Panera Bread — Restaurant in Oak Ridge

I asked my husband what he wanted me to pick up for dinner, he said surprise me, so I surprised us both, neither of us had ever eaten at a Panera Bread. I had read reviews, and all of our friends have told us the food was great, so I stopped in to place a to go order. Sadly, it was very disappointing, not only in service but also in the food itself. The cashier was getting frustrated with me for asking what was on the salads or sandwiches I ended up ordering 2 Greek Goddess Cobb salads, a bacon tomato grilled cheese, steak & white cheddar sandwich and an Italian Sandwich. The salads were good (the baguette served with the salads were stale), the sandwiches were not. The Bacon Tomato Grilled Cheese, was not grilled, in fact the crust was hard & stale while the bread was soggy, the tomatoes were sweet, the cheese was chewy, hard to swallow, and the bacon was cold. The Steak & White Cheddar barely had any meat on it, all my husband could taste was the bread. The Italian sandwich bpught for our daughter, barely had meat, was cold, the vegetables were wilted, she said the basil mayo was decent, but that it didn't go with the sandwich. The portion sizes of everything were so small considering the hefty price tag of $53.50. We all three threw most of the food away. I so wanted to like Panera Bread, they give back to the community in so many ways, however, I can't justify...

I had just broken my leg and my husband treated the family to sourdough soup bowls and bagels! While crutching to the counter I was met with the most genuine kind smile from an employee who clearly enjoyed their job! They spoke in such a way I felt like I had known them for years! Moreover, they were utterly helpful, even heating a to-go bagel for me. I havent had such spectacular service from anyone at any resteraunt in years! They won me over and now have a forever customer. Sadly, I didnt get the name of the employee. I wont forget the short cut dark hair and pyramid spike belt though! Hopefully someone who reads this knows who I am talking about, they deserve the praise, and a raise! They easily convinced me to make an extra purchase that I hadnt planned on making, upsale and all! There is a teary eyed manager somehwere. Lol The only issue! It was a rainy day, and every door had nice big rugs, except the side door I entered through! Rather, it had no rug and a huge puddle. I slipped on my crutches. No injury, Im just fine! I quickly forgot the incident when the smell of warm asiago bagels danced through the atmosphere, caught my nose like a fish hook, and reeled me in. Furthermore, with such great service how could anyone be...

I waited for 10 minutes at the front register area and was never greeted. Decided to place my order on the app. I was never told it was ready so I had to go up multiple times to get the full order... It was already late. My autumn soup was cold and tasted like cleaning solution. Coffee had been sitting out a long time and wasnt drinkable. Creamer was out. Tables were sticky. We moved outside and the lights outside turn off and on periodically... No, there are not motion activated. Out of the 5 employees we saw, one did his job and went above and beyond and took our trash.

Because 4 out 5 employees I encountered acted like they were inconvenienced by my order or just presence, I didn't see the need to approach anyone.

This Panera is the strangest location. They have a drive through but even if you are the only person in line, they will not give you your order unless you place it at the drive through.

Having a drive through Panera is wonderful. But management needs to step it up if this location is going to make it.

I went a few weeks ago on a Tuesday at 7pm with a friend. In the hour I was there only one other...