Panera Bread — Restaurant in Walker

On September 12, 2022, I placed a carryout order with this location. It was the second time I had ordered from them. The first time was fine. This time was not.

I ordered dinner for my family; I also ordered three frosted cookies.

When I arrived at the café, the person who was in charge of packaging our order was just closing the bag. She handed it to me and I headed home.

As I opened the bag, I looked at the receipt; I saw all the checkmarks next to each item, indicating that everything I ordered was there. Unfortunately, there wasn’t even one cookie in the bag.

I called as soon as I discovered this, and I was told I would get a credit on my card and a coupon for a Take Two meal combo.

After 10 days, I called Panera again to find out when my credit would be issued and when I would get my Take Two coupon. I was informed that I was mistaken and would receive either a credit on my credit card or a coupon, not both. I was also told that they could not give me a partial credit now since it was too late-it had to be done on the same day as the original purchase. The excuse for my not getting the coupon was that they were out, but I was told they ordered more and would send me one.

When I first called about the order from the 12th, I was not given a choice between the two options. I was told that I would get both, and that is what I fully expected. If the person on the phone had communicated more effectively, I would not have had to call back and straighten this mess out. I would have immediately verified my information so I could get a credit on my account.

We went back-and-forth about this issue for a few minutes, and I expressed my disgust with Panera. I’m disgusted because this marks the third time that a Panera location has not given me the cookies I ordered. If you have ever even looked at the menu, you know that these cookies are $3.89 apiece, plus tax. I have been shorted by about eight cookies since the summer, so it does add up.

I felt that I really did not want to give Panera another chance, but the manager offered to give me not one but TWO Take Two coupons. I was glad that I would get a little something extra, and I was looking forward to receiving the coupons.

It has been a week since my last call to Panera. I finally got an envelope from Panera today. I opened it and there was only one Take Two coupon in it! After all the trouble I have experienced, I was let down yet again. I guess I should not be the least bit surprised.

I’m sure this particular location will be glad to know that I will never set foot in their restaurant...

My review is specifically about catering through this location of Panera.

I catered an event last weekend for about 20 people. I chose pick up because I was also picking up things from another business but I know they offer delivery as well. The website was easy to use. We did box lunches. Most of the boxed lunches were “you pick 2” which was great to allow a lot of variety. It is easy to make changes/add to your item & you can even note who each box is for. I requested pick up time between 4:00-4:15pm.

I arrived at 4:10pm and everything was nicely packed up, each box clearly labeled with what was inside as well the names I had specified. I had to sign a form saying that I picked it up (I had already paid online) & the staff member helped me bring the bags to my car & load them up. I asked for utensils/napkins & each box had what they needed inside. So simple, so easy. I had budgeted about $20 per person to include all cost, tax, fees, & 15% tip. It fit perfectly into my budget. Everyone was fed on time, exactly what & how they ordered & things were very efficient.

Katrina, the catering manager, followed up with me a few days later to make sure I was happy with how everything went & even offered a discount for future catering with them, which I will...

I've eaten here several times, both lunch and dinner, and many times at other locations in other states. I sometimes wonder if there is a method to the madness of the interior layout in regards to foot traffic flow, etc. The POS terminals seemed oddly placed in this location. It just didn't flow, and for a restaurant of this stature, it just doesn't make sense. So, off my restaurant traffic-flow soapbox, enough sometimes is enough. I really won't go into detail on the food and beverages, which is almost a universally positive experience at all of the locations I've been to. I feel that their food is high quality and also high in price, relatively speaking. Their corporate standards are high enough to provide a good food experience at almost anytime and any location. Damn the...