Panera Bread — Restaurant in Gilbert

Everything is so… “uncanny valley”/“liminal space”. As soon as I park in the pristine parking space in the pristine parking lot that has very few other cars in it, get out of my car and get an eyeful of the nondescript, pristine, nothing of a building, I start to get an idea of what I’m in for.

The first thing I see upon entering is a row of tablet computers and signs. Nothing explicitly says I must place my order using the tablets, but looking around at the liminal space interior tells me that there are no human beings available for placing my order.

Personally, I feel conflicted about this because I’m hard of hearing and often have difficulty understanding what (human) order takers ask of me from their station behind a register. So, I’d think I’d prefer this method of placing my order. But, the fact that there just aren’t any humans around to assist and the signage doesn’t really make it clear what I’m expected to do, leaves me feeling so utterly alone there.

After placing (tapping) my order and paying with my card (not sure whether there’s a way to pay with cash), I’m left a bit stumped again about what my next step should be. (Again, no signage explicitly telling me what to expect.) I do see a stack of those flashing light coasters that flash and buzz at you that are normally handed out by welcomers at restaurants after they take your name and number in your party so you know when you can come back and be seated, so I grab one of those. (But heck if I know how the particular one I picked up is supposed to know it’s for me and my order.

So, I wander around the only area open that doesn’t lead back out to my car. There are a couple different things, shelves, alcoves between the tablets and the tables so I’m not sure whether my food will be placed on a shelf or put up on the stainless steel shelf between me and the cooks I can see working in what I guess is the kitchen, or (dare I hope) have a seat at a table of my choosing and the food will be brought to me.

While I’m waiting and wondering, I see on my emailed receipt that I could input my phone’s number to receive a text when my food is ready for me to pick up at the stainless steel shelf I mentioned earlier. So, I do that. But, several minutes later, my wife who accompanied me tells me the cooks behind the stainless steel shelf called my name. So I walk over to the stainless steel shelf and see several plates laid out. Unsure which ones are mine, I try to get the attention of the cooks. I’m unable so I take two plates that seem to have our orders on them. As I’m walking back to my table, one of the cooks yells for me to come back and get the cookie that I ordered but they forgot to put out with the rest of my order.

The food… is… VERY homologous. It looks homologous. It smells homologous. It tastes and feels homologous. I decide it’s liminal food in this liminal space.

There are about four other people in the “dining space”. None of them talk to each other or anyone else; even the ones who are sitting together. One of them gets up from their table and sits down at a table closer to us - like one seat away - even though there are several other spaces further from us (and everyone else). I guess they are feeling about as lonely in this liminal restaurant as I am.

When we’re done with our liminal food, I see that I’m expected to bus my own dishes. The bussing station hasn’t been attended to for a while. Yuck. Not the most pleasant way to finish my experience.

My wife and I go back out to the pristine parking lot to our car, which seems to have missed us after having an existential crisis in the lonely liminal...

Panera Bread is an absolute gem in the world of casual dining, and I can't sing its praises enough! Every time I step into their inviting bakery-cafe, I know I'm in for a treat. Their diverse menu caters to all tastes, whether you're craving a hearty sandwich, a nourishing soup, or a fresh salad.

Let's talk about their sandwiches. From the classic Panera Bread favorites to the creative seasonal offerings, each sandwich is a masterpiece. The ingredients are always fresh and of the highest quality, and the flavor combinations are simply delightful. Whether you go for their famous Bacon Turkey Bravo or try something new, you're in for a satisfying and satisfyingly delicious meal.

But Panera Bread doesn't stop at sandwiches. Their soups are legendary! From the creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar to the zesty and flavorful Ten Vegetable Soup, every spoonful is like a warm hug for your taste buds. They put so much care into crafting their soups that it's no wonder they've become iconic.

And let's not forget about their salads, which are a refreshing and nutritious option. The variety of greens and toppings ensures there's something for everyone, and their dressings elevate the taste to another level. It's a guilt-free pleasure that keeps you coming back for more.

But the true heart of Panera Bread lies in its dedication to providing wholesome and clean ingredients. They have taken impressive steps to remove artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors from their menu. This commitment to transparency and quality shines through in every bite, allowing you to savor your meal with peace of mind.

Beyond the outstanding food, the ambiance at Panera Bread is cozy and comfortable, making it an ideal place to catch up with friends, study, or simply unwind. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with friendly staff, makes the dining experience all the more enjoyable.

And let's not forget their commitment to the community. Through their Panera Gives initiatives, they work to combat food insecurity by donating unsold bakery products to local organizations. It's heartwarming to see a company with such a strong sense of social responsibility, making a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite during lunchtime or a leisurely dinner with loved ones, Panera Bread has something to offer. Their dedication to quality, the wide array of delicious choices, and the inviting atmosphere make it a standout among casual dining options.

In conclusion, Panera Bread is a restaurant that truly delivers on all fronts - from scrumptious food to a warm ambiance and a commitment to making a positive impact. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. You'll likely find yourself returning time and time again to indulge in the delightful...

Place is dirty. If you see plates and cups sitting outside, or on tables in general, do yourself a favor and look under the tables. See if they have been swept. If not, go somewhere else.

After paying $17 for my meal, I looked for a comfortable and clean place to sit. It was near impossible. I thought myself lucky to find a clean place to sit at all. Clean meaning it looked clean.

While sitting and waiting for my meal, I saw three tables that had yet to be cleaned off. It took them 5 minutes to give me my food, and then they came out and removed the plates on the other tables. They did NOT wipe off the table tops, not even a cursory smudge. The third table sat with dirty dishes on it until I left, 35 minutes later.

Under the tables were even worse, one table had napkins, utensils, and food particles under it the whole time I was there. Some poor customers did not notice it and sat at the table.

I also could see from my seat in the dining area, a sandwich station, and under it was just piles of trash that looked like it had been there for a while.

During all of this I was attempting to eat my food and not think about how dirty the kitchen must be in back. I mean, it is $17 worth of food I ordered...

With that level of income, you would think they could afford better management and staffing.

Instead, I saw staff joking around, waiting for something to do. There were a few people that gathered dishes, but they went back to work behind the counter. I dont even know if they changed their gloves or not.

Basic dining display was horrid, food particles under most of the tables, little sanitation and zero respect for the customers.

I asked to see the store manager. When she came out I pointed out the larger atrocities to her and her excuse was "we just went through a lot of customers" I responded by telling her about how I saw her employees standing around. She apologized to me in an uncaring way and I responded that I am not the only customer here.

She gave me the thousand yard stare and just said "well Ill get someone to clean this up". I just left telling her I would take it to corporate, which I did.

I regret not taking pictures or video of this very gross establishment.

If you care for the health and sanitation of your food, overpriced or not, do not venture in here.

Corporate: I highly suggest you make unannounced visits and inspections. My guess is their kitchen area could use multiple cleanings. Dont make this store your "gone...