with a similar situation... Let me reiterate, I've done this for over a month with no issues from other staff. I cancelled my coffee subscription and don't plan to return to Panera Bread due to this. read more

Made an online order for curbside pickup and never received an e-mail confirmation to let the workers know when I arrived, so I figured I'd just call when I got there. Called nonstop and no one picked up so I never got my food. Ended up getting through driving home and eventually got my money back Michael Jackson no likey read more

I usually frequent the downtown location and it never disappoints, except the line. I ordered a Greek salad to go, using the drive thru. It was hands down the worst salad I have ever eaten. The price I paid was insult in injury. The chicken was in one clump, frozen solid! There was hardly any ingredients other than the chicken and romaine lettuce. The clerk had no idea what balsamic dressing was - she was young and I assume doing her best. I won't be back. PotBellys is a block away and their salads include plenty of what is advertised and they let you know if they are missing anything. read more

Kuddos to the team working tonight. You can tell everyone was trying their best. Very pleasant man in a black shirt in the drive thru. May have been the manager. He was Very hospitable and calm even in stressful busy situations! I was impressed! Keep it up! read more

We were feeding our employees during the time of COVID, and Panera really brought their A-game with these boxed lunches! We had over 200 lunches delivered and everyone absolutely loved them! You can't beat the quality for the price and all that comes with it! Thank you for helping make these employees feel special! read more

Today I decided to try the Panera Bread drive-thru - HUGE MISTAKE! When I finally got to the window, they guy took my payment and left me waiting for a couple minutes. When he finally got back to me he told me they received a large order and now my tuna fish (only) will be about 20 minutes.....i said fine. Please refund my card and I'll leave. He proceeded to tell me that I have to come INSIDE to have my payment refunded. WTF? I wasn't dressed to come INSIDE (HENSE the drive-thru). I requested a manager only to be hassled by someone who wasn't friendly at all. MY advice? Don't go there. Go ANYWHERE else. Overpriced "hospital food" isn't worth it. read more

Never had worse service. Panera is usually a quick reliable standby for kids. This location needs a competent manager and employees. Despite a severely long line, there was one cashier working while other employees roamed around. Then the receipt printer broke. Then we we finally got to the counter, the girl was incompetent. Order had to be corrected several times. We do Panera a lot so I know how to order and include side choices. Never again for this location. We could have had a sit down meal with waiter service in less time. read more

Do not...I repeat...DO NOT use their drive-thru. It's the slowest drive-thru I've ever experienced in my life. I certainly didn't expect it to run as quickly as McDonald's, but wholly cow. I waited over 30 minutes to get two smoothies and a Greek salad, and there were only about 5-6 cars ahead of me. It was 2pm, so past the lunch rush hour. Why even offer drive-thru services if you're going to move this slow? And you can't even pull out of line once you're in. I would've just left before ordering, but was tripped in line by a median. When I got my salad, several pieces of the lettuce were browned. Also, I asked for a baguette and they gave me chips instead read more

Place was FILTHY. Food was bad. Dryed out sandwiches. Overpriced. Clean up crew non existent. Never again

So l've been to many Panera Bread locations in the United States and never had a bad experience until visiting this East Springs location! The food is great, however, the service is a joke and the employees act as though it is a burden to do their jobs! I would not recommend this location if you want a good, efficient and motivating experience! read more

They close at 4:00 on a Saturday...I understand staffing is a problem, surely the Saturday dinner is a time to be open? Why build the new location if you aren't going to be open? read more

Was in the mood for a good salad- I ordered the Strawberry Poppy salad. The salad came with all iceberg lettuce... I would expect more for a $12 salad from here. Bummed. Likely not coming back. read more

It was a good choice for lunch. Service was super fast, food very good, place clean, staff ready to help. Best of all, there is a large outdoor terrace where you could eat without concerns about sitting with many maskless people. Bravo, Panera! read more

This was one of my worst experiences at Panera. We ordered a carry out order in-store and did not receive chicken with both orders of the chicken cesar salad. This was listed on our receipt as two chicken Cesar salads. Also, the tuna sandwich had such a small amount of tuna that it can't even be called a tuna sandwich. Definitely will not be coming back - such horrible quality!! Not worth it and very underwhelmed. read more

Panera Bread - Bad tuna sandwich. There was such a small amount of tuna - it's like tuna was the dressing - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

People are rude as fuck. They refuse to give change you need exact money or they get an attitude wouldn't recommend this place. The management is trash as well. You call to get number they hang up on you. You call back and you tell them the piece of shit hung up on you they call the police for being rude to them. I wonder how they treat there employees DO NOT GO HERE read more

Rudest customer service I've ever encountered, inside at the register this morning. I don't know how they stay in business with the snotty attitude! read more

Panera Bread's product should be predictable across all locations. Unfortunately, after my fourth visit in as many months, the only thing predictable at this location is the disheveled appearance/presentation of my Ham and Swiss sandwich (which is what I buy at every Panera). Secondly, I am sure the chef is not following the menu card. It's missing the condiments or something. I hate to blame the staff for anything as staff is a reflection of management, but the staff is who I see and interact with. So, using them as a barometer for the management, I'd say they are "trying", but need more training. I could be harsher, but I won't. I really like Panera's overall and make them our go-to meal spot on the road. This location just needs a like help. read more

Usually, the food and service is good. However, when I placed my order at the drive-thru last night I made it clear I needed a substitution (which I always do on this particular menu item). I told them I have an allergy to the regular ingredient, which is why I needed a substitution. When I ate the item just now I realized they did NOT make the substitution and I ate the food item I'm allergic to. I tried repeatedly calling Panera (between mealtimes, so it should not have been busy), but nobody answered. That is why I'm posting my review before having the chance to speak with a manager about this. I may now have to go to the hospital... read more

Can't get simple orders correct ever. They leave things out that are clearly stated on the receipt.

Hate this place don't get food here every time I get something here it's very bad the workers are very bad at there jobs

The food was great but nobody smiled at any customer, I notice this at some Paneras where they have people working registers where they're either super-hungover or don't wanna be there. I'll return and update my review with a more positive tone hopefully. read more

Panera Bread - Management needs to count how many times these 2 smile during a shift. - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stopped in here on a Friday afternoon and started wondering why I don't come in more often after the lunch rush. The guy at the counter was very friendly, and the restaurant was clean and cool, perfect for taking a break from the heat and relaxing for a bit. I ordered the spicy Thai chicken salad and added avocado to it, and a drink which ended up being the green tea/ mango infused drink, so refreshing. My food came quickly and was so good. It was a large portion so I had to take some to go, but who can complain about that?? Their menu has a lot of different options for soups, sandwiches and salads. I wouldn't recommend coming in during the lunch rush or on weekends, I doubt the experience will be as relaxing as this one was! read more

Panera Bread - Spicy Thai Chicken salad with Avocado - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Management very poor. There was so much banter/cussing/yelling in the kitchen that I heard the manager's name is Jason. The employees had to beg him to help them. When I walked in there was only one couple in line- an older couple standing at empty registers for who knows how long. Employees came and went getting drawers etc and never acknowledged them. Then manager Jason came over and was training an employee in front of them and still didn't acknowledge their presence! I finally said- have you been helped? (Loudly) and Jason said oh the bakery is open- he can take your order or do it yourself on the kiosk. Why wouldn't he have welcomed the customers and let them know what was going on? He didn't appear to be mute. Realizing the incompetence, I took my chances with the kiosk. After the kiosk I asked an employee if I get a receipt? As I didn't see a printer. She said oh- ask one of them and pointed over to the guy that directed me there in the first place. No thanks- I took my chances with no receipt. When I got my food they forgot a frozen lemonade, fountain drink, and they gave me the wrong soup. They fixed it right away but wow. Two things- people management and work ethic. Get leadership that is not afraid to help their employees and get to work. You can see the effect of poor work ethic and lack of communication making its way throughout the entire staff. Sad bc the restaurant itself is clean and nice. read more

Was great service. Food was good! Casey made our stop a great experience! Very friendly.

We were new to Panera and Casey was so helpful. He walked us through everything and suggested some fantastic food. I highly recommend! And Casey was an awesome manager! read more

Panera is one of my favorite places to eat and I've ordered from this location more frequently than I care to admit. Yes, the run out of things toward the end of the week. It sucks, yes but that's how it works. Saturday night there is usually more than one thing out of stock whether its bagels, desserts, soup or bread. Parking is a crazy mess here during peak hours. Parking lot is small and cramped. If you go in to the store I recommend going at off hours. Rapid pickup is "supposed" to have their own parking spaces to park in while you run in to grab your food but they are always being used either by other customers or delivery drivers. Seating inside during peak hours can be a challenge as well. I usually place my orders for delivery nowadays though I do enjoy the rapid pick up. Staff inside are friendly although I don't get much interaction with them because I mostly order on the kiosks. The only time I see them is when they drop off the food at my table. Food is always delicious, healthy and nutritious. What else can you ask for? read more

This Panera was a disaster the afternoon I visited. -4 out of 6 order kiosks broken -extremely slow service -forgot one of our cafe drinks -burned panini -women's restroom was filthy (paper towels everywhere, out of toilet paper in one stall, water? all over the floor) -watched an employee take out the trash and spray garbage water all over the floor and a table and chair, which was indifferently wiped up with a single towel Best to avoid this one. read more

Gosh, I wish this was better. Panera used to be consistent, but in the last year this location has gone downhill. Ordering food for delivery is sketchy at best because the order is not assembled correctly (last two times main items in a breakfast sandwich were missing), thrown together haphazardly and arrives cold. A customer pays $3.00 extra for the service, but when it arrives wrong, looking like a two year old put together the sandwich, getting a refund is next to impossible, but you can go in and get something free. That offer isn't that great given the difficult time in parking during lunch hour and the long wait. No thanks. It is clear Panera's employees take no pride in their work. That's a shame. If there was another breakfast option on the East Side of Madison that delivers to my work, I'd take it. Prepare for disappointment. read more

Sooo loving the new selection of Broth Bowls! Lentil, quinoa, kale and spinach, tomato sofrito, and chicken, in a soy-miso broth with a lemon wheel... under 400 cals. Yes please! I could eat these every. single. day. Ordered for rapid pickup tonight. They were fairly busy but my food was ready right on time! A few mins early, actually. I *Love* Panera! read more

These guys literally ran out of bread. At Panera Bread (emphasis on bread). That's like Taco Bell having no Taco! Like Burger King losing its Lordship. Like the Pizza Hut out of a shack. You get the idea. They made our sandwiches on slices of wheat bread right out the bag. Date night hit an all time low. Kid in the back just yelled an F-Bomb and dropped a tray of dishes. With all the banging around, its like we're right there in kitchen with them, not making bread. read more

Never excited when I go to a Panera bread. Horrible soda options that included watered down mtn dew and very sour lemonade. Ordered the chicken noodle soup bread bowl and it had two hairs on it. Was also not very clean at all and had chicken and knives on the floor. read more

This new location is such a disappointment!!!! It is the complete opposite of what we knew and loved Panera for. It's no longer warm and inviting. The new design is cold and sterile. It feels like you're eating in a prison lunchroom and you're on display to all of East Madison. There's no private little nooks for friendly conversations or curling up with a book (or your laptop), no warm colors, nothing cozy about it. I'm so disappointed! I was so excited for the drive through as well and it's constantly closed! Why build something 100 times worse just to be on the main road vs. literally one step behind (which was always busy as it was)? None of it makes sense and I'm so bummed. I will say the workers do their best and none of this is related to service or the quality of food. But this is no longer the warm and cozy Panera and for the price, you really think they could afford to give you more than a cold sterile lunchroom. read more