I suppose I have foolishly assumed that the quality at all Panera restaurants is uniformly high. This assumption was abruptly demolished by a visit to the store in a strip mall in Manchester, CT. Having spent four hours on the I-84 and ready for lunch, we pulled off the highway delighted to discover a nearby Panera. Being hungry, our standards were not the highest, but what we received when we got our lunch which was advertised as a mozzarella/basil/tomato panini was a sick joke. Isolated on a aircraft carrier panini roll was a single pathetic piece oif mozzarella, a soggy and forlorn leaf of basil and a slice of unripe tomato that had been augmented by a slathering of something that does not belong on a caprese sandwich: pizza sauce. Were they trying to stiff the franchise? Who knows? But they were certainly stiffing the customer. Twenty bucks for something that mostly ended up in the trash. The bag of potato chips that constituted most of what we ate were very good. A drive-by disaster. read more

This is the first location of many Panera experiences. Their black bean soup is spectacular. Their pastries are fresh as is their bread. Overall food quality is pretty decent. The food portions relative to their pricing is below slightly below average. I recently was pleasantly surprised by one of the store's employees at closing. They offered me a fresh baked loaf of bread for free! I've also had experiences where the staff has been pretty rude and argumentative when it comes to requesting a toasted PB&J sandwich. And when Inasked them to redo it, the food preparer slammed the plate on the counter. They have staff that continually bus the cafe and restrooms. This store is very popular and booths and tables are often non-existent. The lines to order food from either the pastry bar or the food line can get pretty long. The condition of this cafe is a bit worn and could use some TLC. I want to give them a four star rating, but they need to improve on the details. read more

Panera Bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

Every place has their off days where orders are wrong or something goes a little wonky, but I have been to this Panera more times than I can figure, and 99.9% of the time the staff is quick, friendly and accurate. For the amount of turnover of customers this location has per day, they are clean and well organized. And the new mac & cheese, while a bit pricey, is amazingly yummy. I am hard pressed to believe the previous Yelper wasn't refunded for the lack of breadbowls. Sometimes the news that they are out doesn't get all the way own to the cashier in time. I have seen it happen many times an each time a refund has been offered. Also, a recommendation for someone who likes coffee but can't usually drink it due to an upset stomach afterward - the hazelnut blend has never given me a problem. read more

Crowded restaurant, mediocre food, no good system while ordering/picking up food. I think my memories of Panera are much better than the actual food or experience. After stopping in yesterday I remembered why I stopped coming in to this place. Just looking at the calorie count of their food is enough to send you running out the door especially considering it is not that great. read more

I have been to a few of these restaurants and I must say I have unfortunately had a very bad experience at the particular one. My wife and I stopped in for dinner since it was late and usually have good quick service. At this location it was far from quick and not even close to good. We walked in and went up to the counter. We were the only ones in line. We watch as 7 workers didn't acknowledge us for over 5 minutes. They must have been doing some kind of training. No one said a thing to us, not even some guy behind the counter with a shirt and tie (figured he was a manager but didn't act like one). Finally someone from the back walked up, looked at us and asked if we were being help. I looked around and said no we have been standing here for a while now. She kinda apologized and finally took our order. Figured it would be up hill from there but wrong. Again they must have been doing training in both the front and the back. We waited over 25 minutes for our food. Never waited that long at any other location. Considering it was late and slow this was horrible. We got another crappy apology. Other than the shitty service the food was right on par. I'll never go back to this location. The one attached to the mall is much better. Update: wife stated bathrooms were gross.. yuck!! read more

In terms of fast food while on the road, I'm a panera fan, but this place gives the brand a bad rap. Management must be doing an awful job. Its a convenient location so I've been here several times. 100% of the times I've gotten appalling service. Disrespectful and Unknowledgeable high school kids run the cash registers. Nothing against teens, but these hires obviously don't care about the business and it shows. read more

Had a great experience at this Panera bread. It is apparent that this specific branch of Panera goes above and beyond to ensure each customer is leaving happy. I had my day made by getting a free drink for a steely Dan shirt I was wearing and wanted to give a shout out for the amazing service given at this specific Panera bread even all the way to the people making the food. A+ read more

Always a panera fan. I like this location, service is prompt, food comes quickly. Food is always good. Coffee is always fresh. In inside is always clean, and while it can be hard to find a table during a busy lunch, it is usually clean when you get there. Have used the wifi before, but it sucks that you get kicked off during half an hour at peak times. I understand not taking up the table, but once I was there and it was dead and I couldn't continue to use the internet, so I just left. Wish that there was a patio at this location, but nothing they can really do about that. Always a good stop for lunch though! Have yet to try them for beakfast. read more

The Chicken Frontega with Greek salad is my favorite meal at Panera. It seems that recently they stopped asking you what you wanted to have with your dish (chips/bread/Apple). Instead to save time at the cashier, they are guessing for you! That was pretty upsetting. Aside from that the Panera experience is pretty unique. read more

Let me start with the statement : if your front end is tiny and you're a busy store- you should have lines clearly marked. I just left this location and went to the Starbucks across the street because of this, one employee on registers when it's obviously too busy for only one. I don't mind the older women in the wrong place went ahead of me, but to not acknowledge me with words and keep allowing people in the wrong place to order ahead of me? No. Just no. Reevaluate the procedure because I've worked tons of food jobs both full service and fast environments and that was the sloppiest half assed shit I have experienced at Panera. I felt like I was in a Dunkin staffed with high schoolers. read more

This Panera is great. I really want to point out the cashier named Jadah. She always remembers my order, even when I haven't been in, in awhile. My usual order is a sandwich that is actually a discontinued "off-menu" item, so it shows she cares about her customers. She always greets me and my mom with a smile and positive attitude as well. Thank you Jadah!! read more

Can you say Turkey Bacon Bravo? That is my favorite and the Lemonade is bangin'.This place is usually packed and is very busy but i can see why.They run a tight ship and offer amazing treats (Bakery)at all times.It is very pricey and hard to find a seat when its busy but i still weather the storm to obtain my favorite sandwich.I love the fact they have WIFI and alternative seating like leather sofas and chairs beside a gas log fire place.I will always be a fan but i cant seem to show up at a reasonable time.The coffee is not their strong point..Go across the street to Starbucks or D&D. read more

Good bakery and sandwiches. Fast service.

Like the Bread. Specially Chicken sandwich. They had best sandwiches I had. Good size restaurant. Always get busy buy they handa perry good. Good Service. read more

Ordered the Tuscan chicken sandwich. What a disappointment. Presentation was far from what was on the poster. They fattened it and made a panini out of it and used the wrong bread. No tomatoes, I should have just gone to Subway. Stick to their salad. read more

Ordered plain bagel the cashier said there were no more left.... she stood in front of the cash register never moving while my husband pointed out there was an entire basket full of plain bagels in the adjacent basket. Don't move five steps to the right as I it is easier to just say no and sorry! Place order and wAited over 5 minutes only to have my 6'3" boyfriend able to see over the counter where they were ready and tagged and left on the back counter left unattended. What a complete cluster. Will never go here again and certainly will think twice before visiting another Panera. read more

The food was good, but it whould be better if I was told by the server that some ingredients weren't available instead of letting me buy it and then told me that you were missing the sauce, which is the flavor on the plate. Other than that, their service was quite good and fast. read more

Great food as always, we all have our favorites. The cash registers needed to be spaced out. I think there were 6 in all and they were only using the first 3. I could not hear anything and neither could the person taking our order. Multiple people shouting orders was huge turn off, plus infringing on my personal space to do it. Very uncomfortable. If the food wasn't so good.... Management should space those out and use them if they're there. :( As usual at lunchtime you are hunting for a table but this is how it is at all of the Paneras. Def returning to Panera, just not that one. read more

I absolutely love the rapid pick-up that they offer online. I've just started ordering from here about a week ago and my orders are always correct and ready on time. Today I came in to pick up my order and somehow my order was misplaced. I ordered the Wild Berry Smoothy (which is amazing) and the Mac and Cheese (which is equally amazing). The manager quickly apologized, had my order re-made, smoothie and all. The staff are great, the food is amazing, and the management is wonderful. The manager was maybe Australian, maybe from New Zealand, very charming and warm. I've now started ordering my lunch here every day. Definitely a great place! read more

This Panera is always a madhouse, but it is a good stopping between northern NJ and Boston. Also a better alternative to Rein's (ugh) and Katz's Deli in New Haven. read more

Loving the new rapid order process. It has made take out sooooo much easier. It is a great quick pick after a busy day of work.

McDonalds is across the srreet. Why would anyone go there when they can have healthy food for the same money

Worst Panera experience I've ever had. Guy taking the order had zero communication skills, he was speaking the same language as me, I understood the words he was using, just not all together. Later I see/hear him scolding another employee about being a snitch to the manager. Once the order was ready I walk to the counter and place the buzzer next to my order and pick up my food. The chick behind the counter tells me to put the buzzer in the basket...there is no basket. I tell her this...she points over both of our heads to a basket and says I need to put it on there. I disagree, as the customer I've already done all I need to do. I chose to spend my money and eat here. I've done all I need to do. This place kinda sucks. Food was average. read more

Great service, kind employees, exceptional food from salads to sandwiches to parfait and desserts. It is affordable and quick. Definitely recommend it. read more

The Manchester ct store used to have their stuff together. Lately though, not so much. Coffee is often empty and or cold when it comes out. Only one person seems to know how to cook the oatmeal thoroughly, otherwise it comes out cold. Something brown came out of the creamer before the cream. Nobody walks through the cafe wiping down tables anymore. Rarely are they able to get a buspan in place so we're able to put dirty dishes in them. The flies have been on the increase. I have emailed corporate and the franchisee with no response. Time to find a new place to go. read more

I love Panera don't get me wrong here! but today I went online with my friends to go order some banging good food and they had no salads or sandwiches available due to the romaine crisis. But when I went to Maggie McFly's the DAY BEFORE they just changed the romaine lettuce to iceberg and mixed greens. So I am very disappointed and let down by Panera's actions into this crisis because I am now starving... read more

Upon arrival the line moves quickly towards the register and the clerk accurately takes the order along with your money. Then it's a crap shoot whether or not you get what was ordered. I have given up on Panera because the "cooks" are incompetent and incapable of putting together a simple salad. Either there are missing ingredients or unwanted items added to the order. Mr. Panera, your process is broken, at least at this location. read more

I have eaten at this location dozens of times. As a vegetarian, there are quite a few options available- for sandwiches a tomato mozzarella panini, a veggie with feta sandwich, and a tuna sandwich. They also have salads and at least one vegetarian soup daily. I tend to stay away from the baked goods, they are fabulous but my hips don't need them! We've had one bad experience there. I am very picky about my tuna salad, not a fan of mayo. Since I like tuna and need the protein, I tolerate it. A manager took our order that day and told me there was very little mayo in the tuna salad. WRONG! There was so much I barely ate it. My husband order some sort of cheese steak sandwich, minus the onions and peppers. It came with onions and peppers, which he was upset about because he specifically said he could order something else if they couldn't leave them off. We ordered take out, and he went back (we live close by). He wound up ordering a salmon sandwich. He came home with both sandwiches, they told him he could keep it. Ironically, he was not impressed with the salmon and after scrapping off the offending veggies, declared THAT sandwich to be fabulous. So although my sandwich sucked, he was really impressed how nice they were about it so they don't lose any points for that. I avoid Panera during peak times as they are usually super busy and their parking lot stinks. Tables usually clear fast however (I heard their wi-fi kicks you off after 30 min. Don't know if this is true but would explain why most people don't camp out) and they seem very organized and are quick- if you do happen to be there at noon. A few issues: my panera card does not work properly, I cannot access it online although it tells me I'm registered. I did get an unexpected free pastry from it though! Also they discontinued their carmelized mushroom panini, which I loved. But most people are not shroom freaks like I am. My most recent trip I ran in to grab take out for my friend and I. Service was great, food was great. The kid behind the lone saw I was holding my squirmy one year old when he went to hand over my food, then stopped for a sec and put my order in a larger bag with handles. Little things like this actually win big points from me, I love people in customer service who actually seem like they like people. read more

Three times in as many weeks on Sunday Morning at 8:30 they are out of all souffles and we are told it will be 25 minutes before any are ready. YOU HAVE A SCHEDULING PROBLEM. Please Please Please fix it. read more

Today, after huge lines at our top 2 choices, boyfriend and I went Panera for a quick bite. Really disappointed: Black bean soup: like 14 beans in it....just broth. Chicken noodle soup: at most 3 noodles, maybe 3 chunks of chicken...pretty much just broth. Ancient grain salad with chicken: all and all good, but found 3 small pieces of bacon in it...not an ingredient that's supposed to be there and a religious violation for many (although not me...I just ate it since I was starving due to lack of beans). Turkey cranberry flat bread: it's small, but that's ok. Just really insufficient amount of turkey. Apples were as expected...apples. read more

Very busy day at Panera. Staff was still super friendly and fast service. Only issue was they only have two bathrooms with long lines and they couldn't keep up with cleaning tables. A little disorganized in the dinning room. read more

The service here is always amazing!!! The Napa chicken almond sandwich has to be one of my favorites. Lately, a server named Ricky has just been making my day. He is always so positive and somehow manages to put everyone in the line into a good mood, even during lunch rush. read more

why ask me how i want my food prepped for my online order and when i get there none of what i asked for was done and the attitude i was given wasnt worth me firing back. read more

I called in my order 30 min prior to arriving at the store. I asked on the phone if I could pay for my order and was told that it was not their policy to do payments over the phone. When I arrived at the store I had to wait in line (behind 6 people) before I could pay for my meal. I THEN had to wait for my food to be made (even though they said it'd be ready in 20 min when I called in). When I finally got my food I found that it had been made incorrectly. This is not the first issue I have had at this location and will not be returning. read more

Beyond busy on Saturday and while it took awhile to get my food, having friendly staff keep things moving made it a 4 star visit for me. I wish they had a drive thru. read more

My husband and I ate at this location once before and really enjoyed it, so we visited again this past Saturday. The creamy tomato soup was so good the first time my husband tried it that he suggested I try it Saturday, and we both enjoyed it very much. However, we left very hungry and disappointed that the Signature panini turkey and artichoke was a joke. Only one side of the bread was grilled and there were only three to four tiny slivers of meat on both our sandwiches and we saw no artichoke at all. read more

Consistently good. Very crowded Panera. Enjoy the paninis, salads and soups. My favorite is the chicken frontega panini, broccoli cheddar soup. Drinks are more of a 2 star. Pastry/cookies are 3 star. Bread 4 star. read more

Fast, efficient service during Saturday lunch rush. Four cashiers - one for the cafe/bakery-only section, three for meals. Lunch for four was ready shortly after I paid. Seating in the back section is a little crowded but ok. Some solo patrons were taking up booths and tables for four (one on her laptop) during lunchtime which seemed just a little selfish, but otherwise no issues. read more

My husband and I went to Panera on our way home from vacation about 7 PM on a Saturday. Typically I would think a busy time of day It was not that crowded. Ordered seasonal strawberry salad they were out of strawberries. Ordered Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and unsweetened iced tea with lemon. Went to get my drink I asked and kid who was cleaning the inside of one of the drink machines at an odd time of day and he said we haven't had it in a long time. It was very slow service and when I finally got my order they forgot the salad dressing. Ate my way through most of salad and found a produce sticker that said Peru on it. Gotta wonder if they even wash their produce. Said something to person who rang us up and showed her the sticker. She throws it in garbage and her co-worker/ manager says sorry and offers me a cookie or something from the bakery case. Seriously unbelievable. Avoid this Panera as there are plenty of other places to eat near the Buckland Mall. read more

I love Panera and because I travel extensively for work enjoy the stability and freshness of this place. This can't be said for the Deming Road Manchester location. Unfortunately my last 3 times at this place have been frustrating and disappointing. Although the food has been good the same cannot be said for the service. Our last time there was a single order taker with a line out the door. We counted at least 9 other persons behind the counter, some of them appeared to be either standing around or chatting with each other. Weather or not, the appearance of that type of activity in a crowded house sends a negative message. This time there was not a drop of coffee in ANY of the urns at the coffee station and NO light roast in the house. I was informed by the manager on duty this area is checked and changed every hour. With a complete staff on site the customers shouldn't be the sole means for knowing this area is in need of attention. read more