Had such a disappointing experience here recently. I used to love Panera years ago but hadn't been in a long time and had a gift card to use.
When we first walked in the cashier asked if we had any questions and I said 'Yes! I don't eat eggs or dairy or meat, what are my options?' And the girl next to him immediately said all their bread has eggs in it. Hm. So no sandwiches or bread bowls. But he said the black bean soup was vegan and I could get it with chips. Okay. So not super thrilled that that was my only option besides a salad considering they try to present themselves as a somewhat healthy option. But whatever, I order it. Another crew member comes over and reminds the cashier they were out of black bean today but did have a vegetable soup. I asked if it was vegan and he said yes. So I order that.
It comes over to our table, with a piece of bread. I obviously hadn't wanted the bread considering the girl told me all their bread has eggs in it. Also, there was a big dallop of pesto on top of my soup. I asked the lady who brought it over if the pesto has cheese in it, she said no. I said are you sure because pesto traditionally has Parmesan and it looked like it. So she went and got the manager who brought the recipe book. Turns out- yes the pesto had cheese. They gladly took it back and brought me a fresh bowl without, which turned out to be pretty good. Also- the French baguette served with my soup (mistakenly) did not have eggs in it according to recipe book. Made me wonder if the cashiers had any clue about the ingredients. It also shocked me that the general manager had to go in the recipe book to answer the question about the bread. Do you even know what is in the food you are serving people?! I work in the restaurant industry and the whole experience would have been a lot more pleasant had the workers been knowledgable about the menu.
Too much trouble for what was to be a quick meal. Not what they appear to be as far as healthy options. But the lady who brought our food and the general manager did go out of their way to accommodate my dietary restrictions and that is very much appreciated. Although I won't be returning I suppose people who don't care what they eat might have an alright experience here.