Panera Bread — Restaurant in Issaquah

Tl:dr-- service was super slow, food much less satisfying than usual. Salad still good.

We used to be such big fans of Panera as a chain, and found this location acceptable. But I don't think we'll be going here again. Among the things wrong this visit: the single order taker (human, non-kiosk) working was Heilee, a young woman who seemed to be very inexperienced. It took a long time to get our order done. We'd say something like, "A large Mac and cheese with bread and a large soda" and she'd repeat it, then spend several moments hunting and pecking for the Mac and Cheese on her screen, then ask, "Do you want an apple, chips, or baguette with that?" Ummm... That's what we meant by bread, but okay, "Baguette." Then, "And did you want a drink?" Yeah... That large soda we mentioned. Okay, so, lather rinse repeat on the next order (sightly differ order, same hunt and peck then ask already answered questions, even after we changed to say "baguette" instead of bread.) Then comes hubby's order: pick 2 with the steak and arugula sandwich and Mac and Cheese. I'm pretty sure it took her 4 minutes to find the sandwich. She might have started out looking for a salad? Then she tried to give him a different sandwich (steak and cheese?) because she couldn't find it... Sigh... A couple of times she looked like she might go ask for help, but then either saw no one helpful or was concerned about asking for some reason??? Anyway, we finally got our order in. She did not ask me for my Panera number (that's never happened), but I didn't offer because I didn't want to be there 10 more minutes. She did not give us a table buzzer which is standard at this location. Whatever.

Other problems... Three of the four Mac and Cheese dishes at our table we're more like soup than pasta dishes. This made them seem very skimpy. My eldest ordered hers with bacon for an upcharge... there was not close to a tablespoon of bacon bits on there (definitely less than in the past.) I think they've shrunk the bowl sizes, too. We all had "enough" but also felt a bit robbed on price point. The baguettes that we all choose as our sides we're very over cooked, to the point where the crusts were unpleasant and went uneaten. My green goddess cob salad was excellent. I think my husband found the sandwich fine, though I noticed he left a chunk of steak gristle on his plate.

Oh, and maybe this is a Saturday night thing, but there were very few dessert options available. Just cookies basically (and vanilla cinnamon rolls). To bad, we might have ordered something. They might have even sold is a cookie if Heilee had remembered to say, "Would you like a 99 cent dessert item with that?" She was to flustered to remember her training.

Why do restaurants put a lightly trained, clearly new employee ALONE in front of house? She was trying hard and would have been fine with a helpful neighboring cashier.

My husband said, "They're trying to get you to use the kiosks." I replied, "What they're actually doing is getting me not to...

Great Food and Cozy Atmosphere. My recent visit was a very pleasant experience that left me satisfied and eager to return. With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and efficient service, this location stands out as a reliable spot for a casual meal.

Delicious and Fresh Food: The food is consistently high quality. I ordered the Turkey Chili in a Bread Bowl and the Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken. The chili was hearty and flavorful, served piping hot in a perfectly crusty bread bowl that was both tasty and filling. The salad was fresh, with crisp greens, tender chicken, and a delightful mix of toppings that made for a satisfying and healthy meal. Panera’s wide variety of menu options ensures there’s something for everyone, from sandwiches and soups to salads and pastries.

Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere: The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. The decor is modern yet cozy, with comfortable seating and a pleasant ambiance. The free Wi-Fi and ample seating make it a perfect spot for both casual dining and getting some work done or meeting with friends.

Efficient and Friendly Service: The service location was efficient and friendly. The staff were courteous and prompt in taking orders, and the food was prepared and delivered to the table quickly. The self-service kiosks were user-friendly and helped speed up the ordering process, which was particularly helpful during the busy lunch hour.

Great Selection of Beverages: thay offers a great selection of beverages, including freshly brewed coffee, teas, and a variety of soft drinks. I particularly enjoyed their seasonal offerings, which added a nice touch to the overall dining experience. The coffee was fresh and flavorful, a perfect complement to the meal.

Clean and Well-Maintained: The restaurant was clean and well-maintained, with tables being cleared and cleaned promptly. The restrooms were also clean, which is always a positive sign of good overall maintenance.

Room for Improvement: While my experience was largely positive, there are a few areas where Panera Bread could improve. The pricing is a bit on the higher side for a casual dining establishment, especially considering the portion sizes. Offering more value deals or loyalty rewards could provide better value for regular customers. Additionally, during peak times, the restaurant can get quite busy, leading to a bit of a wait for seating and food. Expanding the seating area or better managing the flow of customers could help alleviate this issue.

Convenient Location: Located in Issaquah, this Panera Bread is easily accessible with ample parking available. Its convenient location makes it a great choice for a quick meal or a relaxed dining experience whether you’re a local or just...

I wanted to share a remarkable experience I had at your Issaquah location recently. I placed an order for several to-go entrees, but upon returning home, I realized that one item was missing. When I called the store, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jim.

Jim not only answered the phone promptly but also displayed exceptional kindness and sincere apologies for the oversight. I explained that my husband, on his way home from work, would swing by to collect the forgotten item. However, given the late hour, there was a possibility he might not make it before closing time.

Here's where Jim's outstanding customer service truly shone. He said that he would remain at the store for an hour after closing to clean, so if my husband arrived late, he could call the store, and Jim would personally deliver the forgotten item to his car.

As promised, when my husband arrived, the forgotten food item was ready, and to our delight, Jim went above and beyond by including several items from Panera's bakery as a kind gesture.

In a time when customer service experiences have often been disappointing, especially since the pandemic began, Jim's exceptional service was a breath of fresh air. Not only did he promptly answer the phone, but he also demonstrated a genuine concern for the customer's experience, which is a rarity these days.

Jim's dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction reflects positively on Panera as a whole. His actions have made us loyal customers, and we'll be sure to share this wonderful experience with friends and family. Please convey our heartfelt appreciation to Jim at the Issaquah location for consistently delivering excellent service.

Thank you for restoring our faith in exceptional...