Many times I have driven by the Panera Bread next to Tanglewood Mall, and have been very impressed by the beautiful architectural design of its building and simple yet elegant logo. But what really caught my attention and moved me was when I researched their mission and discovered that they believe that "good food served in warm, welcoming spaces by people who care" can bring out the best in all of us.
After being awarded the NC Triad Yelp Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And this Panera Bread next to Tanglewood Mall off Electric Road in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example.
As I entered their restaurant, I was impressed by their clean, organized, and comfortable spaces. Their ordering counter was made of beautiful color wood and their menus were hanging from the wall behind with spotlights pointing at them. And on the left, it turned into several pastries and desserts glass display cases. Aside in front of the counter, they had two tables with four ordering computer stations. I appreciated the convenience but I waited for the order taker employee to come out. A young lady, Jenessa, finally arrived with a smile and gave me a friendly greeting and warm welcome. I asked her what soups they had and she pointed them out very well. Then I asked her what were some of the sandwiches she would recommend and she named a few and the reason why she had mentioned each. I ended up ordering half of the Chicken Bacon Rancher which had grilled, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and ranch on their Black Pepper Focaccia. And a bowl of the Black Bean Soup, which came with a French Baguette side. Then I asked about their desserts and she mentioned that at this time of the day all bakery items were at half price. I took another look at them and ordered the Cherry Pastry, and a small Dr Pepper to drink, since today we celebrate Dr Pepper Day here in the Star City of Roanoke. I remembered once I had downloaded their app and became a Panera member so by giving her my phone number, she was able to find me and give me reward points for my purchase today. She gave me a cup for my drink and a pager or beeper to take with me to let me know when my food would be ready to pickup at the pick-up counter.
When called, I got up and gave my name to a very nice young gentleman employee, who handed me a long white plate with my soup and sandwich. The Black Bean Soup was amazingly delicious and hot. And the French Baguette was fresh, and soft in the inside. It was so good that it made me think of returning for breakfast. The sandwich was also amazing with lots of chicken pieces and all the item I mentioned before. And the Cherry Pastry was one of the best I've ever had. As if this all was not enough for an extraordinary dining experience, the manager of the restaurant gave me a visit to see how I was doing and to see if all has been to my satisfaction. You can imagine what I told him.
In conclusion I highly recommend this restaurant for the comfortable ambiance, the amazing food, and for the excellent customer service, providing an extraordinary dining experience. read more