The last three times I have been here, they have been out of bread bowls. How does this happen?! The first time, it was about 30 minutes before closing time. Okay, I get that. Waste not, want not. The last two times have been between 6:00 and 7:30 and they're out! I literally do not understand how that is even possible. It makes my heart sad.
(3)
Jared V.
I was in and out quickly to get a pack of bagels for my team at work that I preordered. There was a line but the customers were served promptly. I wish I had known that when you preorder bagels they don't slice them, as all we had for cutting were the plastic knives Panera gave us to spread cream cheese, so that was rather aggravating and made getting a nice spread on it very difficult and messy. The bagels were kind of hard and I am not sure if they were actually baked that day; they tasted like they had been sitting in a box for a couple of days, which is a shame since I got the special Ribbon shaped ones for the breast cancer donations they were making and I expected them to be very fresh. I haven't eaten lunch at this location, but on days when I'm cheating on my diet it's nice to get the 1,000 calorie Italian Combo sandwich with extra pepperoncinis. Otherwise, I wouldn't get lunch here.
(3)
Rhea P.
Crowded mess of people with little kids. . .I suppose this could be said of a lot of places in Ocoee. I find it hilarious they use restaurant pagers to let you know when your order is ready when you stand in front of the counter and wait. The more I come here the more disappointed I become. Food could be more inspiring and warm in temperature as well. I like the free wi-fi along with the classical / jazz music. . .however, other choices in the area exist.
(2)
Ian S.
Just wanted to congratulate Panera Bread in the Winter Garden Village: The Grove, on winning over a new, loyal customer thanks to the lovely, young lady, Jessi - the cashier. Just stopped in before they closed to meet my mother & a friend - founder of Global Peace Network - who had been here chatting. My mother went get a coffee and thought she gave exact change during the transaction & left the register to come back to her seat. Jessi came around the counter & over to where we had been sitting & returned the dollar that my mother had overpaid. She was very friendly & even apologetic, though she maintained a a warming smile the whole time. (Though it was only about a 20-second interaction.) It was only a dollar, nevertheless, it was the gesture that stood out & earned a loyal customer for Panera. Aside from that gesture in itself being above-and-beyond, it was at a time when the store was getting ready to close & when most employees wouldn't have sacrificed the minute to build the relationship. That was very personal & memorable & we appreciate it. We appreciate Panera. And we appreciate you, Jessi!
(5)
Steven T.
Amazing food and okay service
(4)
Cody G.
As far as Panera goes, I have not had very remarkable experiences here. After several dishes giving me stomachaches, I began to order just salads when I came with friends. I believe there May be a glove changing or Cleanliness issue of minor proportion here - probably won't affect a normal customer, but be wary if you have food allergies or intolerances.
(2)
Lisa H.
I like this location, good service and food is tasty.. I wish there's one near my home. Panera is always good.
(5)
Billy S.
I love the food at Panera. The taste is great and they have many high quality healthy options. However I've had many expectancies at multiple Panera's, including this one where I've witnessed employees cleaning and making food with same gloves. If you're cleaning you shouldn't be making food.
(2)
Jason R.
Came in at 8pm on a Saturday night. We ordered some hot chocolate and pastries. When we went to sit down, we couldn't find a single clean table (the place was nearly empty). We asked if someone could clean a table for us to sit at, and eventually someone showed up- but only after we found a table after a group got up. After sitting down, my wife found a hair in her pastry, so she had to go back to the counter to get a replacement. By this point, our drinks still weren't ready. We ended up waiting 18 minutes for 4 hot chocolates (based on the receipt time). Wow, they are slacking at this one...
(1)
Andrea H.
I love Panera. I always have such a hard time deciding. Today I had the Pick 2 with broccoli and cheese soup and Sierra turkey sandwich. The soup was yummy (and I love scooping up the soup with the bread they give you!). But the sandwich was just okay. It was basically turkey, cheese, onion, lettuce and chipotle mayo. But oh, the HUGE chocolate chip cookie that isn't cooked all the way in the middle so its gooey---YUM!!!
(4)
Armando G.
Panera is Panera; this location is pretty much as good/ok as the other locations I've been to. I would avoid coming during their peak hours since the service can be a bit slow and I've noticed that the quality tends to dip a bit once the line begins to reach the door. They have a good selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches in addition to their pastries. I would say my favorites are their Thai Chicken Salad and the Lentil Quinoa Chicken Bowl. The Lentil Bowl is nice and hearty; it's a great dish post-workout or on those rare chilly nights. The location is good enough to ensure I return, but I definitely do not visit on a regular basis.
(3)
Pluto W.
As other reviewers have explained, this Panera does NOT respect that customers pay money for Panera sandwiches, which are planned by the corporate company with a certain type of bread. They have been out of the bread we prefer with our sandwiches COUNTLESS times. They are also regularly out of other wanted items in the evening (and not even late in the evening, although that should not matter at a corporation of this size and pricing). We have complained numerous times to the people behind the counter. We have been told they agree with us, and have complained to management. Their own employees have said they don't agree with the management decision not to make enough bread. Bread might sound like something not so important. But the sandwiches are not nearly as good without the right bread. And this happens OVER & OVER & OVER again. Also, the reason that they run out of bread is to save on food costs, pure and simple. Yet, the price of the sandwich for the customer stays the same. How is that fair again? This restaurant manager should be fired, right now. The decision to put costs above customer experience is unbelievable. Many others are complaining about the same thing. Yet this Panera seems totally oblivious to how customers feel, or what they want. Really, truly outrageous Panera experience. Horrible. If you like a certain kind of Panera sandwich, I'd suggest picking a different location. They have other stores in Clermont, Apopka, and Dr. Phillips. We never have this problem at those locations.
It's Panera. It's good. Not anything super special, nor any problem. I'm not that big a fan that I'd come back here time and time again, but when coworkers want to go, I don't shy away. They've done nothing to wow me, nothing to anger me. A solid A-OK place!
(3)
Marjan M.
I love this panera! its has the home like feeling and they are always cleaning. They did make an error once and put bacon on the sandwhich which i said multiple times no bacon and even the receipt said no bacon. The manager of course, took it off the check, but not only did he do that. I came in a week later, and he remembered who i was and without me knowing, told me when i was about to pay, that its on him because he remembered the incident. So nice! He went above and beyond!
(4)
Jason Z.
Picked up salads tonight, not quite right. Phoned manager, everything is now right. We'll give them another try! Update: We returned and spoke to manager. Had a good return experience, happy to return again for a quick dinner. Thanks Panera!
(4)
Amy R.
I never would guess that I'd review my beloved panera so poorly! (And likely its BC they're corporate that I hold higher standard) I'm sitting here now w my laptop and plenty of work to get done and I don't see any outlets. Not that they are at taken tables, I mean there are none! This should be a standard thing, I've never run into this before. I'm travelling and have work to get done and now I've wasted 8$ and the time it takes me to finish my soup... My French onion soup, that came out w full cold flakes of cheese and the ittiest of a bowl made into my bread. I love bread, its their namesake but I'd expect more than 5 spoonfuls of soup before I get to this guilty pleasure bounty of bread. Ugh. The place is clean, I'll give them that. Bravo. I revise: there are 6 crowded outlets by the entrance. I up'd to 3 bc I'm still disappointed by how few and how close to the highest/loudest traffic section they chose to place their designated work section.
(3)
Tuncer P.
Bad customer care... Plus 3 hours old coffees which they are supposed to renew every hour... There is always a line due to one cashier working in a busiest day (sunday)... Manager sits in front and does nothing but greeting you. No more.
(1)
Natalie K.
Date visited: Friday, January 20 Time of day: 8:30ish in the morning Items ordered: Me: Mediterranean Egg White on Whole Grain...unsweet tea Friend 1: Everything Bagel with "Ample" Cream Cheese...hazelnut coffee Friend 2: Everything bagel, cream cheese (not sure on the ampleness), fruit smoothy This Panera is not a free-standing. This area of Winter Garden is a shoppers paradise...from what I could tell. Tons of chain stores and restaurants. After awkwardly getting our photos taken outside of Panera, we walked in and I was greeted with a picture/shrine of Al Covelli. Based out of Ohio, the Covelli's own TONS of Panera Breads...mainly in Ohio and Florida. Keeping things even more creepy and awkward...I got my picture taken in front of the plaque. Overall the crowd was pretty light, with a mixed bag of people. You saw all types there from people on business meetings to retirees, to people like us on vacation. The Mediterranean egg white sandwich was my first experience with that sandwich. I was happy with my choice. It was filling, yet not too filling. The fact that it said "egg white" also makes you feel healthy.
(4)
Mims M.
I don't know why I keep giving this place another shot. Every time I go I am continually disappointed. The sandwiches are just not good. Paninis are always hard on the edges and they put cold cheese on hot sandwiches. Gross. The soups are probably the only item I somewhat enjoy but even then I think I'll pass all together.
(1)
Jeff H.
Poor training from a lackluster management. I've been to other locations and they were a little better, but for what you get in a sandwich(2 oz of meat and nasty lettuce, go somewhere else instead. Stick with what you do ok and make and sell bagels.
(2)
Allie R.
this is the last time i'm throwing my money away a panera. the quality is worst then McD. that says a LOT. they throw a piece of boiled pink stuff on your salad and call it salmon!
(1)
BPF x.
This place is your average Panera. It's always busy whenever I seem to go in here. Free WiFi is nice, but the restrict the duration you can use it during their peak hours. Sometimes I've gone in and haven't found the product I want from the bakery because they are sold out and the staff doesn't really seem to care. They really could work on their soft skills and professionalism some. But it simply depends on who you encounter.
(3)
Hojin C.
It's the closest place where I can get my Spinach & Artichoke Souffle fix and free WiFi can turn your trip productive.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Robyn B.
The last three times I have been here, they have been out of bread bowls. How does this happen?! The first time, it was about 30 minutes before closing time. Okay, I get that. Waste not, want not. The last two times have been between 6:00 and 7:30 and they're out! I literally do not understand how that is even possible. It makes my heart sad.
(3)Jared V.
I was in and out quickly to get a pack of bagels for my team at work that I preordered. There was a line but the customers were served promptly. I wish I had known that when you preorder bagels they don't slice them, as all we had for cutting were the plastic knives Panera gave us to spread cream cheese, so that was rather aggravating and made getting a nice spread on it very difficult and messy. The bagels were kind of hard and I am not sure if they were actually baked that day; they tasted like they had been sitting in a box for a couple of days, which is a shame since I got the special Ribbon shaped ones for the breast cancer donations they were making and I expected them to be very fresh. I haven't eaten lunch at this location, but on days when I'm cheating on my diet it's nice to get the 1,000 calorie Italian Combo sandwich with extra pepperoncinis. Otherwise, I wouldn't get lunch here.
(3)Rhea P.
Crowded mess of people with little kids. . .I suppose this could be said of a lot of places in Ocoee. I find it hilarious they use restaurant pagers to let you know when your order is ready when you stand in front of the counter and wait. The more I come here the more disappointed I become. Food could be more inspiring and warm in temperature as well. I like the free wi-fi along with the classical / jazz music. . .however, other choices in the area exist.
(2)Ian S.
Just wanted to congratulate Panera Bread in the Winter Garden Village: The Grove, on winning over a new, loyal customer thanks to the lovely, young lady, Jessi - the cashier. Just stopped in before they closed to meet my mother & a friend - founder of Global Peace Network - who had been here chatting. My mother went get a coffee and thought she gave exact change during the transaction & left the register to come back to her seat. Jessi came around the counter & over to where we had been sitting & returned the dollar that my mother had overpaid. She was very friendly & even apologetic, though she maintained a a warming smile the whole time. (Though it was only about a 20-second interaction.) It was only a dollar, nevertheless, it was the gesture that stood out & earned a loyal customer for Panera. Aside from that gesture in itself being above-and-beyond, it was at a time when the store was getting ready to close & when most employees wouldn't have sacrificed the minute to build the relationship. That was very personal & memorable & we appreciate it. We appreciate Panera. And we appreciate you, Jessi!
(5)Steven T.
Amazing food and okay service
(4)Cody G.
As far as Panera goes, I have not had very remarkable experiences here. After several dishes giving me stomachaches, I began to order just salads when I came with friends. I believe there May be a glove changing or Cleanliness issue of minor proportion here - probably won't affect a normal customer, but be wary if you have food allergies or intolerances.
(2)Lisa H.
I like this location, good service and food is tasty.. I wish there's one near my home. Panera is always good.
(5)Billy S.
I love the food at Panera. The taste is great and they have many high quality healthy options. However I've had many expectancies at multiple Panera's, including this one where I've witnessed employees cleaning and making food with same gloves. If you're cleaning you shouldn't be making food.
(2)Jason R.
Came in at 8pm on a Saturday night. We ordered some hot chocolate and pastries. When we went to sit down, we couldn't find a single clean table (the place was nearly empty). We asked if someone could clean a table for us to sit at, and eventually someone showed up- but only after we found a table after a group got up. After sitting down, my wife found a hair in her pastry, so she had to go back to the counter to get a replacement. By this point, our drinks still weren't ready. We ended up waiting 18 minutes for 4 hot chocolates (based on the receipt time). Wow, they are slacking at this one...
(1)Andrea H.
I love Panera. I always have such a hard time deciding. Today I had the Pick 2 with broccoli and cheese soup and Sierra turkey sandwich. The soup was yummy (and I love scooping up the soup with the bread they give you!). But the sandwich was just okay. It was basically turkey, cheese, onion, lettuce and chipotle mayo. But oh, the HUGE chocolate chip cookie that isn't cooked all the way in the middle so its gooey---YUM!!!
(4)Armando G.
Panera is Panera; this location is pretty much as good/ok as the other locations I've been to. I would avoid coming during their peak hours since the service can be a bit slow and I've noticed that the quality tends to dip a bit once the line begins to reach the door. They have a good selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches in addition to their pastries. I would say my favorites are their Thai Chicken Salad and the Lentil Quinoa Chicken Bowl. The Lentil Bowl is nice and hearty; it's a great dish post-workout or on those rare chilly nights. The location is good enough to ensure I return, but I definitely do not visit on a regular basis.
(3)Pluto W.
As other reviewers have explained, this Panera does NOT respect that customers pay money for Panera sandwiches, which are planned by the corporate company with a certain type of bread. They have been out of the bread we prefer with our sandwiches COUNTLESS times. They are also regularly out of other wanted items in the evening (and not even late in the evening, although that should not matter at a corporation of this size and pricing). We have complained numerous times to the people behind the counter. We have been told they agree with us, and have complained to management. Their own employees have said they don't agree with the management decision not to make enough bread. Bread might sound like something not so important. But the sandwiches are not nearly as good without the right bread. And this happens OVER & OVER & OVER again. Also, the reason that they run out of bread is to save on food costs, pure and simple. Yet, the price of the sandwich for the customer stays the same. How is that fair again? This restaurant manager should be fired, right now. The decision to put costs above customer experience is unbelievable. Many others are complaining about the same thing. Yet this Panera seems totally oblivious to how customers feel, or what they want. Really, truly outrageous Panera experience. Horrible. If you like a certain kind of Panera sandwich, I'd suggest picking a different location. They have other stores in Clermont, Apopka, and Dr. Phillips. We never have this problem at those locations.
(1)Sandy M.
Love this place. Clean and friendly. Best unsweet tea around ! Nice local hangout The four cheese soufflé is delicious. Service is fast. If you use your Panera card you earn points for a free lunch or drink or dollar off bread etc.
(4)Matt M.
It's Panera. It's good. Not anything super special, nor any problem. I'm not that big a fan that I'd come back here time and time again, but when coworkers want to go, I don't shy away. They've done nothing to wow me, nothing to anger me. A solid A-OK place!
(3)Marjan M.
I love this panera! its has the home like feeling and they are always cleaning. They did make an error once and put bacon on the sandwhich which i said multiple times no bacon and even the receipt said no bacon. The manager of course, took it off the check, but not only did he do that. I came in a week later, and he remembered who i was and without me knowing, told me when i was about to pay, that its on him because he remembered the incident. So nice! He went above and beyond!
(4)Jason Z.
Picked up salads tonight, not quite right. Phoned manager, everything is now right. We'll give them another try! Update: We returned and spoke to manager. Had a good return experience, happy to return again for a quick dinner. Thanks Panera!
(4)Amy R.
I never would guess that I'd review my beloved panera so poorly! (And likely its BC they're corporate that I hold higher standard) I'm sitting here now w my laptop and plenty of work to get done and I don't see any outlets. Not that they are at taken tables, I mean there are none! This should be a standard thing, I've never run into this before. I'm travelling and have work to get done and now I've wasted 8$ and the time it takes me to finish my soup... My French onion soup, that came out w full cold flakes of cheese and the ittiest of a bowl made into my bread. I love bread, its their namesake but I'd expect more than 5 spoonfuls of soup before I get to this guilty pleasure bounty of bread. Ugh. The place is clean, I'll give them that. Bravo. I revise: there are 6 crowded outlets by the entrance. I up'd to 3 bc I'm still disappointed by how few and how close to the highest/loudest traffic section they chose to place their designated work section.
(3)Tuncer P.
Bad customer care... Plus 3 hours old coffees which they are supposed to renew every hour... There is always a line due to one cashier working in a busiest day (sunday)... Manager sits in front and does nothing but greeting you. No more.
(1)Natalie K.
Date visited: Friday, January 20 Time of day: 8:30ish in the morning Items ordered: Me: Mediterranean Egg White on Whole Grain...unsweet tea Friend 1: Everything Bagel with "Ample" Cream Cheese...hazelnut coffee Friend 2: Everything bagel, cream cheese (not sure on the ampleness), fruit smoothy This Panera is not a free-standing. This area of Winter Garden is a shoppers paradise...from what I could tell. Tons of chain stores and restaurants. After awkwardly getting our photos taken outside of Panera, we walked in and I was greeted with a picture/shrine of Al Covelli. Based out of Ohio, the Covelli's own TONS of Panera Breads...mainly in Ohio and Florida. Keeping things even more creepy and awkward...I got my picture taken in front of the plaque. Overall the crowd was pretty light, with a mixed bag of people. You saw all types there from people on business meetings to retirees, to people like us on vacation. The Mediterranean egg white sandwich was my first experience with that sandwich. I was happy with my choice. It was filling, yet not too filling. The fact that it said "egg white" also makes you feel healthy.
(4)Mims M.
I don't know why I keep giving this place another shot. Every time I go I am continually disappointed. The sandwiches are just not good. Paninis are always hard on the edges and they put cold cheese on hot sandwiches. Gross. The soups are probably the only item I somewhat enjoy but even then I think I'll pass all together.
(1)Jeff H.
Poor training from a lackluster management. I've been to other locations and they were a little better, but for what you get in a sandwich(2 oz of meat and nasty lettuce, go somewhere else instead. Stick with what you do ok and make and sell bagels.
(2)Allie R.
this is the last time i'm throwing my money away a panera. the quality is worst then McD. that says a LOT. they throw a piece of boiled pink stuff on your salad and call it salmon!
(1)BPF x.
This place is your average Panera. It's always busy whenever I seem to go in here. Free WiFi is nice, but the restrict the duration you can use it during their peak hours. Sometimes I've gone in and haven't found the product I want from the bakery because they are sold out and the staff doesn't really seem to care. They really could work on their soft skills and professionalism some. But it simply depends on who you encounter.
(3)Hojin C.
It's the closest place where I can get my Spinach & Artichoke Souffle fix and free WiFi can turn your trip productive.
(4)