Panera Bread — Restaurant in Westwood

As a grad student, I often go to a Starbucks or Panera to get work done, and I’ve never experienced something quite like what I did today. I was sitting at a table working on my to-do list, drinking a Dunkin’ I had gotten on my drive over (I had been up since 5am and I was driving from 45min away) and one employee was cleaning tables in the café. It was no later than 11am, not busy at all, I was quiet and minding my own business. She notices my coffee and my binders spread across the table and goes, “Are you gonna order something?” with an annoyed tone. I hadn’t quite thought about food or another drink yet because I wanted to hash out some things first, and I was also not yet hungry. I planned to be there for a bit and order something, but she caught me so off guard I said, “yea, I might.” she huffed away then turned and said, “you know, it’s in bad form to be sitting there with a competitor’s drink and not order anything.” She was already walking away as she said that and so I was left feeling very uncomfortable. I never had an issue before in similar situations at my local Panera. I did end up going outside and noticed an “outside food or drink prohibited” notice that I simply missed on my way in. Regardless, I don’t understand why this employee chose to speak to me rudely rather than kindly letting me know about the drink. And I’ve never seen a chain café be so particular about sitting there for a while whether or not you’re planning to order something. I thought Panera valued customer service but this employee dropped the ball. I didn’t get apprehended by any other employee other than her, but I won’t be going back to this location based on this experience. My first visit to this location a while ago was also disappointing food-wise, so I truly can’t recommend it. I’d rather send you over to the Starbucks across the plaza- they are...

A weak Panera location still. It appears that corporate brought in their C team (not A or B). Ordering can be slow when the register staff are still trying to figure out how everything works. They at least make an honest effort. Thank you. The food prep is the slowest I have ever had at a Panera. Sometimes just slow. Other times a hot mess. My experiences have mostly been in the morning. My few experiences in the afternoon have been with incorrect food orders. The site itself is nice and almost new. Just sad that management still hasn't gotten this site up to usual Panera standards.

Tip: In the morning, don't even wait around for food. Only go to this Panera for serve your own coffee or to buy pastries/breads by the registers. The kitchen is understaffed and only concerned about prepping large lunch orders. Go to the adjacent Wegmans. The service is faster, quality is comparable and food is ready...

If I could give -3 stars that would fit the situation. The Italian market salad is only half full. The ingredients look wilted. I got it through the drive-thru and I was in a rush. I didn't have time to go back to get a fresh salad that was actually full and edible. I was charged for a full salad because I ordered a full salad. It's only half full and it doesn't even look good enough to eat. I'm including a picture. What is in the container looks like somebody just threw it in there with a bad attitude. There is more salad dressing than actual salad. I'm stopping at market basket to get a real lunch. I want my money back for the salad. And the girl at the drive-thru window did not include a receipt. Panera salads are not cheap and there is an expectation for the...