Panera Bread — Restaurant in Virginia

I am sorry and I am not one to complain, but this morning my experience was so bad with this location and this Panera that I have to write this review. I had placed an order for a new teacher orientation that I was hosting. I placed it a day ahead at about three in the afternoon and the person I spoke to was very nice, Took my order and said that everything will be ready by 7 AM in which I needed To be at work by 7:30. Come to find when I got there at about 7 AM. The person working in the front counter was very confused And my order was not ready, and then she went to the manager who was handling the kitchen at that time, and he checked the monitor, and I guess they found my order, but it was not ready because it was overlooked… Instead of telling me what was going on they were fighting back-and-forth in Spanish and I understand Spanish very well. In which I’m not sure if they realize that I knew Spanish or not, but they were just going back-and-forth with each other and avoiding confronting me with the situation and the whole time, I thought I had maybe placed the order at the wrong location, but it turns out it was the correct location, but they were just avoiding to tell me, they were not even remotely sorry and if anything, the employees kept looking at me and were laughing as if it was a joke, and I know they were not laughing specifically at me, but they were specifically laughing at the situation kind of like oops we messed up or whoever was in charge of this messed up and they were snickering about it and it felt very embarrassing and it was also embarrassing because this was my first New teacher orientation that I was hosting, and I was already late… then the person had the audacity to tell me ma’am it’s gonna be five minutes so you should take a seat and they were just not sorry or even felt bad About the situation and I’m not saying that they have to go out on a limb, but damn can’t you just be a little sorry and make me feel a little better about it instead of being Big jerks about it and acting like it was my fault. The person admitted to me at the end yeah it’s because there was a bigger order ahead of yours and we overlooked yours and still no sorry! I really am a very understanding person, but in this case where you’re acting like the customer is a burden because of a mistake you made, it was just a very crappy experience, Which really sucks because this location is a nice location and I like Panera but Geez, they need to work on their customer service skills. I am not saying their job is easy because I think dealing with people on daily basis is not easy but in this case were you made a major mistake at least just say sorry and there will be a little bit more understanding versus trying to act like I’m the problem, And making...

We have always loved Panera ever since we moved near one. Now with 2 boys we bring everyone to Panera every chance we get. This Sterling location is one of the not so good ones. I don't feel the warmth here other than from there adorable fireplace out front. Which a shame that they have a great atmosphere but horrible food. I notice the manager in the kitchen every time I visit and the food always seems less generous. I have been ordering the caprese sandwiches lately with extra mix greens and no aioli nor green goddess sauce bc I like to control my calories. Well I received both sauces and also a very poor portioned sandwich. There should have been atleast 3 slices of mozzarella as the sandwich is portioned into 3 sections.... I only received one slice of mozzarella!??? How is this possible ?!!!!!? And there were absolutely no "extra" toppings. There were actually barely anything in my sandwich. It was mostly bread - which is amazing French bread - to be honest - especially toasted- but is that all I get with a mere few slices tomatoes and slap of cheese a several leaves spinach ? When I confronted the manager who made my sandwich, he looked confused. No apologies nothing, just "what do you want me to do just add a piece of cheese on that portion and reheat it ? I said he also forgotten to hold the sauces ... manager replies with : " ... I think it's ok there was not a lot of sauce ..." ( I'm thinking - ur kidding right ...!???) I just said don't worry about it and returned to the table since my kids were with me and I can't leave them alone with my husband too long as they are the running around age. Just a horrible experience. Oh and coffee were cold. Decaf was out. Hot water was out. Dark roast was cold and we got a half cup of light roast. My son end led up eating the baguette with the one cheese portion and an apple. I gave some bread and whatever I was able to dig from the sandwich for my little one - just enough to hold them over and drive to red robins. I don't think we will return to this location anymore. Plz lmk if u had a better experience than us and if we should try them on a better day. This was a...

I can't believe I am telling you about my favorite Panera.

Here it is. My hidden gem. It's mostly my hidden gem because this Panera is one hard Panera to find. It is on the corner BEHIND the toy store. If you miss the turn, you will have to pull a U-turn.

I love this Panera because they have great customer service and from where I am sitting now- I can see sooo many outlets. This place is great for outlets and they don't have the odd "11-2" 30 minute cut-off time for their wi-fi. It is truly free wi-fi and I love it! I want to marry its free Wi-fi! (too much? okay. fine)

The staff is legit (especially David. Dude just doesn't quit!). They bring your food to you and really try to keep the whole pick-up-your-food-place people free. They have a great staff and many of them have been working here for awhile and can call you by name.

So there it is. My favorite Panera can now be your favorite Panera. Also, here is a picture of my favorite scone. I used to judge scones before I tried this one. Order it. You won't be disappointed (just don't look at the calorie count of this...