As I sat waiting to pick up my Asiago Steak sandwich at this restaurant I could overhear the staff discussing "a slicer or something" they didn't have to fill an order. I then heard a man tell them to substitute it with "something" else and then say they won't know the difference. When I arrived home I figured out it was related to the bread for my sandwich as I didn't have the Asiago bread but regularly country bread. If someone had explained the situation to me it would not have been a problem. How unprofessional? I won't be back.
(1)
Randy T.
I walked into the store and found they had 6 large bags of great looking food they were about to send to the needy/homeless. When I got my order of food the portions were so small I couldn't believe my eyes. They should have a sign on the door stating that paying customers receive minimal portions but the poor can get an all you can eat buffet for free.
(1)
Derek K.
Not the best Panera. They are constantly out of certain items it seems and the drive through workers are always 1/2 paying attention or laughing about something. HIt or miss.
(3)
Saira K.
Exhausted after a 5 hour drive, I was hungry. Not many food options in the area - I arrived to find out they were closing and the register was closed. The manager saw my disappointment, and I was given tea and muffin for free. The fennel tea was just perfect - as was the pumpkin muffie, and I could take my time and enjoy while they were closing. Great service.
(4)
David Y.
We have been several times now therefore I can say the following are not isolated incidents: The tables are consistently dirty, the front counter is always staffed with mush-mouthed teens and twenty-somethings who cannot enunciate words or seem completely disinterested in taking your order, and the kitchen staff are clueless when it comes to keeping meals coming out on time or in any certain order - especially on busy weekend days. *** TIP FOR THE MANAGER: While I am placing my order, if I have to ask "HUH?" more than once when your counter staff half-heartedly mumbles something, those people do not belong on the front lines. Hire people who really want to work. Let McDonalds hire the kids who just want a pay check. *** Further the kitchen staff seems to have zero concept of something as simple as dredging the kettle of soup for actual vegetables/noodles, instead just skimming the broth off the top and slopping that into a bowl for you. My black bean soup was just a bowl of brown water until we went back to the counter and had the manager fix the problem. Lastly, the restaurant is just laid out horribly. Sugar, creamer, coffee lids, etc are on the end opposite from the coffee decanters, near the exit doors -- while the trash and dirty dish receptacles are sit closer to the pickup counter. Seriously, what idiot did the layout for the counters?? Foot traffic doesn't flow, it chokes in a confused mess of people trying to figure out where to get lids and creamer, and where to throw their trash. It just doesn't make any sense at all. Overall this is just a horrible Panera Bread location and a complete let down after waiting so long to get one in Smyrna. It will likely go the way of Smyrna's defunct Red Robin: closed, torn down and turned into something better. A complete shame. The only hope for this place is if Panera-Corporate steps in and does a complete reset.
(1)
Bridget S.
Fuji apple chicken salad for lunch: disappointing. Less than one cups of salad greens dried apples and way too much onion. I had two slivers of chicken in my salad. I love Panera, yet this location needs to improve.
(2)
Jennifer H.
A few things I'm going to rate: Customer Service is OK. Orders placed are 98% correct--for me. Bathroom is DISGUSTING & too small!!! Sweet tea is never sweet & bland. Tables & chairs need to be wiped--OFTEN. The only way to avoid the negative is to just go to the DRIVE-THRU!!
(3)
Andy B.
Update to my previous review, it looks like this location is listening to Yelp. As I sit here I've watched one employee work continuously to keep the trash cans free of trays and emptied. He's been super courteous helping customs and is basically keeping the dinning area neat and clean. Also I would hope for Panera to expand this location as its a bit small for being so close to a major highway. Maybe I'm just lucky or everyone else is unlucky?!? But I've had good experiences at this location. Food was quick getting out, tasted great, and staff was very nice. Nice job Panera!
(4)
Brian J.
I was very surprised to find this place very dirty. It was 5pm, before any dinner rush they might have coming but the restaurant was not clean. Most open tables had not been wiped down, food scattered around the floor. It was not busy at all so no excuse why they would not have someone cleaning up the dining area. When you order a pick two most Panera ask you if you want chips, bread, or fruit but not here. They provided a piece of French bread even though I would have preferred fruit. Not sure I will return here again, sad excuse of a Panera.
(2)
Stacie F.
I love Panera, but this location is my least favorite. The tables are almost always dirty & the service leaves much to be desired. Often I wait to long for my food after an unfriendly teenager took my order. With a little work, this location could dramatically improve their rating.
(2)
Nally V.
Unfortunately the Manager, Miss Terry, believes it is okay to tell the customer "NO." I know you think I look like just another young adult that you can blow off Miss Terry. I will have you know that I have had my fair share experience of 5 years in customer service. Being rude to not only me but to your employees is not good work ethic. You lack in your politeness, this is also why it took 20 minutes for my beverage and a bagel. A simple "I'm really sorry ma'am but I am unable to fulfill your request of a cup of strawberries" would of been understandable. That was not the case, you made a scene and talked down to me, you embarrassed me in front of your peers and customers. For this I will not be coming back. Get it together Panera
(1)
Nechole T.
Much as I love Panera tonight will be my last night doing business with this location!! My order was placed online for a WHOLE Caesar Chicken salad and when I returned home it was no where near a whole salad it was more like less of a salad without crotons and the roll of bread that normally comes with the salad well they ran out and gave me regular white bread!! I've had bad experiences with the drive thru as well!!! #DONE
(1)
Ashley W.
I love Panera. LOVE. I am incredibly torn. I want to give four or five stars. But the problem here is that they are very very slow. The food is amazing, as it is at all the Panera restaurants. The service is Meh. If you go during the lunch rush, you will most likely get good service. I would not suggest going in the evening though. The last time I went it was slower than it is during the lunch rush. Plus I stood there and watched them get three orders wrong, and the woman working was snotty and rude about it. She went as far as to say the customer was wrong about their order. She didn't even offer to fix HER mistake, she just suggested they go get a refund. I love Panera the brand, and I sure hope this particular Panera gets it together so they aren't driving customers away from the brand itself.
(3)
Jason B.
Always dirty, always slow, never done right the first time. I keep hoping it is just a fluke but at all hours of the day the floor has food on it, tables are uncleaned, and the staff is busy joking and even stuffing food in their mouths in the kitchen.
(1)
Jenna A.
Stopped for breakfast on the way out of town after being on vacation in Tennessee, and saw multiple people complain about their orders being incorrect or incomplete. One of the ladies working suggest a refund to a man waiting to have his order fixed because he had been waiting forever, and to top it all off the place was filthy which was odd to me since it hadn't been long since the restaurant had been open that day. They also forgot to give me the cream cheese I ordered with my bagel.
(1)
David F.
So this is my second try at this location. And as other reviews said. They are slow, my food was kinda old/cold after waiting 20mins past the rapid pick up time. Which i sat there for. The place is dirty and has some kind of smell inside of rot. Ill stick to any of the other locations. This one needs help. Knock knock home office.
(1)
Katee W.
Consistently the most poorly-managed Panera Bread in existence. I keep swearing never to waste another dime here, then forgetting and having to relearn my lesson. To reiterate what other reviewers have said: *FILTHY, even when not busy. Two nights ago I saw a busboy-type person walk past us three times kind of looking for something to do and not cleaning up the mess the toddler who was there before us had spread over about six tables and all over the floor. *ridiculous portions OR sloppy craftsmanship. I get this isn't hand-cut crystal, but even an eight year old knows if you have a chicken sandwich that's cut in half, the chicken shouldn't just be on one half and the other side consist of just bread. The other day we ordered two sandwiches and two drinks. The food never came out after the drinks. Had to go ask. They act all confused and then ask to see my receipt. I finally get our food but they give it to me all on the same plate? I had to ask for another plate and the second order of chips. I asked for some mayo and the guy says "sure" and leaves me standing there. Two minutes later he's back. "What else can I get you?" "Still waiting on the mayo." He's a really nice guy but for pete's sake. *GLACIAL PACE, I just sat for more than 15 minutes in the drive thru FOR A COFFEE and there were only two cars in front of me. I won't even get into what I've seen workers do while I was waiting at the drive thru window. What are gloves even for? I hope I've learned my lesson. I wish they would read these reviews and do something about the restaurant. Panera is a great place. This location is an embarrassment.
A terrible Panera location. Went inside for the first time yesterday and not only was the girl completely disinterested in taking our order, but she got the simplest parts of it completely wrong..I had asked for my portion to go, and my mother asked for a half of a sandwich and got a full one instead (she wasn't hungry enough for the full.) My sandwich, which was supposed to be warm was cold, as well as my side piece of french baguette. Not just room temperature but like out of the refridgerator cold, took the entire sandwich home to heat it up because the meat and bread was SO cold. Had to go boxes literally thrown at me from the other side of the counter by the overwhelmed kitchen staff, though there was a maximum of 15 people in the dining area. Saw the manager come out to try to resolve an issue with another table, and my relief was short-lived as I saw him roll his eyes as he walked away from the still unsatisfied guests. The entire staff clearly is not happy working there, and that definitely shows when you see that kind of behavior coming from someone who is supposed to be setting an example. this is just overall a horrible situation, corporate should do something about this! Was so excited to hear about a drive thru Panera as I am always on the go, but this one needs some MAJOR improvements. Must say however that I have had much better experiences going through the drive thru, though not perfect it has been nothing like I experienced going inside. Just awful.
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 Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Ed H.
As I sat waiting to pick up my Asiago Steak sandwich at this restaurant I could overhear the staff discussing "a slicer or something" they didn't have to fill an order. I then heard a man tell them to substitute it with "something" else and then say they won't know the difference. When I arrived home I figured out it was related to the bread for my sandwich as I didn't have the Asiago bread but regularly country bread. If someone had explained the situation to me it would not have been a problem. How unprofessional? I won't be back.
(1)Randy T.
I walked into the store and found they had 6 large bags of great looking food they were about to send to the needy/homeless. When I got my order of food the portions were so small I couldn't believe my eyes. They should have a sign on the door stating that paying customers receive minimal portions but the poor can get an all you can eat buffet for free.
(1)Derek K.
Not the best Panera. They are constantly out of certain items it seems and the drive through workers are always 1/2 paying attention or laughing about something. HIt or miss.
(3)Saira K.
Exhausted after a 5 hour drive, I was hungry. Not many food options in the area - I arrived to find out they were closing and the register was closed. The manager saw my disappointment, and I was given tea and muffin for free. The fennel tea was just perfect - as was the pumpkin muffie, and I could take my time and enjoy while they were closing. Great service.
(4)David Y.
We have been several times now therefore I can say the following are not isolated incidents: The tables are consistently dirty, the front counter is always staffed with mush-mouthed teens and twenty-somethings who cannot enunciate words or seem completely disinterested in taking your order, and the kitchen staff are clueless when it comes to keeping meals coming out on time or in any certain order - especially on busy weekend days. *** TIP FOR THE MANAGER: While I am placing my order, if I have to ask "HUH?" more than once when your counter staff half-heartedly mumbles something, those people do not belong on the front lines. Hire people who really want to work. Let McDonalds hire the kids who just want a pay check. *** Further the kitchen staff seems to have zero concept of something as simple as dredging the kettle of soup for actual vegetables/noodles, instead just skimming the broth off the top and slopping that into a bowl for you. My black bean soup was just a bowl of brown water until we went back to the counter and had the manager fix the problem. Lastly, the restaurant is just laid out horribly. Sugar, creamer, coffee lids, etc are on the end opposite from the coffee decanters, near the exit doors -- while the trash and dirty dish receptacles are sit closer to the pickup counter. Seriously, what idiot did the layout for the counters?? Foot traffic doesn't flow, it chokes in a confused mess of people trying to figure out where to get lids and creamer, and where to throw their trash. It just doesn't make any sense at all. Overall this is just a horrible Panera Bread location and a complete let down after waiting so long to get one in Smyrna. It will likely go the way of Smyrna's defunct Red Robin: closed, torn down and turned into something better. A complete shame. The only hope for this place is if Panera-Corporate steps in and does a complete reset.
(1)Bridget S.
Fuji apple chicken salad for lunch: disappointing. Less than one cups of salad greens dried apples and way too much onion. I had two slivers of chicken in my salad. I love Panera, yet this location needs to improve.
(2)Jennifer H.
A few things I'm going to rate: Customer Service is OK. Orders placed are 98% correct--for me. Bathroom is DISGUSTING & too small!!! Sweet tea is never sweet & bland. Tables & chairs need to be wiped--OFTEN. The only way to avoid the negative is to just go to the DRIVE-THRU!!
(3)Andy B.
Update to my previous review, it looks like this location is listening to Yelp. As I sit here I've watched one employee work continuously to keep the trash cans free of trays and emptied. He's been super courteous helping customs and is basically keeping the dinning area neat and clean. Also I would hope for Panera to expand this location as its a bit small for being so close to a major highway. Maybe I'm just lucky or everyone else is unlucky?!? But I've had good experiences at this location. Food was quick getting out, tasted great, and staff was very nice. Nice job Panera!
(4)Brian J.
I was very surprised to find this place very dirty. It was 5pm, before any dinner rush they might have coming but the restaurant was not clean. Most open tables had not been wiped down, food scattered around the floor. It was not busy at all so no excuse why they would not have someone cleaning up the dining area. When you order a pick two most Panera ask you if you want chips, bread, or fruit but not here. They provided a piece of French bread even though I would have preferred fruit. Not sure I will return here again, sad excuse of a Panera.
(2)Stacie F.
I love Panera, but this location is my least favorite. The tables are almost always dirty & the service leaves much to be desired. Often I wait to long for my food after an unfriendly teenager took my order. With a little work, this location could dramatically improve their rating.
(2)Nally V.
Unfortunately the Manager, Miss Terry, believes it is okay to tell the customer "NO." I know you think I look like just another young adult that you can blow off Miss Terry. I will have you know that I have had my fair share experience of 5 years in customer service. Being rude to not only me but to your employees is not good work ethic. You lack in your politeness, this is also why it took 20 minutes for my beverage and a bagel. A simple "I'm really sorry ma'am but I am unable to fulfill your request of a cup of strawberries" would of been understandable. That was not the case, you made a scene and talked down to me, you embarrassed me in front of your peers and customers. For this I will not be coming back. Get it together Panera
(1)Nechole T.
Much as I love Panera tonight will be my last night doing business with this location!! My order was placed online for a WHOLE Caesar Chicken salad and when I returned home it was no where near a whole salad it was more like less of a salad without crotons and the roll of bread that normally comes with the salad well they ran out and gave me regular white bread!! I've had bad experiences with the drive thru as well!!! #DONE
(1)Ashley W.
I love Panera. LOVE. I am incredibly torn. I want to give four or five stars. But the problem here is that they are very very slow. The food is amazing, as it is at all the Panera restaurants. The service is Meh. If you go during the lunch rush, you will most likely get good service. I would not suggest going in the evening though. The last time I went it was slower than it is during the lunch rush. Plus I stood there and watched them get three orders wrong, and the woman working was snotty and rude about it. She went as far as to say the customer was wrong about their order. She didn't even offer to fix HER mistake, she just suggested they go get a refund. I love Panera the brand, and I sure hope this particular Panera gets it together so they aren't driving customers away from the brand itself.
(3)Jason B.
Always dirty, always slow, never done right the first time. I keep hoping it is just a fluke but at all hours of the day the floor has food on it, tables are uncleaned, and the staff is busy joking and even stuffing food in their mouths in the kitchen.
(1)Jenna A.
Stopped for breakfast on the way out of town after being on vacation in Tennessee, and saw multiple people complain about their orders being incorrect or incomplete. One of the ladies working suggest a refund to a man waiting to have his order fixed because he had been waiting forever, and to top it all off the place was filthy which was odd to me since it hadn't been long since the restaurant had been open that day. They also forgot to give me the cream cheese I ordered with my bagel.
(1)David F.
So this is my second try at this location. And as other reviews said. They are slow, my food was kinda old/cold after waiting 20mins past the rapid pick up time. Which i sat there for. The place is dirty and has some kind of smell inside of rot. Ill stick to any of the other locations. This one needs help. Knock knock home office.
(1)Katee W.
Consistently the most poorly-managed Panera Bread in existence. I keep swearing never to waste another dime here, then forgetting and having to relearn my lesson. To reiterate what other reviewers have said: *FILTHY, even when not busy. Two nights ago I saw a busboy-type person walk past us three times kind of looking for something to do and not cleaning up the mess the toddler who was there before us had spread over about six tables and all over the floor. *ridiculous portions OR sloppy craftsmanship. I get this isn't hand-cut crystal, but even an eight year old knows if you have a chicken sandwich that's cut in half, the chicken shouldn't just be on one half and the other side consist of just bread. The other day we ordered two sandwiches and two drinks. The food never came out after the drinks. Had to go ask. They act all confused and then ask to see my receipt. I finally get our food but they give it to me all on the same plate? I had to ask for another plate and the second order of chips. I asked for some mayo and the guy says "sure" and leaves me standing there. Two minutes later he's back. "What else can I get you?" "Still waiting on the mayo." He's a really nice guy but for pete's sake. *GLACIAL PACE, I just sat for more than 15 minutes in the drive thru FOR A COFFEE and there were only two cars in front of me. I won't even get into what I've seen workers do while I was waiting at the drive thru window. What are gloves even for? I hope I've learned my lesson. I wish they would read these reviews and do something about the restaurant. Panera is a great place. This location is an embarrassment.
(1)Gale B.
The Sbux is down for 2 weeks for a much-needed overhaul so it's either here or Dunkin....which does have a Boston Crème that beckons me. I agree with other reviewers that this place is generally understaffed...at least early in the morning when I've gone. The people in the kitchen were quick and efficient and the breakfast sandwiches were fine if not awesome. With usually just one person at the counter doing multiple duties of restocking coffee or taking a carryout bag to customer you may have to wait when there's relatively few customers in the store. One day an employee brought out a new decanter of dark roast (usually what I drink) and when I poured a small sample into my cup it was clearly warm and not hot with a bitter taste. How does that happen if it's freshly made? I've also chosen other blends with time-markings on them of less than 15 minutes and they were also clearly not fresh. Something wrong here for sure. Let's just say I'll be happy when Sbux is back up and running . I also find the music here very bland and listless. The décor is rather strange in that it's a mish-mash of paneled walls...painted walls...varied upholstery , etc. The artwork is amusing...in a funny-ha-ha way. The largest painting is of a loaf of bread hovering over a field of tall grass with a pat of butter at the bottom....maybe it's the Mothership waiting to beam up the butter ????? My servers have all been very gracious and friendly ...particularly the kitchen staff ....but this place just has a weird vibe. If you want relative quiet I guess it's a good place as you can find your own little nook to do your emails or work. I've also had issues trying to login to the WiFi....hit and miss with multiple browser resets .
(2)Dawn K.
A terrible Panera location. Went inside for the first time yesterday and not only was the girl completely disinterested in taking our order, but she got the simplest parts of it completely wrong..I had asked for my portion to go, and my mother asked for a half of a sandwich and got a full one instead (she wasn't hungry enough for the full.) My sandwich, which was supposed to be warm was cold, as well as my side piece of french baguette. Not just room temperature but like out of the refridgerator cold, took the entire sandwich home to heat it up because the meat and bread was SO cold. Had to go boxes literally thrown at me from the other side of the counter by the overwhelmed kitchen staff, though there was a maximum of 15 people in the dining area. Saw the manager come out to try to resolve an issue with another table, and my relief was short-lived as I saw him roll his eyes as he walked away from the still unsatisfied guests. The entire staff clearly is not happy working there, and that definitely shows when you see that kind of behavior coming from someone who is supposed to be setting an example. this is just overall a horrible situation, corporate should do something about this! Was so excited to hear about a drive thru Panera as I am always on the go, but this one needs some MAJOR improvements. Must say however that I have had much better experiences going through the drive thru, though not perfect it has been nothing like I experienced going inside. Just awful.
(1)