Panera Bread — Restaurant in Omaha

Panera is one of my favorite restaurants and this trip really disappointed.

This newer Panera looked like it was built within the last 7 years. Outside it was nice and pretty, when you walked in you could tell it was one of the newer more modern ones. I was excited to treat myself with an awesome experience while we were on the road traveling on a several day long trip. I walk up to the register to order, greeted by no one. Everyone was in the back. It looked like a manager soon came out and said she would get someone to take my order. I ordered my food which was not a complicated order at all and it took a while for the cashier to understand exactly what I was ordering. That wasn't a big deal. I understand people have long days and their brain doesn't process the same towards the end of the day. When I paid I gave her cash. She took it and gave me my change and proceeded fetch our cups and lids and (paper wrapped straws) without washing her hands. Her fingers touched the inside of the kids and cups. If we weren't in a season of a worldwide pandemic, I probably would t have noticed much but I've seen restaurants take significant precautions and this restaurant didn't seem to have very many.

It took well over 15 minutes for our order to come out. The people behind us who ordered there food was even longer. I would say 20 minutes. This was ridiculous. While we sat around waiting for our food I had plenty of time to assess the cafe dining area. The tables were discussing. There was a mess on one table that sat there for the majority of our dining experience. I noticed there was one person designated to clean the dining area and I only saw her clean one table. All the others were left unclean. Again, we are in the middle of Covid-19 breakouts and this restaurant was not on top of their upkeep of a clean environment.

When we finally received our food they switched the sides around on the wrong plates. Not a huge deal. Our food was good and that made our experience bearable.

I use to work a lot Panera for 5 years. I was taught these things. Someone must always be at the cash register ready to take an order and warmly greet people when they walk in. Once an order is put through (transaction is completed and order goes to the line) it should take 7 or less minutes to get that order out. I don't care if the drive through is blowing up. You should hire enough people and schedule enough people to work a Saturday night so you don't get behind. There is always something to do. There is always something to clean, there is always someone to be served, there is always something to prep, or take down, or restock. You should never just be standing there. In this case there was a huge mess in the dining room and no one room the initiative to go around and clean it up.

It was a very disappointing experience. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. If you have to drive to another Panera that is 30 minutes further it will be well...

I apologize for my wordy analysis I am a business student but I will sum it up with: I would not recommend nor return to this panera. I’m disheartened as someone who could use a nice eatery near my home for a quick breakfast/lunch and study spot. As someone who wasted money at this establishment I’m sick that businesses like these are still standing. It’s a money pit to the community. The cinnamon bagel smelled like vomit, so I’m guessing it was expired, not handled with gloves, not stored properly, or all three. The store itself was filthy and there were flies buzzing around the kitchen as the food was being prepared. The lady at the counter was nice, but everyone else seemed overworked and kept making mistakes with orders in the 15 minutes I was there. My order was completely inedible, and yet I waited behind 7 other people (who ordered after me) to receive one sandwich. My sandwich only had bread, egg whites, avocado, and tomato. It was also disgusting. The avocado had a strong unripe flavor with the texture of mold and the bread was stale and then burnt on top of that. The drive thru set up is also unnecessarily taxing, so don’t waste your time. I have been there twice. Today, which is what drove me to write this review, and three years ago when I vowed never to come back for all the same things I listed here. Except, I couldn’t remember why I disliked this panera and decided to challenge that in hopes that change had occurred. This time I will remember all the reasons I have avoided this place, and hopefully I’ve helped someone else avoid wasting their money, too. Mainly, I wrote this in such detail for the business itself with still lingering hope that some improvements can come from my feedback and save future...

This location has been open for only a few months. I only went through the drive-threw. I don't eat at Panera, mainly because there wasn't a location that was convenient for me and the prices are high, but that is Ok because the product is amazing and it's more manageable when it's just me or my husband and I . But when your feeding a family of nine... Lol. This is not why I wanted to put a review up. My experience was one, that needed addressed. I explained to the women on the other end of the line, that I don't come here much and I have never came for breakfast so it was going to take me a few minutes to look over the breakfast menu. She was completely OK with it, plus I made sure no one was behind me. I asked a few questions about a sandwich, then proceeded to order, I was getting three of the same thing. After I ordered I noticed a different sandwich that I looked over at first glance. I asked the women about it, she explained the difference in the two sandwiches. Then I man's voice came over the intercom and said I'd like that one better and to add the Chipotle Mayo. So I took the man's advise and ordered 3 just like that. My overall experience at this location was great, I felt good about spending 20$ for three sandwiches even though I never had one before. The customer service was great! Enough to leave me with a "good taste in my mouth" if you know what I mean. Thank you Panera for awesome customer service keep it up and you'll always have my business. Now for the best part!! The sandwich, was amazingly delicious, the young man was spot on. I will say I think the sandwich could be bigger, but for whatever reason it just works the way they execute the final product. Thanks Panera! ( Asiago bacon,egg and cheese add...