Panera Bread — Restaurant in DuPont

This Panera Bread just opened on base two days ago, so I really tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. Based on my experience this morning though, I’d say plan on at least a 20–30 minute wait for your food right now.

They open at 6:00 a.m. and I got there around 6:45. I first tried ordering on the touch screen kiosks at the entrance because I planned to use my Military Star Card. I didn’t notice the sign on the counter that says you have to pay with the Star Card at the front counter, so after I entered everything I had to cancel my order and start over at the register—only to be told their Star Card machine wasn’t working yet. So I went back to the kiosk and ordered again.

I finally placed my order at 6:50 a.m. A few minutes later one of the employees let me know that several of their bagels weren’t ready yet. He said I could wait about 15–20 minutes for them, which I was okay with. About 10 minutes later he came back and said they’d take another 20 minutes on top of that, so I just swapped for different flavors since I had to get to work. They also mentioned that some of the items needed for their sandwiches weren’t ready yet either, so anyone ordering a sandwich that morning was also going to have to wait. They explained that one of their bakers didn’t make it in, which explained some of the delays.

While I was there, another customer tried to order an espresso drink but was told their espresso machine had just arrived that morning, so a lot of drinks weren’t available yet either.

Honestly, I think the team probably just needs to start their prep work a little earlier because almost an hour after opening it still felt like they were trying to get set up. I’m excited to have another food option on base, but I do feel like they could’ve waited a few more days to open so they’d be fully ready. Watching the order screens, I noticed a few people who’d been waiting even longer than I was.

I’ll give them some time to get settled before I go back, but I do plan to give them another shot once they’ve worked...

I ordered online through the app, it was behind a bit but hey great food takes time! I received my notification. Walked over and picked up my food, it was delicious as always. I was not disappointed. I was greeted when I walked in & told to have...

Has anyone else went got to the pick up area and they tell u hey we’re out of this can we give u something else happened both times already curious if anyone else is having this happen very slow service as...