I'm a big fan of Panera overall. It hurts me to write this review because I want the closest Panera to where I live to be great, But unfortunately, it's not. I've been to this location a few times, and while service has been slow on earlier visits, it was extremely slow this time. It took us close to a half hour from the time we ordered to get our food. We were waiting for a simple takeout order, and people preparing the food seemed confused for the most part. It looked like only one person was actually preparing and the rest were trying to figure out what to do. It was clear there were a few rookies on staff which I can understand and cut them some slack, but you would hope that after being open for a few months they would have enough people who knew what they were doing to be able to fill their orders. While waiting for our order, the employees had to explain that they didn't have enough chicken ready to to complete dishes and were offering customers to replace it with Turkey. They couldn't plate orders correctly, putting half sandwiches and soup orders on different plates. They forgot to give diners spoons for their soup. My order was up and ready after about 25 minutes, finally, but they forgot to call out our number so it just sat there until we asked about it. The manager was back trying to help get food out, but didn't seem to be able to make much of a difference either. I've almost always had a consistent, fast, good experience in many different Panera's. Just not this one. I still have hope, and perhaps reviews like this will help the regional Panera executives ensure that they have the right folks with the right training so they can deliver on what we all expect.
(2)
C R.
Fast and good. Not to busy because it's a new location.
(4)
Skye G.
Their selections are getting healthier. The breakfast bowl of w quinoa was perfect. A bit on the thick side but the almonds and topping were nice. I'm glad there street other options over the sweet pastries.
(4)
Tina F.
This location as improved so much, must've had some management changes. Now this is such a nice Panera location! Very clean and the employees are very nice and efficient. We feel right at home at our Panera, we come here often and will continue to do so.
(5)
Steve M.
Inconsistency in quality and customer service. For example: When I order an item to go, they forget to put napkins and spoons in the bag. They also forget to put the online orders in the rapid pickup box. Little things like these are inexcusable. Therefore they get a poor review.
(2)
Kay J.
I enjoy all Panera restaurants. Really good salads & iced teas & soups - and all to-go. The rewards program gives me free beverages every month. The one on Rt 9 in Natick is closer, but this one nice & new when I'm in the area.
(5)
Steve B.
Our family Christmas tradition of a pastry breakfast is once again ruined by the Wayland, Ma Panera. Each year my wife pre-orders our holiday pastry breakfast. Last year we went to pick them up on Christmas morning only to find out that they had given out our food to walk up customers. The manager offered us cupcakes as a replacement. Unbelievably, my wife just came back from this Panera and declared "you won't believe it... The messed up then order again this year". The initially we were suggested to drive to Waltham to pick up our pastries. Not a great idea as we live in the other direction. Luckily, the district manager was in the store and offered go get them for us. Turns out our original order was taken by the store manager clearly as the distinct manage said " our system is broken"
(1)
Michelle C.
Great location in the new Wayland Center. Good size seating area with plenty of high chairs, roomy booths & tables with a small fireplace. Parking gets pretty full due to The Local and Bertucci's. Glad to have PB close by! I'm a fan of their potato soup! mmmm!
(4)
Scott M.
Dear management of this Panara location. Because this location was improperly staffed with one person up front the line was out the door. I personally saw 4 customers get out of line and leave. If I owned this location I know I would be very upset. The checkout process is horrible and time consuming. At 6:00pm on a weekend you should probably not have just one person taking orders. The staff that was up front was new and although they treated us well, waiting in line for 18 min is not acceptable. I hope this issue gets fixed as we were very excited to have a Panara location in our community.
(1)
Erin B.
I love the coffee so I go here frequently much better than dunkin donuts!! The food is just ok...kind of expensive. I had a bagel egg sandwich and it was cold in the middle which was strange. The cashier is kind of surly maybe cuz she's not a morning person? I keep going back for the delicious coffee!
(3)
Ali B.
Overall, this was my worst panera experience. I have had other panera's mess up the order and promptly refund or fix the mistake. After the rude cashier and waiting 20 minutes for a sandwich to go, I got home only to see that they gave me the wrong sandwich. The last time I did take out, the chicken Cesar salad I ordered was a plain box of lettuce, I called and the manager refunded the order. This time, the manager refused to refund, didn't apologize, and said that there was nothing he could do. It was so rude. They are unbelievably disorganized and the sandwich (the wrong one) was awful- I don't think mayo should be the main ingredient.
(1)
Ippei T.
Just like Jon W, it pains me to write a bad review because I live so close and I really wanted to like this Panera. I will write a more detailed review later but the net of it is that the service is slow and completely inadequate. For example, it once took me 17 minutes just to place the order and pay, even though there were only three people in front of me when I arrived. I've been here three times and twice the iced tea was empty. Even though it's supposed to have new equipment, the card reader seems to always fail, extending the length it takes to checkout. Now, I understand the store is new and improvement is expected. However, the manager, Stephen, is awful...in multiple ways...and I can't expect a good result seeing him manage. In fact, all of the above can most likely be attributed to him.
(2)
F T.
Inconsistent service levels. Some days very prompt and responsive. Other days annoying delays at the counter and pickup. Update: all good today, April 27.
(3)
Joe J.
I always thought this place was for fancy people. Not sure why, just did. Anyways, Panera was used to provide sandwiches for a meeting at work and I got to say..the sandwiches are awesome. I was hooked. They are very well built and filling. The prices are moderate. I haven't really tried anything else on the menu yet, but I'm a fan.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : 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
Jon W.
I'm a big fan of Panera overall. It hurts me to write this review because I want the closest Panera to where I live to be great, But unfortunately, it's not. I've been to this location a few times, and while service has been slow on earlier visits, it was extremely slow this time. It took us close to a half hour from the time we ordered to get our food. We were waiting for a simple takeout order, and people preparing the food seemed confused for the most part. It looked like only one person was actually preparing and the rest were trying to figure out what to do. It was clear there were a few rookies on staff which I can understand and cut them some slack, but you would hope that after being open for a few months they would have enough people who knew what they were doing to be able to fill their orders. While waiting for our order, the employees had to explain that they didn't have enough chicken ready to to complete dishes and were offering customers to replace it with Turkey. They couldn't plate orders correctly, putting half sandwiches and soup orders on different plates. They forgot to give diners spoons for their soup. My order was up and ready after about 25 minutes, finally, but they forgot to call out our number so it just sat there until we asked about it. The manager was back trying to help get food out, but didn't seem to be able to make much of a difference either. I've almost always had a consistent, fast, good experience in many different Panera's. Just not this one. I still have hope, and perhaps reviews like this will help the regional Panera executives ensure that they have the right folks with the right training so they can deliver on what we all expect.
(2)C R.
Fast and good. Not to busy because it's a new location.
(4)Skye G.
Their selections are getting healthier. The breakfast bowl of w quinoa was perfect. A bit on the thick side but the almonds and topping were nice. I'm glad there street other options over the sweet pastries.
(4)Tina F.
This location as improved so much, must've had some management changes. Now this is such a nice Panera location! Very clean and the employees are very nice and efficient. We feel right at home at our Panera, we come here often and will continue to do so.
(5)Steve M.
Inconsistency in quality and customer service. For example: When I order an item to go, they forget to put napkins and spoons in the bag. They also forget to put the online orders in the rapid pickup box. Little things like these are inexcusable. Therefore they get a poor review.
(2)Kay J.
I enjoy all Panera restaurants. Really good salads & iced teas & soups - and all to-go. The rewards program gives me free beverages every month. The one on Rt 9 in Natick is closer, but this one nice & new when I'm in the area.
(5)Steve B.
Our family Christmas tradition of a pastry breakfast is once again ruined by the Wayland, Ma Panera. Each year my wife pre-orders our holiday pastry breakfast. Last year we went to pick them up on Christmas morning only to find out that they had given out our food to walk up customers. The manager offered us cupcakes as a replacement. Unbelievably, my wife just came back from this Panera and declared "you won't believe it... The messed up then order again this year". The initially we were suggested to drive to Waltham to pick up our pastries. Not a great idea as we live in the other direction. Luckily, the district manager was in the store and offered go get them for us. Turns out our original order was taken by the store manager clearly as the distinct manage said " our system is broken"
(1)Michelle C.
Great location in the new Wayland Center. Good size seating area with plenty of high chairs, roomy booths & tables with a small fireplace. Parking gets pretty full due to The Local and Bertucci's. Glad to have PB close by! I'm a fan of their potato soup! mmmm!
(4)Scott M.
Dear management of this Panara location. Because this location was improperly staffed with one person up front the line was out the door. I personally saw 4 customers get out of line and leave. If I owned this location I know I would be very upset. The checkout process is horrible and time consuming. At 6:00pm on a weekend you should probably not have just one person taking orders. The staff that was up front was new and although they treated us well, waiting in line for 18 min is not acceptable. I hope this issue gets fixed as we were very excited to have a Panara location in our community.
(1)Erin B.
I love the coffee so I go here frequently much better than dunkin donuts!! The food is just ok...kind of expensive. I had a bagel egg sandwich and it was cold in the middle which was strange. The cashier is kind of surly maybe cuz she's not a morning person? I keep going back for the delicious coffee!
(3)Ali B.
Overall, this was my worst panera experience. I have had other panera's mess up the order and promptly refund or fix the mistake. After the rude cashier and waiting 20 minutes for a sandwich to go, I got home only to see that they gave me the wrong sandwich. The last time I did take out, the chicken Cesar salad I ordered was a plain box of lettuce, I called and the manager refunded the order. This time, the manager refused to refund, didn't apologize, and said that there was nothing he could do. It was so rude. They are unbelievably disorganized and the sandwich (the wrong one) was awful- I don't think mayo should be the main ingredient.
(1)Ippei T.
Just like Jon W, it pains me to write a bad review because I live so close and I really wanted to like this Panera. I will write a more detailed review later but the net of it is that the service is slow and completely inadequate. For example, it once took me 17 minutes just to place the order and pay, even though there were only three people in front of me when I arrived. I've been here three times and twice the iced tea was empty. Even though it's supposed to have new equipment, the card reader seems to always fail, extending the length it takes to checkout. Now, I understand the store is new and improvement is expected. However, the manager, Stephen, is awful...in multiple ways...and I can't expect a good result seeing him manage. In fact, all of the above can most likely be attributed to him.
(2)F T.
Inconsistent service levels. Some days very prompt and responsive. Other days annoying delays at the counter and pickup. Update: all good today, April 27.
(3)Joe J.
I always thought this place was for fancy people. Not sure why, just did. Anyways, Panera was used to provide sandwiches for a meeting at work and I got to say..the sandwiches are awesome. I was hooked. They are very well built and filling. The prices are moderate. I haven't really tried anything else on the menu yet, but I'm a fan.
(4)