As an ex employee of Panera I used to love this chain. Matter of fact I do love Panera but not this location. I've been here at least 5 times and everytime I come there's never anywhere to sit. Unless you want to sit outside and frankly it's to hot to roast even though it's in the shade.
When u come in there's 2 lines which is confusing because they're calling you from either side. I wanted to try the Thai chicken flatbread as it only 360 calories but the employee at the register informed me they were out of Jalepeno cilantro hummus which goes on the sandwich. I asked her to give me a minute since that's what I had planned on ordering. I wasn't sure what to order even though I know this most of the menu ( it's changed a little since the 8 years ago when I quit ) and they kept asking repeatedly If I was ready. I seriously wanted some brocoli cheddar soup because I love that stuff or I would have left. I should have left. They kept asking if I was ready so I quickly placed my order.
I went with the roasted turkey Blt on sourdough and brocoli cheddar soup you pick 2 with chips. She even gave me a free drink because of the hummus issue. Thanks but no thanks I don't like to drink my calories usually I try to stick with water.
By the time I had filled up my cup and was looking for somewhere to sit they were already looking for me as I had no where to sit. All unoccupied tables were either dirty or awkwardly placed in the middle of the restraunt or in the back in an almost private room where a large party was sitting and it was awkward. So I sat in the middle where traffic is heavy *sigh*.
All this would be fine if my meal was decent.
Usually brocoli cheddar soup is good but this time it didn't taste like it usually does maybe they changed the recipe. Or maybe I've had it at Jason's deli and their version tastes better.
Roasted turkey Blt on sourdough - it's marketed to be on sourdough and at panera you can change the bread to whatever u like so I decided to try it on sourdough. The bread was entirely too small for the sandwich everything was sliding out everywhere and halfway through I had no bread. I was left with a hunk of tomato and roasted turkey which was bland and had little flavor.
I'm glad I didn't bring my laptop which I what I usually do since they have free wifi here but nope. Not today ! Today u get no free wifi. Their wifi is down meaning they can't even scan coupons as another customer was angry about. From now in I will stick with the Eastern location which Is where I used to work and the seating and ambiance is much better.