Panera Bread — Restaurant in Leyden Township

This specific franchise is the worst Panera Bread I have ever dined in. First, the customer service is questionable at best. In no way, is the customer service near the level that accurately reflects the Panera Bread brand. Second, the physical store layout does not maximize space and is confusion. The store layout resembles that of a fast-food chain like a Wendy's, Burger King, or a White Castle. It's the most bizarre layout of a "Third Place" business. The layout doesn’t keep customers moving through the store in an efficient way nor does it highlight any of Panera Bread's products; the products are literally the furthest distance away from the entrance/exit. Third, the presentation of the soda fountain and beverages are like a home BBQ setting where you pour your own pitcher of unlabeled beverages. Basically, you are taking a gamble. It's a good thing, I don't have allergies. Fourth, the cleanest of the restrooms pose a sanitary issue and it is rather clear that the restroom is not routinely attended to. In addition, there is a clear deterioration of the door trims along with damaged walls, and a desperate need of a paint touch up. When you look down, you can see so many food crumbs on the floors and carpets and it's only 10:00am in the morning! I'm glad I'm not staying for the lunch rush. Fifth and finally, the parking lot area is a guess that it belongs to Panera Bread. You'll have to find the leaning pole that shows the brand's notable autumn green "Pick Up" parking sign. I've never been so disappointed in a franchise location, and this is coming from a huge supporter of the Panera Bread business. Panera Bread created a "Third Place" to provide people with a relaxing space that encouraged work connections with the coziness and warmth of home. However, I don't feel any of those qualities in this location. I just want to hurry up and leave. There is a real opportunity for another "Third Place" business to find a lane into this industry or perhaps, Starbucks can capture a larger segment of the market. I hope this review helps someone out there and eliminate more of these low-quality pricey product businesses. Oh, I forgot to add that I am writing this review with a winter jacket on because it's December! They don't seem to be aware of the low temperatures outside around this time of the year in Illinois. We all look like Panera Bread Ski Instructors today. Either...

We had the worst experience at this location. We ordered our two bagels “double toasted”, repeated double toasted/dark at least 3 times before we paid. Low and behold the bagels looked like they weren’t toasted at all. The cashier kept throwing them to the back of the toaster without giving them a chance to toast at all. Yes, you read that right the cashier handles the money and the food. The sesame seeds on my bagel still looked white. (Attaching photo for reference). We asked for the bagels to be put through the toaster again. She told us that she couldn’t do that once the ordered crossed the pickup counter, granted the bagels were put inside bags, even though we ordered dine-in. We asked for the manager believe her name was Jamica, who already knew the situation. She came over with a real bad attitude and reiterated that she couldn’t rerun the bagels because we already had the order in our hands. We told her that that our original request was never granted but she didn’t care. She refused to make the bagels right. She was beyond rude and refunded a $23 order instead of making the order correct. This company rather lose a sale and a customer before granting a customer’s request when the order was placed, not after. We took our refund and went to the American Bagel Company a block away where our bagels were done correctly the first time, no cross contamination and they just gained a new customer. They won’t get another...

Let me tell you...the atmosphere here has really gone down. I have no idea if they underwent new management considering it was remodeled, but you think they would hire better managers. My wife and I used to come to this location all the time, and they had a very nice young lady (I never did catch her name...but I wish I did) she went the world for her customers. She would always open our door, and greet us with the most genuine smile that, well you know, makes you want to keep coming back. I don't quite know what happened to her, but we as customers want to feel welcomed, and not feel like we're being a hassle. Every time my wife and I have stopped by at this location now, not only is our order incorrect, but everybody is rude on top of it. There is no being catered to here, and don't expect to feel special. You'll feel quite the opposite here. If you're going to eat at Panera, go to the River Forest location. Not only are they professional, but you won't feel...