Panera Bread — Restaurant in Asheville

I stopped here with my husband and 2 kids while on our way to Georgia from Raleigh. The establishment looked like a recently opened location. We placed our order and as we were walking towards a booth, there were items that belonged to a homeless individual. Nothing wrong with that, except that his or her Vans shoes were on the seat, the table was full or crumbs and food and the carpet surrounding that booth was absolutely disgusting. There was so much food and food crumbs/particles on the carpet, it looked like it had been there a while. Not sure carpet is a hygienic choice for a restaurant. It looks like loitering is allowed at this particular location. Again, I understand people fall on hard times, however, many businesses do not allow loitering for a reason. To top it off, my son got an apple that looked normal on one side and rotted on the other. The brown spot on that small apple was big enough there is no way that was "missed". The apple was placed on the plate with the good side facing up. I do not recommend this location. We are not from the area but have visited many Panera bread locations. This one is not one of the better location...

I have to shout out this awesome crew at @panerabread on tunnel rd Asheville. I had a client tonight that really wanted dinner after giving birth. No where was delivering to the hospital because it was too close to closing; and the cafeteria at @missionhealthnc was closed. I called Panera as I pulled out of my parking spot; 17 minutes to closing time. They couldn’t take an order over the phone- typically corp wants to push the use of the app. Wished me luck on making it. The manager called back to clarify what I needed and where I was coming from. Let me know that if the door was locked when I pulled in to call and he would let me in, wished me luck. I was called a third time from the store and they said that they decide to take my order anyway and would make sure to wait for me. 🥹❤️ I pulled in 4 till closing, they neatly packed the food for the new mama and fam, and we got cookies for Labor and Delivery. All of these folks were so kind and helpful! #faithinhumanity #goodpeopledoinggoodthings #asheville #wncliving #828isgreat #panera #doula #doulasupportedbirth...

Avoid this location at every cost possible. I’ve given them so many chances, and each time I’ve waited 45-60 minutes only to be furious. I was in the drive thru a few weeks ago and waited 50 minutes (once you’re in line you can’t leave). Employee ignored me at the window and when I asked for a refund he said “which order?” .. the next one in line for the drive thru that has taken 50 minutes?

Today I tried giving them another chance, and had an online order to pick up. I waited 41 minutes. Was told twice that they were “working on it”. When I asked a third time, they said they never received my order. I showed them the receipt on my phone and they refused to make it. Walked out after almost an hour without any food.

Everyone in the community knows how horrible this location is. I have no idea how they’re still in business. The food / time management issues aside - the employees ignore you. Save yourself the headache and the hour + it’ll take if you even get your food. The Panera on Hendersonville rd is 100% better and well worth the extra...