Panera Bread — Restaurant in Independence

I am editing my review based on the most recent experiences with this location. There seems to be a change in employees and/or management. I consistently order sandwiches that are being made with the wrong bread. This may seem like a small thing, but when the entire essence of a business is based on the concept of bread, you expect that part of your order to be correct. Not sure if someone making food is just unaware of the types they iffer, ir if they genuinely dont care. But this has happened every time i order as of late.

Also, their coffee station is self service now. They will provide you a cup with syrup at the bottom and you have to make your own iced coffee. This is a sudden change that happened within the last couple of weeks. I'm not sure if this is all locations or just this one. If I had ordered through the drive-thru they would have made it regardless.... But I go in to pick up my order in a hurry and then have to stop to do this. Its just unexpected and frustrating to my normal flow.

Below was my review from about 6 years ago. I am keeping these notes to compare the reviews and experiences:

Panera a lot. I have a my Panera card which earns deals after so many purchases. I also have really enjoyed using their online ordering system. My food is most always made correctly, and on time. The only small frustration I have with this particular Panera in Independence,Mo... is that a lot of people park in the rapid pickup parking spot who are dining in. Which kind of defeats the purpose of having a rapid pickup parking spot in the first place if you can't use it. I know this is hard for the store to address. I still enjoy going there! The food is fresh and the atmosphere...

I occasionally have a bread bowl craving. Now, the tomato soup is great and makes the bread bowl taste like pizza. But, I love the brocolli cheddar soup as well. I even get the bread side (you can chose between an apple or potato chips or their bread which is about 6" of baguette) that I cut in half and smear with LOTS of butter and make it yummy. Some people only have the inside of the bowl, but I eat the whole dang thing because it's yummy! Too much for you? Take the bowl home and munch on it later! The Panera people will give you a bag just for taking the bowl home if you ask for a bag. I would also suggest you take advantage of a lower priced sweet with your bread bowl (or other goody like a sandwich or salad or mac and white cheese). The orange scones are killer as are the raspberry thumbprint cookies. Or try the bagels. Better than other chains! Coming again? Be sure to sign up for their reward program. Worth your time and some great specials! Like a free drink, a month of free bagels every day, free or discounted soup... DEFINATELY worth the time! Will I recomend this place?...

I know this place has clean food so I continue to eat there every few weeks. I eat in Independence almost every time the one by Costco. I think this is the most overpriced restaurant in town. I can go to Olive Garden have a wonderful salad two or three different kinds of soup all I want for $7 and be waited on. Your place has a line you can't see the menu from the bakery side it's not cleaning the restrooms anymore the tables are never cleared there's no place to sit that's ever clean when I go and it's ridiculous. I do not eat bread because I'm a diabetic and I asked for my chicken salad to just be on the lettuce leaf and tomato it was not two teaspoons worth of food my friend that was with me was in amazement so in other words all were eating is Brett. I know it's delicious at your place it's just not something I can eat so after I saw how small the food was without the bread I'm no...