Panera Bread

Went for lunch today. Had poor very slow service. I will not go back to this Panera. Seems to have gone down hill in the last six months.

Staff is friendly. Food was good, relaxing atmosphere. Love having a patio to relax at. :-)

Mmehh. I usually love pan era — it’s my go-​to of the fast food world. Today at this location my soup was cold and my sandwich was tasteless and falling apart. Also the food seemed extra salty. First time to this location — maybe they were just having an off day?

If I were judging Panera for what it is. A CHAIN, a slight step up from fast food, then they get a four. But the real issue is, that there are so many delightful restaurants in Chagrin Falls that are not chains. And their food is a surprise when you order, an unexpected, wow that’s awesome! Whereas Panera is, yeah, this tastes like what I had before. This location is very consistent. Properly staffed and clean. The restrooms are always clean, as well. So, if you can’t think to try something downtown or on the outskirts of Chagrin and you must go here then It is what it is.

Panera is a public company and as such is required to file a 10-​K. It’s not great reading but in it is a management discussion section that lists external forces that Panera management feels is are a threat to its business. One item to note is the line that «We may not be able to convince our customers of the benefits of paying our prices for higher quality food» I myself am not convinced. In my humble opinion, two slices of wonder bread, one (at most two) slices of turkey and a leaf of lettuce with a 2 oz. side of potato chips will be worth $ 10 – 12 in the year 2032. I think turkey that is grass fed, free range, and is sung Beethoven is great and all but I see a monetary limit to its value. Something below $ 10 – 12.
The kids seem to like it and it tastes good enough. I just don’t see the cost justifying a sandwich under-​delivery. I don’t mind paying for quality but in this case, I often leave still hungry.

This review is based on my last few visits to this Panera. Afterall, every place of business can have an off day. Or two. Okay, three. Four? Five? I’m feeling stupid for passing over my hard earned dollars in return for below average service and mistakes. Today I stopped in to grab their large mac and cheese — which at nearly $ 10 ain’t cheap. But hey, it’s damn good so I fork over the cash. I usually share the order with my youngest child —- when I got home, I opened that container and it was half full at best. HALF FULL! Check out the photo. Ironically, I stood at the pickup counter with my little beeper listening and watching as the other customers were contending with the clueless staff. (Sorry staff… it’s up to your boss to train you effectively — and HELP YOU.) Anyway, I’m standing there thinking «I’m safe. How can they screw up mac & cheese and a container of soup?» Well, now I know… by half filling the darn container. Jeez. I was ripped off. Thinking back to my last several visits, the problems at this Panera boil down to the people. There is just an overwhelming sense of confusion on the part of everyone that works there — nobody seems to know what the hell is going on and me and the rest of the customers just stand there smiling with open wallets. What’s wrong with us? Of course there are a couple folks there that have it going on — they certainly have their work cut out for them. I’ll probably go back at some point — and you’ll probably find yourself there too. But be warned and check your order! (After-​thought: The Chagrin Falls area crowd can be pretty demanding… they want what they want when they want it — I’m surprised they haven’t whipped this crew into shape by now.)

This is the Bainbridge area incarnation of the Panera Bread chain opened within the last two years. Panera is located in the plaza next to Heinen’s along E. Washington St. (old 422).
Panera’s menu offers many wholesome sandwich ingredient options, fresh breads, chai /​tea drinks, and more.
The store décor offers an upbeat yet relaxing interior with pastel colors, wall art, and comfortable seats and the staff takes good care in keeping the counters, furniture, and carpets clean and in good condition. Definitely a nice place for quiet meals, studying, and Internet usage especially during the off-​peak periods.
Very popular for its free Wi-​Fi (limited to 30 min during lunch hour).