Panera Bread — Restaurant in Durham

I wish it was possible to render a negative amount of stars to this place. I have never been the recipient of such inhumane treatment at a restaurant in my entire life, nor do I frequently complain about bad customer service. Sadly, in today's culture it's become a norm in the food industry. Last Friday, September 22, 2017 my wife and I stopped in for a healthier bite to eat as we commenced another weekend road trip with relaxation in mind. Not a care in the world and just as jovial as we could be to have a kid-free weekend when we are met by a younger African-American female who took our order. I had decided what I wanted while my wife was still deliberating her selection. I proceeded to order, as I began to state my desired entree I was abruptly interrupted by her rudely saying, "You can't do that!" She went on to later say "you cannot get a whole sandwich with the pick 2!" In the same tone as previously stated, I looked at her petitioning for the most economical way to purchase what I wanted. She insisted on telling me what I could not order, so I moved on, made my entree selection and it came time for me to choose my second item - still appalled at the way she conveyed herself I reviewed the menu to a batting of the eyes and attitude-filled asking of "What other item do you want?" I responded and she says "a name for the order" looks at wife and says, "do you know what you want!?" I almost lost my cool at this point in the transaction. My wife then orders and we proceed to find a seat without cups when I asked for a cup, I am told that water cups are beside the machine and that I can get that myself. Then I approach the counter moments later to check on our order, the lady calls me by name & says "we'll call you when your order is ready - you can have a seat". By far the most unpleasant experience I've ever encountered at a Panera in my life. Find another one in the area we've been there multiple times, as this location is conveniently located off the highway as we go visit family in the area frequently. But not even the convenience is worth anyone being treated and/or talked to in such an egregious manner. So if you're one who values your hard earned money and where and how you spend it; find a more appreciative establishment to...

I went with my mother to Panera for the first time and the cashier was so friendly and willing to answer all our questions.

I deducted a star because I was disappointed to find that one of the most popular sandwich chains in America did not have gluten-free versions of their breads. My mother ended up ordering the Mediterranean bowl, one of their few gluten-conscious items. I did the Pick Two and got a Cesar salad and a Chipotle Chicken & Bacon Flatbread Pizza. All the food was absolutely delicious and worth the price we paid. I wish they had the option to add the Chipotle Garlic Sauce on the side to dip the pizza in because it was sooooooo good. I also had their Charged Mango Lemonade which was sweet and refreshing.

The vibe was cozy and warm, with many people working on their laptops or dining with their young kids. The staff are very friendly and do their best to accommodate you. Although it's on the pricey side of fast food, I will definitely come back again to explore their other menu items and the peaceful vibe of...

I was doing some mall walking and stopped in to Panera for a cup of coffee. It was well after 10 but you cannot use the registers that are inside of the store. I didn't know that. So I walked past the long line that was outside in the mall and the young lady in the cash register area told me I had to go in line to order. I said to her, I just want a cup of coffee. She handed me a cup and I handed her a gift card and she said, no charge!!!! I was so surprised and happy that she was so considerate and didn't make me wait in that long line for just a cup of coffee where they would have just handed me a cup and I would have had to go get it myself anyway.. the only difference is I would have had to pay for it. Since a person can get all the refills they want for free, this should be a regular policy of theirs for senior citizens. Just give us a cup and let us have free coffee. I didn't get the young lady's name but I certainly do appreciate what she did for me today! Great...