You'll definitely want to know some of these before you go to Panera Bread...
It’s Not All That Good For You
When asked why is the mac and cheese so f—ing good there’s only one explanation. The mac and cheese from Panera is so very good because it isn’t that healthy for you what so ever. It has a lot of calories to be honest Source
Souffles For Days
The souffles are way too good to only limit to breakfast. Why in the world aren’t they made served all day long?! One Panera employee answered this burning question. “They take almost 4 total hours to make, from proofing the pastry crust to assembly to baking. Most stores can’t afford to be baking them all day when the oven is needed to make bread, other pastries, etc” Source
Early Bird Gets The Worm
You should probably know, there are definitely some things to avoid at Panera. “They aren’t lying when they say that all their food is 100% clean so nothing is bad for you. However that doesn’t mean that all the food is good for you. The Mac and cheese for example comes into the store premade and frozen in a bag and it is heated either in boiling water or the microwave if need be. Also avacados usually sit out open for a number of hours. They are fine around lunchtime but as the day goes on, they get older. I can say that those are the only two concerns”Source
There’s Two Types Of People In Panera
Panera seems to bring out the crazies when it comes to people wanting their food. “Two things. The first is when we make a small mistake and they completely lose their minds. If we make a mistake of any kind, we’ll do everything that we can to fix it and make it up to you, no need to cause a scene just because we forgot to give you a fork. The second is when customers come in 10 minutes before close and order a ton of food then eat in store” Source
No Hidden Secrets
Surprisingly there is no secret menu at Panera. “There’s no secret menu, however you can order anything and pretty much make any modifications you could ever want…. at an extra price tho” Source
A Costly Meal
Even the employees think Panera is overpriced. “I for one agree. Yes all the food is 100% natural and clean which makes it cost so much, but I honestly would never eat at panera if I didn’t have an employee discount (70%). It just cost way to much and it isn’t worth it for the amount of food you get” Source
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Sadly, the Italian Combo sandwich was taken off the menu, but why?! “They replaced it with the “Italian”. The new one has two types of Salami, Ham, provolone cheese, arugula, and basil mayo. It’s pretty good, you should try it” Source
A Down Home Classic
When asked what this Panera employee recommends, she gave us the classics. “Can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese and tomato soup. I also like the kale turkey panini and the bacon turkey bravo” Source
Nothing Goes Uneaten
One thing Panera is doing right is the way they get rid of all the unused bread at the end of the night. “Yes, at the end of the day we donate all our unused bread to a homeless shelter” Source
A Salad A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
There’s only one salad you should be getting at Panera according to this employee. “Chicken Caesar. It’s not that expensive and it’s pretty good”Source
As Close As It Gets
The Tomato Mozzarella Panini was also done away with and replaced with a flat bread version, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t get it. “Most have it as a flatbread, by you can ask for it on ciabatta like it used to be. As far as I know t’s not exactly the same but is pretty darn close” Source
