This is a big warning to anyone going to store 3880 that is located in Gulf Gate in Sarasota FL. Today was my final trip to Panera after eating there two to three times a week for three years. Five out of my last six visits have ended in me standing at the delivery area watching everyone who came in after me getting their food while I have to finally hunt down an employee and ask for my bagel. On this past Saturday this happened again so I spoke with the manager who was very apologetic and quickly got my food and comped my meal. Today, Tuesday, I again was skipped for 10 minutes. So I spoke with Larry who states he is the GM. This is someone who should not be in any type of management position. I explained the issues I have had and his response was "Sorry, so what do you want me to do?" in a very dismissive tone. I told him they might need to work on their training or I have obviously pissed someone off to be ignored this many times. He then told me the problem was that I was not standing in the right spot to get my food. I was standing where the people who got their food were standing so I am not sure where the exact spot is you have to stand to get your food. I am 6'2" I did not think I was that hard to see. So be warned that if you go to this store if you don't stand in the exact right spot not only will you not get your food but they will not even bother to make it. Then he accused me of verbally beating him up. I did not yell, I did not raise my voice and I did not use inappropriate language. I was, and am, justifiably upset. At no point did he offer to comp the meal or anything else. If he is the leader and people learn by example I in no way hold the staff responsible for these issues as this is the behavior they are taught by this individual. I will not ever return to this or any Panera again and I will warn as many others as possible to avoid this poor service. There are lots of places out there who work hard to do it right no need to go to one that does not!
(1)
Becky R.
I am not a huge fan of Panera but went with a friend - I had a chai tea latte which was fine. The person doing the drinks kept stopping to talk to fellow workers and when I had ordered my drink, there was no direction from the cashier as to where to get it from, so overall, customer service was sub-par.
(3)
Chris N.
Seems to move well even during busy lunch hour
(4)
Josh W.
Awful service, bland sandwich, and stale bread. My wife forgot her glasses and when she asked what came with the kids pb&j the guy had the gall to say,"uhhh... Peanut butter and jelly." We couldn't believe it. This was my first time at panera and I'm pretty sure it will be my last.
(1)
Selmy B.
Service at this spot is excellent. Orders are always accurate and you are always offered an option of chips, bread or an apple. Love the choices. The food is fresh with some nice desserts too. Because this place is usually buzzing with people, there is a person clearing and cleaning tables. Great spot to call ahead for order will be ready with express pick up in the bakery area.
(5)
Marion C.
In the mood for something sweet, the chocolate pastry is unbelievably delicious. By the way, been using yelp for several months and this is the first thing that compelled me to write a review.
(5)
Dan S.
I always love the coffee and the food is good. However, sometimes the help is rather poor. The poor girl behind the counter couldn't seem to grasp "please load $20 onto my card" " now I want to use my card to pay for it" On the third try she finally got it and then forgot to say " thank you" . Pretty frustrating!
(2)
Zelda F.
FRANCHISE STINGY WITH FOOD AND SERVICE! 3 TINY PCS. OF KALE IN SALAD! Something is wrong with the "manager" at store 203880. When he was asked a question about where to order he raised his voice to top volume and started shouting like he was a captain ordering his troops. Kind of a reverse customer service, he wants you to think that you work for him, (I noticed a similar review below). Also, I ordered the Power Kale Salad and it had only three 1" squares of Kale in it. When I mentioned it to him, he said, that's how it comes with mostly romaine. Romaine isn't even mentioned as an ingredient on the menu board so you think you are ordering a Kale salad. I later called Panera customer relations and all they could say is, it shouldn't be like that, it shouldn't be like that, repeatedly, with no offer to do anything about it other than pass it on to the Divisional Manager. I asked if the person on their phone line had written down the information he asked me to give him and he said no. I then gave my phone number and requested a call back but I doubt if I will hear anything back. If you want a Kale salad, don't go to a Panera franchise location, franchises tend to skimp on quantity and freshness and service!
(1)
Dave M.
Tried ordering online for the first time for lunch and was blown away at how easy it was. Ordered for 12:15 got there at the exact time and my food was sitting there ready for me with no wait. However I feel an employee should be stationed to watch and check on the pick ups as I could have taken any bag or all of them if I was a devious person. Food was excellent as always and the cookies are heaven sent.
(4)
Robert C.
Food is very good and is ready in a short time. Good location and easy to park. Lots of stores very close in the Gulf Gate area.
(5)
Dede L.
WORST Panera bread i have ever been to in my life! My sandwich came out completely wrong and sloppy, the manager was rude and accused ME of ordering wrong when i was very specific with my order. A new sandwich came out that was equally as sloppy, and the lady at the counter didnt even offer me chips, apple or bread. HORRIBLE!
(1)
Megan K.
Ef yeah, sierra turkey sandwich! Thanks for rockin my lil asian world!! Thank you, employees for bein so nice! Ef you, full belly, stop sticking out so far! Thank you, Panera, love the free wi-fi while I rape this sandwich!! Yummmmm
(5)
Karen C.
This was the first Panera I ever went to and I still have a soft spot for it. In my mind, Panera is good for one thing - breakfast! Love the Asiago cheese bagels, and every once in awhile might enjoy a Cinnamon crunch instead; both are unique and tasty. Iced coffee doesn't disappoint. This location is pretty big with plenty of seating and friendly staff.
(4)
Gordon B.
Visited beware rude/the waitstaff acted like they were on drugs or they should of been enstien bagel is sooo much better and is closer to Sarasota
(1)
Patrick W.
It's a Panera, so you pretty much know what to expect. The staff was friendly and the food was very good. Even though this location is more or less in the middle of a pretty busy shopping center, it was still really nice to sit outside; it wasn't hectic at all. Nice and relaxing, as it should be when you're that close to Siesta Key!
(4)
Heather S.
Well you'd have to be just crazy not to love at least one thing from Panera! Unfortunately I find a lot of things I like there. In fact, I am in there so much I worry that the people who work there will remember my name. Although I'm sure I'm not the only one. There used to be a really mean manager lady there. I haven't seen her in a while. I hope that means she is gone because she was incredibly rude.
(4)
Tim W.
Panera Bread prepared my order to go in less than 3 minutes during dinner time. The prices are decent and the food is good. They keep this particular restaurant clean. Minus 1 star because the pastry that I ordered wasn't fresh. I will be back for sure!
(4)
Ana E.
One of my favorite places! Very warm,friendly and cozy,you might have a coffee date,lunch with your BFF,brunch with family or company meeting,Panera is one of the few places that everyone loves! This would be a great location,it's right next to 41, minutes away from Siesta Key,fairly close to interstate I-75 and the plaza it is located in has a bunch of stores that you can get lost in.
(5)
Randy W.
Panera is good go-to lunch food anytime, especially when you don't know what you may want. You can choose from pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. This location is conveniently located and there's plenty of parking. Better yet, you can access free-wifi if you need to surf the web or get some work done.
Panera is always a reliable and yummy option; this location is on the smaller side, but still nice. The one thing I thought was weird was that they didn't use the pagers.
(4)
Sharon T.
This is the location by Gulf Gate and they have been having some problems there with staff! So if I have time I go to the one at Bahia Vista and 41! Much better staff and service there! I know I am at Panara alot! It is the best place to set up a coffee with a friend or lunch with my mother or a business meeting. Free wifi and great salads,Bagels,Chocolate pastries and they have a loyalty program that gives you a free drink or 99 cent pastry.
(2)
Sarah H.
I have never gotten anything from Panera Bread that I didn't absolutely love.
(5)
Sandra C.
Must be near a high school. Several students were there after school. Loved the creamy tomato soup.
(4)
Melissa F.
I like this Panera, but it is much smaller than the others in town. Food is the same as other Panera restaurants, parking is decent and has free wifi. It is just smaller and they do run out of seats at times. Be careful crossing road near EB Games to get to door. Crazy drivers right there.
(4)
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Address :6589 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL, 34231
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Eric A.
This is a big warning to anyone going to store 3880 that is located in Gulf Gate in Sarasota FL. Today was my final trip to Panera after eating there two to three times a week for three years. Five out of my last six visits have ended in me standing at the delivery area watching everyone who came in after me getting their food while I have to finally hunt down an employee and ask for my bagel. On this past Saturday this happened again so I spoke with the manager who was very apologetic and quickly got my food and comped my meal. Today, Tuesday, I again was skipped for 10 minutes. So I spoke with Larry who states he is the GM. This is someone who should not be in any type of management position. I explained the issues I have had and his response was "Sorry, so what do you want me to do?" in a very dismissive tone. I told him they might need to work on their training or I have obviously pissed someone off to be ignored this many times. He then told me the problem was that I was not standing in the right spot to get my food. I was standing where the people who got their food were standing so I am not sure where the exact spot is you have to stand to get your food. I am 6'2" I did not think I was that hard to see. So be warned that if you go to this store if you don't stand in the exact right spot not only will you not get your food but they will not even bother to make it. Then he accused me of verbally beating him up. I did not yell, I did not raise my voice and I did not use inappropriate language. I was, and am, justifiably upset. At no point did he offer to comp the meal or anything else. If he is the leader and people learn by example I in no way hold the staff responsible for these issues as this is the behavior they are taught by this individual. I will not ever return to this or any Panera again and I will warn as many others as possible to avoid this poor service. There are lots of places out there who work hard to do it right no need to go to one that does not!
(1)Becky R.
I am not a huge fan of Panera but went with a friend - I had a chai tea latte which was fine. The person doing the drinks kept stopping to talk to fellow workers and when I had ordered my drink, there was no direction from the cashier as to where to get it from, so overall, customer service was sub-par.
(3)Chris N.
Seems to move well even during busy lunch hour
(4)Josh W.
Awful service, bland sandwich, and stale bread. My wife forgot her glasses and when she asked what came with the kids pb&j the guy had the gall to say,"uhhh... Peanut butter and jelly." We couldn't believe it. This was my first time at panera and I'm pretty sure it will be my last.
(1)Selmy B.
Service at this spot is excellent. Orders are always accurate and you are always offered an option of chips, bread or an apple. Love the choices. The food is fresh with some nice desserts too. Because this place is usually buzzing with people, there is a person clearing and cleaning tables. Great spot to call ahead for order will be ready with express pick up in the bakery area.
(5)Marion C.
In the mood for something sweet, the chocolate pastry is unbelievably delicious. By the way, been using yelp for several months and this is the first thing that compelled me to write a review.
(5)Dan S.
I always love the coffee and the food is good. However, sometimes the help is rather poor. The poor girl behind the counter couldn't seem to grasp "please load $20 onto my card" " now I want to use my card to pay for it" On the third try she finally got it and then forgot to say " thank you" . Pretty frustrating!
(2)Zelda F.
FRANCHISE STINGY WITH FOOD AND SERVICE! 3 TINY PCS. OF KALE IN SALAD! Something is wrong with the "manager" at store 203880. When he was asked a question about where to order he raised his voice to top volume and started shouting like he was a captain ordering his troops. Kind of a reverse customer service, he wants you to think that you work for him, (I noticed a similar review below). Also, I ordered the Power Kale Salad and it had only three 1" squares of Kale in it. When I mentioned it to him, he said, that's how it comes with mostly romaine. Romaine isn't even mentioned as an ingredient on the menu board so you think you are ordering a Kale salad. I later called Panera customer relations and all they could say is, it shouldn't be like that, it shouldn't be like that, repeatedly, with no offer to do anything about it other than pass it on to the Divisional Manager. I asked if the person on their phone line had written down the information he asked me to give him and he said no. I then gave my phone number and requested a call back but I doubt if I will hear anything back. If you want a Kale salad, don't go to a Panera franchise location, franchises tend to skimp on quantity and freshness and service!
(1)Dave M.
Tried ordering online for the first time for lunch and was blown away at how easy it was. Ordered for 12:15 got there at the exact time and my food was sitting there ready for me with no wait. However I feel an employee should be stationed to watch and check on the pick ups as I could have taken any bag or all of them if I was a devious person. Food was excellent as always and the cookies are heaven sent.
(4)Robert C.
Food is very good and is ready in a short time. Good location and easy to park. Lots of stores very close in the Gulf Gate area.
(5)Dede L.
WORST Panera bread i have ever been to in my life! My sandwich came out completely wrong and sloppy, the manager was rude and accused ME of ordering wrong when i was very specific with my order. A new sandwich came out that was equally as sloppy, and the lady at the counter didnt even offer me chips, apple or bread. HORRIBLE!
(1)Megan K.
Ef yeah, sierra turkey sandwich! Thanks for rockin my lil asian world!! Thank you, employees for bein so nice! Ef you, full belly, stop sticking out so far! Thank you, Panera, love the free wi-fi while I rape this sandwich!! Yummmmm
(5)Karen C.
This was the first Panera I ever went to and I still have a soft spot for it. In my mind, Panera is good for one thing - breakfast! Love the Asiago cheese bagels, and every once in awhile might enjoy a Cinnamon crunch instead; both are unique and tasty. Iced coffee doesn't disappoint. This location is pretty big with plenty of seating and friendly staff.
(4)Gordon B.
Visited beware rude/the waitstaff acted like they were on drugs or they should of been enstien bagel is sooo much better and is closer to Sarasota
(1)Patrick W.
It's a Panera, so you pretty much know what to expect. The staff was friendly and the food was very good. Even though this location is more or less in the middle of a pretty busy shopping center, it was still really nice to sit outside; it wasn't hectic at all. Nice and relaxing, as it should be when you're that close to Siesta Key!
(4)Heather S.
Well you'd have to be just crazy not to love at least one thing from Panera! Unfortunately I find a lot of things I like there. In fact, I am in there so much I worry that the people who work there will remember my name. Although I'm sure I'm not the only one. There used to be a really mean manager lady there. I haven't seen her in a while. I hope that means she is gone because she was incredibly rude.
(4)Tim W.
Panera Bread prepared my order to go in less than 3 minutes during dinner time. The prices are decent and the food is good. They keep this particular restaurant clean. Minus 1 star because the pastry that I ordered wasn't fresh. I will be back for sure!
(4)Ana E.
One of my favorite places! Very warm,friendly and cozy,you might have a coffee date,lunch with your BFF,brunch with family or company meeting,Panera is one of the few places that everyone loves! This would be a great location,it's right next to 41, minutes away from Siesta Key,fairly close to interstate I-75 and the plaza it is located in has a bunch of stores that you can get lost in.
(5)Randy W.
Panera is good go-to lunch food anytime, especially when you don't know what you may want. You can choose from pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. This location is conveniently located and there's plenty of parking. Better yet, you can access free-wifi if you need to surf the web or get some work done.
(4)Nic W.
Im a big fan of Panera. The food is always good and service is good as well. Its almost always busy no matter which one I go too or what time I go. Free wifi. Make sure you get a mypanera card as you will get some free items periodically. Bareclaw is great, breakfast soufflé's are great, and I love the paninis as well.
(4)Krissy M.
Panera is always a reliable and yummy option; this location is on the smaller side, but still nice. The one thing I thought was weird was that they didn't use the pagers.
(4)Sharon T.
This is the location by Gulf Gate and they have been having some problems there with staff! So if I have time I go to the one at Bahia Vista and 41! Much better staff and service there! I know I am at Panara alot! It is the best place to set up a coffee with a friend or lunch with my mother or a business meeting. Free wifi and great salads,Bagels,Chocolate pastries and they have a loyalty program that gives you a free drink or 99 cent pastry.
(2)Sarah H.
I have never gotten anything from Panera Bread that I didn't absolutely love.
(5)Sandra C.
Must be near a high school. Several students were there after school. Loved the creamy tomato soup.
(4)Melissa F.
I like this Panera, but it is much smaller than the others in town. Food is the same as other Panera restaurants, parking is decent and has free wifi. It is just smaller and they do run out of seats at times. Be careful crossing road near EB Games to get to door. Crazy drivers right there.
(4)