I absolutely love Panera and I will select it over any other place in a heartbeat. After visiting the Panera in Waterford, MI on Highland Rd, yesterday, I was extremely disappointed. I placed my order online for rapid pickup. I ordered the Roasted Turkey Apple and Cheddar sandwich (3). I customize each sandwich by removing the walnut cranberry bread and substituting it with focaccia. I asked that one sandwich have the apple slaw on the side and not on the sandwich. With online orders, the payment is rendered when order is placed. I drove 5 extra miles to this location because I've had bad past experiences with the location 2 miles away from my residence. I arrive at the Waterford location and retrieve my order. I've learned to check my order before leaving the store. I look through the bag and ALL of my sandwiches have been prepared with the salt and pepper focaccia, the apple slaw is on every sandwich, including the one I specified, no slaw. I talk to the preparers and was advised that they ran out of regular focaccia, so they gave me salt and pepper focaccia. I commented that their website did not say they were out of regular focaccia like it said they were out of asiago focaccia, which I originally wanted. I asked if there was a way to notify customers of the unavailability and was told "I mean we could've called", with a shrug. Because I was getting no where with them I said okay and walked away. I got to the front of the cafe and asked for a manager. The manager was standing there and I explained the situation to him. He listened but didn't seemed too concerned that as a customer I ordered and paid for what I wanted and was given what they wanted me to have. He said he would talk to them about it. Really? I strongly doubt it. He did offer to remake the sandwiches but the issue is they didn't have any of the bread I prefer.
The first issue I have is the lack of customer service. Yes, they could've called me. What if I had issues with salt and or pepper, or allergies for that matter, substituting flavor could have caused issues. The fact I already paid for my food and them dismissing the issue is unacceptable. Why place an order when they are going to serve you what they want you to have. Next time I order out and they ask what can I prepare for you, I'll say surprise me. Because that's what happens.
Getting home to eat the $40 + meals ordered for 3, the sandwiches were tasteless, the focaccia salt and pepper bread was super thick, thicker than the regular focaccia, it was square shaped, and the apple slaw was scarce. The sandwich didn't have its usually flavor that tasted like a $10 sandwich. I have never been so disappointed in a meal and service in a very long time. There are many places I pass before getting to this location that I could've pulled up any where else. They may not care, and that is perfectly fine with me, but they have lost my business. Customer Service has fallen off the list and because of that I limit dining out to a minimum. read more