Panera Bread — Restaurant in Greer

Had my usual breakfast with coffee. Having used my Panera card several times past without a problem -including over the road driving, but about a year ago my card stopped working. Advised of same in the stores and they would suggest all kinds of bizarre reasons such as -I must be using the wrong phone number. Didn't matter, phone number or card, it just quit working for. Some would suggest to issue a new card -apparently unable to reset the card I had already been using for so long? So much for our wonderful computer systems. And so, as it turns out, they were able to help me get started with the process for a new card, but then I'd have later go on the internet myself to complete and finish the process? I don't remember that as being the original setup, but I couldn't be bothered with the unnecessary runaround nonsense with something they should have been able to do with their own computerized systems, and so I chose to forget about the process altogether and just move on. Life's becoming much too complicated over such simple things. Otherwise... today's coffee? Usually good... but horrible today as it had a burnt taste. That usually happens when they choose to save money and not empty and rinse the pot before making a fresh batch. And other than that, nothing special about skimpy portions they put on the bread considering the prices they charge. And, of course, it's all about the money and the upper echelons getting their mega millions in bonuses. The money has to come from somewhere, and that's out of the consumer's pockets by giving smaller and smaller portions, all buried in as much bread and whatever else they can use as fillers. The reality is that they all do the same thing, even in the grocery stores, including keeping wages low so that the majority of the money floats to the top. It's just how things work in our great America. No matter what they tell us that they want us to hear -It's always and all...

Alrighty folks, gather 'round because ol' Dad's got a story for ya about a little place called Panera Bread Company in Greer, South Carolina. Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the whole family’s piled into the minivan. We’re talkin’ soccer cleats, shopping bags, and a faint hint of spilled orange juice from who-knows-when. The kids are starving, the wife’s giving me the “find-some-food-now” look, and your ol’ pal Dad knows just the place.

We roll up to Panera Bread, and lemme tell ya, it’s like finding an oasis in a desert of fast food joints. The place is clean as a whistle—good enough for me to feel alright letting the kids sit on the chairs without laying down napkins first. That’s high praise, folks.

First off, the smell when you walk in! It’s like your grandma’s kitchen on Thanksgiving morning. Fresh bread, pastries, and coffee mingling in the air like they’re having a party and everyone’s invited. I’m already loosening my belt just thinking about it.

We hit the counter, and I’m greeted by the friendliest folks this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. They’ve got smiles as warm as their broccoli cheddar soup, and that’s saying something. I order the family’s favorites: a couple of “You Pick Two” combos. For me, it’s the Bacon Turkey Bravo and a bowl of that aforementioned soup—because a good dad never skips his greens, especially when they’re smothered in cheese.

The kids go nuts over their mac and cheese. I swear, Panera must sprinkle magic dust on that stuff because it disappears faster than a cold beer on a hot day. My better half opts for the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich and a Caesar salad, looking like she’s stepped out of a food magazine.

Now, let’s talk desserts. We’re talking cookies bigger than your face and brownies that would make Betty Crocker roll over...

We have been placing our orders via the rapid pick up, no matter how many times I put in the special instructions, our order is wrong. They put the dressing on the salad , they don't include toppings for soup, now today they have left off mayonnaise on the sandwich. I am seriously thinking of not ordering from here again, I will drive the extra distance so my order will be correct. One reason we don't go in is because its like a meat locker in the lobby or more than half the seats are taken with people using free wifi , which are not placing food orders. (yes, I have observed this when I have been in there). they bring their laptops and order a coffee. I understand folks need a place to get school work done, I am not cold hearted and normally I don't complain, however when I come to a place to eat , and can't find a seat because people are taking an entire bench/table and they are ordering coffee , this is a problem. We started ordering on line because of this and now our order can't be serviced correctly, at some point you decide no matter how good the food maybe enough is enough. Please don't tell me to talk to the manager we have done this and funny one time the manager said they checked our order , we get home I have no salad and our pastries were missing. Do I want to drive back to your location because you messed up , NO. You need to improve your customer service. If folks want to use wifi , then have a section for these folks so your customers can eat. If you are going to offer online ordering then train the staff to double check the order and make sure it is correct. Do you want your order incorrect when you get home, I would say the answer is NO, then why do you think it's okay for my order to...