Panera Bread — Restaurant in South Carolina

As someone who constantly gives this restaurant a chance (for opening recently and being in competition with other restaurants on Pelham), I'd have to say that I am dissatisfied with today's experience. Considering I have a large family, which consists of 8 people, I am always in a rush and always placing large orders. Today, I went to the drive through to place my unexpectedly large order. I was receiving the messages as I was reading them off, and the employee at the speaker was doing an amazing job with keeping up. When I got to the window, I was told to park in spot #1 and wait, which wasn't unusual. However, it surprised me when who I believe was the manager herself (dressed in all white and looking more professional than the other employees) walked up to my car with a large bag and said, and I quote, "For future reference, when you have a large order, I'd recommend you place your order online and then come pick it up." She didn't say it with a smile, so I assumed she wasn't very happy about it. For having paid almost $62 in cash, I have to admit I was disappointed for being treated this way. I'm a loyal customer to this Panera Bread in specific, but I was just in shock about how I was treated. I believe she could have very well implied that in a nicer way. Ordering online is difficult for my family; we have picky eaters and members with allergens who have to have their orders placed in a certain way, and doing that online takes longer than placing it in person. I hate to admit that I probably will not be visiting this restaurant as often any longer, but I just hope the staff at this restaurant continues to strive to do its best.

Update: I am now a regular at the Panera Bread on Haywood Road (I no longer visit this location). Staff is awesome there; manager Chance is always available and ready to serve with a wonderful attitude! My order is always perfect at drive through and I never wait longer than 5 minutes there. If you're looking for a great Panera Bread experience, go for the Haywood location! You will not be disappointed. If your order is wrong, call and speak with Chance....

I’ve been ordering delivery from this location for a very long time with an average of $25.00 per order. I usually order every other week but here recently it’s been every week with zero issues. I am not able to leave my place of work so it’s been very convenient and love the food.

Today I call to let them know that my drinks were left out of the delivery and the person who answered replied with “yes, they’re still on the counter.” I asked if they could be delivered to me (which the hot latte should actually be remade) and she said she doesn’t know who my driver is.

After a bit I was basically told it’s DoorDash that messed up and she has no control over it. She would have to try and find the driver and ask them to deliver it. She didn’t offer, I had to ask and it was same line. I’ll have to see if I can find and call the driver. I then requested a refund, but refunds cannot be done over the phone.

So she couldn’t arrange to have the missing items delivered and I can’t get a refund over the phone. This means one of two things, I go to the store to get my missing items or go to the store to get a refund. I had this delivered for a reason.

I realize they use DoorDash, but that was not the service I used. I ordered through the Panera app and they outsourced their delivery. This is 100% their responsibility to fix.

I understand mistakes happen which is why I called for a resolution. However, the lack of effort to find a solution has turned me against this store forever. Customer service 101, try to act like you’re trying to find something to...

Unfortunately this location always has long wait times. Despite trying to work ahead and order online, the order still takes an additional 20 minutes past the expected pick up time. More specifically this morning I ordered the Bakers Dozen and Bagel pack (3 cream cheeses). I selected for the bagels to be done ASAP and at checkout I was advised the order would be ready for pickup by 7:32. I thought this was great because that left just under 30 min (27min) for them to prepare my order and have it ready. Upon arrival at 7:28 I noticed my name was not on the screen showing my order being prepared. In an effort to help out I asked the manager working behind the counter if I was at the correct location as I didnt see my name on the order board. She assured me it was the right location and repeated my order to me and said "we are working on it now and will have it right out". I patiently sat down to wait and the time continued and it was now 5 minutes past my pick up time. 10 minutes after pick up time I know I'm skating on thin ice for making it to work ontime so when I see another manager I let her know the situation and that I had to leave to be at work. She slowly said let me just check one more time for you. As I waited I started to feel myself becoming upset and I font like to be upset. The manager comes back with my bagels and says your cream cheeses are on the way. I am now stuck in traffic 10 minutes late to work, all because I wanted to bring bagels...