Panera Bread — Restaurant in Big Rapids

Coffee break with no coffee... I stopped in to Panera Bread for a coffee break about 3:30pm while doing some errands in town. I ordered a cranberry orange muffin and decaf coffee, then paid my bill. To my disappointment, there was a sign where the decaf coffee pot usually sets that read something like " If you don't see the coffee of your choice, ask an employee"... so I did.. I ask if they could make me a decaf coffee, but was told it would be 10-15 mins as they had just started a brew..(I don't know if they meant a decaf brew or what kind..) Due to health conditions I cannot drink regular coffee, so here I stand with a muffin and no coffee. No attempt was made by the employee to give me a refund or offer juice, water, etc...they went on about their business talking and doing whatever it was away from me. (It's like my time is worth nothing..) Needless to say, I was not a happy customer. At other Panera Bread locations, when they are out of decaf, they brew a cup for me in the back, don't ask me to wait 10-15 mins. So beware... If you see a sign posted they are out of coffee, be prepared to wait to enjoy that cranberry orange muffin...which in reality...

I usually do the Rapid Pick-Up and they always have it ready for me within 10 minutes, even when I come in at their busiest times. I had an experience recently where I came in super early to pick up my order and I heard the kitchen employees say they needed to grab some more things from the back to put in my order. Even with this setback and the couple of orders they were preparing at the same time, they still had my order ready at the exact time they said it would be done. About once a week I come in at about 8:30pm, which is almost when they close, and they always say hello to me when I walk in and wish me a great night when I grab my Pick-Up order and walk out the door. Despite me coming in near closing time, they never seem annoyed and they never slack on my order. They always get my order right but if they are ever confused about part of my order, they seek me out to clarify to get my order correct for me. As for the food, it can be a bit pricey but it’s always delicious. Every once in a while I try something new and I’m never disappointed.

In short: the staff is friendly and efficient, and the food is great. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad...

I have eaten exclusively at Panera restaurants this summer as I moved from out West to Michigan and have had the opportunity to compare the same chain in many different locations. I am leaving a review for this one because it was the best Panera I have eaten at. The cashier was very friendly and didn’t make us use one of the tablet ordering systems (don’t like those, I like a human to take my order). Our food arrived quicker than any other location, and was just as crowded (we were there for the dinner rush at 6:30ish). My soup was hot... at some locations the soup is only warm and I eat that first because I like my food hot (as soup should be) but didn’t have that problem here. As with all Panera locations, the salad was fresh tasting and food quality was the same. I liked how this Panera in big rapids included salt and pepper shakers at the tables. The table staff was friendly and kept the restaurant very clean, and I did not see any dirty tables or floors. This restaurant exemplifies exactly what Panera bread advertises itself as encompassing. 10/10 will stop at this location again every time I pass through....