Panera Bread — Restaurant in North Carolina

The food is phenomenal, though really pricey. I've been here four times in the past six weeks, and every cashier I've encountered seems like it's their first day. They can't answer simple questions, and the last one was baffled when I asked for an everything bagel. I'm in no way making fun of the employees themselves... I find it hard to believe that 4 out of 4 individuals either don't care, didn't pay attention during training, or are (sorry)"airheads". I think Panera has failed them in terms of training. I've witnessed customers belittle the staff to the point that I felt compelled to ask the guest to be a bit kinder to the staff member... I am also sincerely frustrated with the pre-ordering of the baked egg souffle. I have attempted to order them as early as 0730 and the app shows them as "sold out", but when I go to pick up my order, there are several (up to six) sitting on the warmer. After waiting in line behind a half-dozen people, inevitably they've all been sold to those customers. I've also tried calling at 0700 to see if they can hold one for me and they said they cannot. I know what you're thinking... so I got up and went to the restaurant and arrived around 0715. No soufflés. I though SURELY they would make another batch because breakfast runs until 1030. Without even leaving her station, the cashier said no, when they're out, they're out. I politely asked if she could double-check with the kitchen. She literally walked behind the wall and about-faced and reiterated that no, no more would be made that morning. I was a little suspicious, so I ran to another store to shop and returned at around 0830. Five people in line, and sure enough, three more soufflés. That were ordered by others before I made it to the cashier. Now I realize I sound like a nut ranting about an egg dish, lol, but my real issue is with the lack of communication/coordination between the kitchen and cashier, as well as lack of training for the cashier. I'm not here to start Soufflé-Gate. Three stars because most of their menu is tasty, although pricy... 11 bucks for a standard Ceaser salad is a bit steep in my book. I hope management at this location takes time to read this and provide their staff a little more training, as their staff members do not deserve to be disrespected by customers,...

If it was possible for me to give 0 stars, I would. The company I work for has ordered from this Panera multiple times specifically for lunch meetings with outside companies, and every time the order is wrong. We have given this location so many chances, but this time was the last time we will ever order from this store. We placed the order with a manager at 10am and stated we wanted to pick up at 11:45. When the representative showed up to pick up the order she was told that there was no order with her name on it. After sitting on hold with the store for 11 minutes, we were finally told that there was a mix up due to 2 orders having the same name on them. The manager at this Panera then had the representative pay for the wrong order! And then would not fix the mistake that they obviously made! The order she paid for was $2 more than what we ordered. The workers also made the representative get her own drinks and did not tell her the correct drink orders. All drinks were wrong and one sandwich was wrong. This is not just a random 1 person lunch you messed up, but you completely messed up an order for a professional setting. This mix up has put or entire medical office behind, and in turn has inconvenienced our patients. Like I stated, this is the last time we will make a rep waste their money and...

This is probably one of the very best places in Jacksonville to go to work on your computer independently, meet with a friend, or gather for a group meeting. The food is great, staff is always friendly, and the place is always clean. The dining area set up provides for ample space for nearly any size group (unless your group is really large, 20 plus). There are small booths and individual arm chairs for privacy, but there are also larger booths and tables you could put together if necessary. Additionally, there is outdoor seating with umbrellas for nice weather days. It's never overly loud, and there is never a long wait. I'd just like to add that I don't know anyone personally who works here, and I write this review after months of holding various life group and work meetings here. It's a good choice. Perhaps, the only downsides are that 1) The menu can be overwhelming because they offer so much, and 2) it is a little pricey. But honestly, their menu can be an adventure where you try new things, and you can always ask for help. I haven't met a rude cashier there, yet. And, personally, I think the awesome atmosphere and great customer service make the prices worthwhile. Bring your kids, date, group, colleague, or whatever....